Blue spruce trees can grow up to 2.5 feet per year when provided with ample water and fertilization. If growing temperature and moisture levels stay optimal, the trees can reach their full potential in as few as fifteen to twenty years.
Blue spruce trees planted in a sheltered area facing south or east can provide some shelter for other plants as well. The tree prefers full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. When the tree is younger, it will likely grow more slowly.
This growth rate can be increased by adding some organic matter and a 3–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree. Blue spruce trees are considered to be slower-growing than some other evergreen trees, yet they are resilient and can handle extreme temperatures and soils.
A healthy blue spruce can live up to a hundred years.
Where is the place to plant a blue spruce?
When planting a blue spruce, it is important to select an area with plenty of room for it to grow. The best place to plant a blue spruce is in an area with full sun exposure, such as near a southwest- or southeast-facing wall or fence, as blue spruces need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
It is also best to select an area with well-drained soil, free of debris. When planting, make sure to dig a wide enough hole so the roots can spread naturally in the soil. The soil should also be amended to provide plenty of nutrients for the tree.
Blue spruces also need plenty of water, so make sure to water it well for the first two weeks after planting. Additionally, it is important to protect the tree from extreme temperatures and harsh winds by placing a protective wrap or burlap around its trunk for the first three to four winters.
Finally, make sure to provide regular trimming and maintenance for the tree in order to ensure healthy growth over the years.
Can blue spruce be kept small?
Yes, blue spruce can be kept small. If you plan to keep your blue spruce small, you should pick a smaller cultivar when buying the tree from a nursery or garden center. One example of a small blue spruce cultivar is Blue Shag, which typically stays less than 4 feet tall and wide.
Additionally, you can encourage your blue spruce to stay smaller than usual by regularly pruning it. As you prune, you should try to shape the tree into a pyramidal form and remove the excess branches that grow in the center of the tree.
Pruning should be done in early spring before the new growth appears, or in late winter when the tree is dormant. Blue spruce is a slow-growing tree, so it should remain small if grown in containers or small gardens and pruned regularly.
Can I cut the top off of a blue spruce?
Yes, you can cut the top off of a blue spruce, but it is not generally a recommended practice. Blue spruce trees are very hardy and can survive occasional pruning, but it is important to remember that removing too much from the top of the tree can damage or even kill it.
For example, over-pruning can cause the tree to become top-heavy and prone to toppling over. It can also encourage the growth of weak and unsightly branches. Additionally, it can prevent the tree from reaching its maximum potential size and fullness.
If you need to prune the top of a blue spruce, it is important to do so in a way that preserves the overall shape and structure of the tree. A professional arborist or landscaper can provide guidance on how best to prune your blue spruce.
How do you stop a spruce tree from growing taller?
If you are looking to limit the height of a spruce tree, the best thing to do is to prune it regularly. Pruning helps to remove the taller, central leader, which is the part of the tree that shoots upward more rapidly and dominates the shape.
By removing the leader, the tree is encouraged to not only broaden, but also to create new lateral branches that add density for a more compact and aesthetically pleasing shape. To prevent the tree from regrowing and starting over with a new leader, make sure to prune in the same place each year.
This way, the tree becomes accustomed to the same growth habit and will be less likely to continue sprouting higher every year. When pruning, use sterile, sharp pruners and cut at a 45-degree angle, making sure to keep cuts even while working on the tree’s canopy.
Additionally, pruning should be carried out at the right time of year, usually in late winter to early spring. Lastly, if pruning is not suitable, a tree canopy may be limited by wrapping protective tape or rope around a tree’s trunk.
This will guide its growth and serve as a protective barrier against damaging winds.
How close to the house can I plant a blue spruce?
The ideal spacing of blue spruces depends on plenty of factors, such as the size of the adult tree, the area where you live, and the purpose of the planting. A mature blue spruce can grow up to 50 ft tall and 20 ft wide, and should ideally be planted in areas that have plenty of sunlight, shelter from strong winds, and well-drained soil.
As such, it is recommended that blue spruces be planted at least 10-15 feet away from the house, especially if your house is small. Placing the tree closer to the house may put it too close to a potential source of pollution, like vehicle traffic.
It may also harm the foundation of a house. Additionally, it could also pose a risk in the form of branches falling on the roof and windows during strong winds or heavy snow.
What is the smallest spruce tree?
The smallest spruce tree is the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, which is a very popular ornamental tree. This tree typically grows to a maximum of around 6 ft (1.8 m) tall and 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) wide after 10 or more years of growth.
This tree usually takes on a pyramidal shape, making it a popular choice for small gardens, patio containers and as a lawn specimen. Dwarf Alberta Spruce requires full sun and well-drained soils, and it is fairly tolerant of dry periods once established.
This tree is best pruned during the early winter season, as rabbit and deer do not tend to stick around during cold months.
Can you cut back blue spruce Bush?
Yes, you can cut back a blue spruce bush. Doing so will help maintain its shape and size, as well as provide more light to the lower branches of the bush. Pruning should be done in early spring or late winter, when the bush is dormant and not actively growing.
To prune, cuts should be made at an angle, just above a bud that’s pointing in the direction that you want the new growth to grow. Any branches that are dead or diseased should be removed completely, along with any dead or weak growth.
Never remove more than one-third of the bush’s total growth in any one pruning session, as this can cause undue stress to the bush. When cutting, always use sharp pruning shears to keep from tearing the branches.
Will blue spruce branches grow back?
Yes, blue spruce branches will grow back if they are pruned properly. When pruning a blue spruce, it is important to make sure that you are cutting into the branch collar–the swollen part at the base of the branch where it connects to the trunk of the tree.
If you make a clean cut away from the branch collar, the natural healing process can begin and new growth can be encouraged. Once pruned, make sure to apply an appropriate fertilizer or mulch to the soil surrounding the tree in order to encourage healthy regrowth.
Additionally, be sure to provide adequate water for the tree to help with the regrowth process. With proper pruning and adequate care, blue spruce branches will typically regrow in the following season.
Will spruce trees grow in the shade?
Yes, spruce trees can grow in the shade. They can endure light to moderate shade with ease, as long as they receive enough light to sustain their photosynthesis process. As with any plant, it’s best to provide them with as much light as possible, though.
While some shade won’t impede their growth, it’s not recommended to grow them in dense, heavily shaded areas. Furthermore, if these trees spend too much time in the shade, their overall growth and health may become impaired.
In terms of site selection, look for an area that offers partial shade or light dappled shade to get the best results from these hardy evergreens.
Can blue spruce grow in full shade?
No, blue spruce trees cannot grow in full shade. Blue spruce trees need at least four to six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive, and full shade restricts the amount of sunlight that the tree will receive.
If the tree does not receive enough sunlight, it may experience stunted growth, discoloration of foliage, and decreased vigor. As blue spruce trees prefer cool, moist soils, it is important for gardeners to ensure that the tree has access to plenty of sunlight.
When planting a blue spruce in a shaded area, gardeners should consider pruning nearby plants or removing any nearby structures that are blocking the tree’s access to sunlight. Additionally, choosing a cultivar that is more tolerant of shade can also help ensure that the tree will receive enough sunlight.
What evergreen tree grows in shade?
One of the more popular evergreen trees that can thrive in shade is the Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus). This North American native can grow up to 100 feet tall and features long, soft needles and open, pyramidal crowns.
The Eastern white pine is ideal for shade because it can tolerate some shade and still remain healthy. When planted in deep or dense shade, however, the tree may not produce cones or have as much of an upright structure, but it will still grow.
Additionally, the Eastern white pine is relatively pest and disease-resistant, and it is drought-tolerant once it is established.