Blue Spruce Trees

November 09, 2024 Post a Comment

Blue spruce trees

The Blue Spruce is a sturdy and tough tree that tolerates extreme cold, high winds and heavy snow. Plant in full or part sun and any well-drained soil. The Colorado Spruce is deer and drought tolerant and only rarely encounters issues with pests and disease. There is no need to prune this low maintenance tree.

Where do blue spruce trees grow best?

Blue spruce is primarily native to the central and southern Rocky Mountains of the western United States. Its range extends from latitude 33° 50' to 48° 54' N.

How big does a blue spruce tree get?

How big does a blue spruce get? Blue spruces grow to be around 50-75 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide in a pyramidal form.

Are blue spruce trees messy?

Spruce trees are evergreen but still shed their needles each year. In fact, they lose quite a large quantity of needles. So, if a messy yard is a concern of yours, you might realize the spruce tree isn't for you. Losing needles is not the only concern with your tree creating a mess in your space- there is also sap.

What is the lifespan of a blue spruce tree?

The Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) is a member of the pine tree family that is native to the Rocky Mountain regions of North America. The tree has a mature height of around 70 to 80 feet. While blue spruce grows relatively slowly, it is long-lived and may reach ages of 600-800 years.

Can blue spruce survive winter?

Overwintering. Colorado blue spruce is native to cold climates, therefore established trees do not need special care in the winter, as the tree will go dormant during this season. You can, however, spread a layer of mulch around the tree's base in the fall and wrap its trunk in burlap to protect it from hungry animals.

How long does it take a blue spruce to grow 10 feet tall?

Usually they grow 10-12 ft. tall in 10 years and 10-20 ft. wide with age per year, but oftentimes less than that if it is not in its native habitat or out of its range. It prefers growing in a soil that is acidic, moist, rich, sandy, and well-drained.

How far should a blue spruce be planted from house?

I would plant this particular tree species at least 20-25' away from your house as it is my experience that most homeowners and landscapers tend to plant trees way too close to structures.

How long does it take a blue spruce to grow 6 feet?

The growth rate of Picea pungens'Globosa' is quite slow, averaging only 1 to 6 inches per year (3 to 6 feet in 10 years) classifying this conifer as a dwarf.

What are the disadvantages of spruce?

All varieties of spruce trees are susceptible to and prone to insect infestations. Spider mites (Oligonychus ununguis) suck sap from the needles, causes yellowing and tree decline. Pine needle scale (Chioaspis pinifoliae) is another insect that migrates to spruce trees, causing discolored foliage and needle drop.

What is special about a blue spruce?

Displays its unique silvery blue-green color year-round. Withstands wind better than most spruces due to a wide-spreading and moderately deep root system. Is a long-lived specimen. Features needles that are stiff, prickly and roughly 1–1½" in length.

What is the prettiest spruce tree?

Of all the species of spruce trees, Serbian spruces are considered one of the best-looking in the landscape. They have dark green, flat needles with white bands on the underside that give them a gorgeous silvery cast when they blow in the wind.

What's killing blue spruce?

By far the most common complaint of cultivated blue spruces is needle cast disease, mostly that caused by the fungus Rhizospaera kalkhoffii. It infects young needles and overwinters on living or recently killed foliage. During the growing season, the spores spread to other branches, or other trees, by splashing water.

Is it hard to grow blue spruce?

The blue spruce will thrive on any fertile, moisture-retentive but free draining soil with a neutral to acidic pH. Grow in a sunny spot. It does not need pruning. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth.

Does blue spruce like sun or shade?

Blue spruce prefer an organic, moist soil in full sun but are adaptable to different conditions. It is more drought tolerant than other Picea species. While blue spruce can tolerate some shade, disease incidence and severity increases with the amount of shade trees receive.

What is the best time of year to plant a blue spruce?

Spring and fall are the best times to plant the Baby Blue Spruce. This blue spruce grows in full sun to part shade. It adapts well to any well-drained soil. Water your newly planted evergreen tree thoroughly a couple times per week for the first two to three months.

How do you winterize a blue spruce tree?

In addition to planting your Alberta spruce in a protected location, you can winterize this tree by cutting away any dead or ground-touching branches, giving it a deep water and wrapping it entirely in burlap to save its needles from winter burn and winds.

How often do blue spruce need water?

Watering Needs: Needs regular watering – weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Average landscape size: Reaches 10-12 ft. tall in a few years; 40′ ft.

Does blue spruce need lots of water?

Blue Spruce Care Although Colorado blue spruce is more drought tolerant than other spruces, it does need consistent water (from rain or irrigation) to thrive. Water regularly during the first season or two while the tree roots are getting established, then as needed during dry periods.

What is the fastest growing tree for privacy?

What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.