Blue Spruce Tree

November 16, 2024 Post a Comment

Blue spruce tree

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?

Cypress and Spruce Trees are examples of evergreens that shed their foliage yearly, so if a messy yard is a concern, you may want to avoid those varieties.

How close to the house can I plant a blue spruce?

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. Keep some distance!

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 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.

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.

How tall is a 10 year old blue spruce?

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.

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.

Do blue spruce trees have invasive roots?

According to the U.S. Forest Service, blue spruce trees develop shallow roots after seed germinate, perhaps only 2 to 3 inches deep. This reveals that this tree species grows with a spreading, shallow root system.

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.

What is killing all the blue spruce trees?

There are three principle types of diseases that affect blue spruce trees: needlecasts, tip blights and canker diseases. ... All of these diseases are caused by fungal pathogens and each produce specific symptoms that can be useful in diagnosing the problem.

Needlecasts.
Tip blights. ...
Canker diseases.

How do you protect a blue spruce in the winter?

The best solution is to provide shade from direct sunlight on foliage and bark by erecting a shade barrier with stakes and burlap. Surround the plant on three or four sides, without letting the burlap touch the branches, and without covering the top.

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.

Do spruce trees damage foundations?

Tree roots themselves don't actually damage a foundation. It's the contraction from drought which can pull away supporting soil from around or beneath a foundation. This leaves room for the foundation to settle unevenly, which can cause cracks.

Can blue spruce grow in full sun?

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.

Do squirrels damage spruce trees?

Hungry squirrels are causing the damage to your spruce. In winter and early spring squirrels occasionally gnaw through the ends of spruce branches, causing the tips to fall to the ground. Sometimes the tips fall immediately and other times it takes a strong wind to knock them off the tree.

Are spruce trees low maintenance?

Spruce trees typically require very little pruning and naturally grow upright and in a pyramidal shape. They are known for straight trunks and horizontal branches, which makes them a visually appealing addition or focal point within a landscape.