Do dwarf Alberta spruce do well in containers?
MB: Dwarf Alberta spruce and other dwarf evergreens will grow happily in large pots, as long as you remember to occasionally feed and routinely water them. Learn to tell how often to water by poking a finger or trowel down three inches into the potting soil to test for moisture.
How do you care for a potted dwarf Alberta spruce in the winter?
To protect the Dwarf Alberta Spruce in winter, wrap it in a burlap that keeps out the sun. Also, water the tree well in the fall and mulch the area around it. In general Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a very hardy plant. It can survive the winter from zone 2 through 7.
How often do you water dwarf Alberta spruce?
Water. Water dwarf Alberta spruce when the top 3 inches of soil is dry. If you keep this plant in containers, it will need more frequent watering than in-ground plants. These plants do not like soggy soil, so beware of overwatering.
Why is my potted dwarf Alberta spruce turning brown?
A dwarf Alberta spruce that's turning brown at the top is telling you there's a problem with the trunk or the roots. Check to see if weed whackers sliced the trunk or animals chewed the bark. If most of the bark is gone from the base of the trunk, the tree will have to be replaced.
How do you keep a potted spruce tree alive?
How to Keep a Potted Dwarf Spruce AliveAvoid Areas of High Heat. North Carolina State University Extension warns to keep the tree away from heat sources, such as heater vents, fireplaces, ovens and television sets. ... Use Small Lights. ... Keep the Soil Moist. ... Provide Adequate Sunlight. ... Keep the Root Ball Moist. ... Watch for Pests.
Can you grow a Dwarf Alberta Spruce indoors?
Short evergreen trees can live a long life in their containers indoors as long as the environment isn't too warm, and it's watered when the topsoil feels dry. Dwarf spruce tree care requires diligence to keep it healthy, and if you give it the appropriate attention, you'll be able to decorate it again next year.
How do you keep a Dwarf Alberta Spruce alive?
Keep it in a sheltered area with filtered sunlight or morning light and afternoon shade. Give it about as many days in this transitional spot as it spent indoors before you move it into full sun. Dwarf Alberta spruces will grow in full sun to partial shade. Plant it in well-drained, consistently moist soil.
Can Alberta Spruce survive indoors?
Some spruce trees do better inside indefinitely than others. Many species, like the Alberta dwarf spruce, prefer to be moved outside from time to time throughout the year. Most spruce trees can and do survive indoors permanently (so long as their light, water, airflow, and fertilization needs are being met).
How can you tell if a spruce tree is overwatered?
Press down on the soil 12 inches away from the base of the tree with your foot. Look at where your shoe meets the soil to see if water appears or if there is an audible squishing sound. This indicates the spruce is overwatered.
What kills dwarf Alberta spruce?
spruce spider mitesMost commonly, dwarf Alberta spruce fall victim to spruce spider mites. These tiny yet extremely destructive relatives of spiders can quickly kill a tree. Since they're so tiny, mites are almost impossible to see. To check for an infestation, come spring, head out to the plant with a piece of white paper.
Can you overwater a dwarf Alberta spruce?
If you water Dwarf Alberta Spruce too often or use too much water, the soil can become boggy. This is called overwatering. This will cause the root system to become very soft and suffer from a lack of oxygen. Such roots are very prone to rot.
What is the best fertilizer for Alberta Spruce?
0:522:26How to Fertilize a Dwarf Alberta Spruce : Professional Gardening TipsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo look for the highest number in the nitrogen. Six seven something along those lines. So when you'MoreSo look for the highest number in the nitrogen. Six seven something along those lines. So when you're fertilizing. Take a handful or a little shovel that comes in the packet.
How do you overwinter a potted spruce tree?
Encircle the potted tree with wire, like you're building a fence around it. Then, drop in the mulch or hay, completely covering the tree from the ground to the top of the container. This insulation should protect the tree's roots from winter's coldest temperatures, which are the most vulnerable part of the tree.
How do you care for potted evergreens in the winter?
Water well and wrap the plants and containers in a chicken wire cage or in several layers of bubble wrap stuffed with enough leaves to completely cover the small trees. Make sure the containers are not resting on cement or stone since those surfaces will quickly conduct cold to the plants.
What kills Dwarf Alberta Spruce?
spruce spider mitesMost commonly, dwarf Alberta spruce fall victim to spruce spider mites. These tiny yet extremely destructive relatives of spiders can quickly kill a tree. Since they're so tiny, mites are almost impossible to see. To check for an infestation, come spring, head out to the plant with a piece of white paper.
How do I protect my spruce trees 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 often should I water a dwarf spruce?
Water Dwarf Alberta Spruce in drought once a week. The first year after planting spruce needs more frequent irrigation, as I wrote above, the soil around needs to be kept moist. It will have to be watered about 1-2 times a week. Next year and further watering will be needed only in drought.
What is the pH of dwarf Alberta spruce?
Plant Dwarf Alberta Spruce in light, fast-draining soil with a pH of 5.0-7.0
What is a spruce tree?
Spruce (Picea) This beautiful compact tree was found as a natural dwarf mutation in Alberta, Canada. Another name for this plant is Picea glauca Conica. Annual growth does not exceed 2-3 inches, which makes it very popular, especially for compact gardens. This variety is distributed around the world almost the most among all ornamental spruces.
How long does it take for a spruce tree to grow?
If you plant at the right time, then the spruce will take root within 30-40 days. After that, you can slightly reduce watering.
Why is spring good for conifers?
Also, at this time, the humidity of the air and soil is quite high, which is perfect for planting conifers .
What to spray on a plant to kill pests?
Spray the plant with neem oil if pests are present
Why is it good to plant conifers in spring?
The beginning of spring is good because it is already warm enough, but the sun is not as hot as in summer. Also, at this time, the humidity of the air and soil is quite high, which is perfect for planting conifers .
What is dwarf Alberta spruce?
The dwarf Alberta spruce is a plant for which I have developed a new appreciation, especially when used in containers. Whether left in their natural conical shape or trained into topiary forms these diminutive evergreens are an easy way to add a formal accent to your garden.
How tall is a dwarf Alberta spruce tree?
We purchased a dwarf Alberta Spruce tree, approximately 3 ft. tall rooted in a 3 gallon container, which we decorated lightly for Christmas. I would like to know how to keep it and when to move it outside. We are in the cold Northeast.
How to treat spider mites on dwarf spruce?
To treat for spider mites first try an insecticidal soap. It is more environmentally friendly than other methods. You’ll want to saturate the foliage. It may require several applications about 7 to 10 days apart. Now if this doesn’t work, you may have to resort to harsher pesticides. Just avoid horticultural oils because they are harmful to the dwarf Alberta spruce.
How to test for spider mites on a plant?
You can test for their presence by gently shaking the plant while holding a white piece of paper under the branches. The mites will appear as small, moving flecks. To treat for spider mites first try an insecticidal soap .
Can dwarf Alberta spruce grow in full sun?
Dwarf Alberta spruces will grow in full sun to partial shade. Plant it in well-drained, consistently moist soil. If planted in a container, water when the top 3 inches of soil is dry. Once the plant is growing outside, one problem you may run into with this plant is spider mites.
How to kill dwarf spruce?
Pour 1/8 teaspoon of the miticide in a 1/2 gallon hand sprayer. Add 1/2 gallon of water and swirl the sprayer gently to mix the product with the water. Spray the entire dwarf spruce until the product drips from it.
What are the yellow spots on a dwarf spruce?
Check the dwarf spruce periodically for symptoms of spruce spider mites (Oligonychus ununguis), such as yellow marks on the needles, webbing and brown needles in hot weather. If you suspect mites, hold a sheet of white paper under a branch and shake the branch. Spider mites will fall onto the paper and look like small black dots.
What tree is in the yard during the winter?
Some of the cute, colorfully wrapped, small potted trees you find in supermarkets during the winter holidays are dwarf Alberta spruce trees (Picea glauca "Conica"). Many people either plant the tree in the yard after the holidays or throw it away when it dies from lack of proper care.
How to use miticide outdoors?
Always apply the miticide outdoors. Wash your hands immediately after using the product. Always read the label carefully and follow all precautions.
Can you use soap on a dwarf spruce tree?
Do not use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil on dwarf Alberta spruce trees, even though they are made up of less harsh chemicals, because they can affect the attractive blue-gray of the spruce's needles. Mature dwarf Alberta spruce trees eventually grow to 6 to 8 feet tall.
Can dwarf spruce be kept in pots?
Although the tree works well in a container because of its slow growth rate, it doesn’t tolerate heat well and grows in the cooler climates of U.S. Department of Agricultural plant hardiness zones 2 through 8. It's easy to keep the potted dwarf spruce alive through the holidays, but more challenging afterward.
How do you care for a potted Dwarf Alberta Spruce?
Place potted Dwarf Alberta Spruce in a location with 4 hours of direct sunlight.
Planting in a pot
To give a Dwarf Alberta Spruce the best start possible in its new home you need to use the right soil, give it enough room in the pot, and place the container in the ideal location. Here’s the step for how to plant a Dwarf Alberta Spruce in a container.
What size pot should you use for a Dwarf Alberta Spruce?
The ideal size pot is a minimum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) wider around the entire perimeter of the plant than the current root ball. The root ball is the area mass of roots and is generally the size of the existing pot unless it has been recently repotted.
Best potting soil
The ideal soil to use is potting mix or compost that is readily available at garden supply stores or online. You can also use garden soil provided it’s free-draining and loose. If your garden soil is compact and clayey you can still use it.
Watering
Water Dwarf Alberta Spruce in a pot when the top layer of soil is 1 inch dry. In hot summer weather, potting soil dries out very quickly, so keep the soil moist at all times.
Overwintering
Dwarf Alberta Spruce can easily overwinter in a pot and in most cases, nothing will happen to it as it is very hardy.
Why is my dwarf Alberta spruce turning brown?
A dwarf Alberta spruce that’s turning brown at the top is telling you there’s a problem with the trunk or the roots. Check to see if weed whackers sliced the trunk or animals chewed the bark. If most of the bark is gone from the base of the trunk, the tree will have to be replaced.
How tall does a dwarf spruce tree get?
This cute little tree keeps its conical shape as it grows slowly (very slowly), taking 30 years to max out at 10 to 12 feet tall. Thousands of short green needles give it an almost fuzzy or fluffy appearance, but sometimes those pretty needles can start turning brown. If you notice this happening to your tree, you may be able to save it with a little sleuthing to figure out the problem and then acting quickly to fix it.
How to tell if a spruce has spider mites?
To find out if the spruce spider mites have moved in, shake a browning branch over a piece of white paper. If you see tiny specks moving around, squish some with the tip of your finger. If the resulting goo is green they’re spruce spider mites.
Why do my trees have brown needles?
This can happen on sunny winter days if the ground is still frozen, making it impossible for the tree roots to pull up more water. Brown needles will show up on the south or west side of the tree, where it received the strongest rays of the sun.
What to do if a tree turns brown?
If the whole tree has turned brown, replace it and start over with better planting and watering, or in a different part of your garden, or with another kind of evergreen.
Do spruce trees have spider mites?
Gardeners aren’t the only ones who like the dwarf Alberta spruce. Sadly, it’s also popular with spruce spider mites that attack in spring and fall, unlike regular old spider mites that are active in hot, dry weather. If your spruce has yellow speckles or brown needles at the base or near the trunk of the tree, spruce spider mites are the most likely culprits.
