How do you start a blue spruce tree?
Jun 28, 2021 · Colorado Blue Spruce Planting Guide. Colorado blue spruce grows best in a sunny location with moist, well-drained, fertile soil. It tolerates dry wind and can adapt to dry soil. The tree is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. Plant Colorado blue spruce in a hole that is as deep as the root ball and two or three times as wide.
How to grow a blue spruce tree from a seed?
Nov 21, 2016 · Colorado Spruce growing in containers appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. Constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. Therefore, when planting in a pot or other container, I recommend using a quality potting soil and a container with a drainage hole(s).
What is the lifespan of a blue spruce?
Jun 03, 2021 · Plant Colorado blue spruce in a sunny spot that has rich, moist but well-drained soil. Dig a hole the same depth as the container and roughly 1.5 times as wide. Gently remove the plant from its pot, then use a sharp spade, planting knife or …
How fast do blue spruce grow?
Dec 14, 2020 · The first thing you need to do is to pick the right location for your Colorado blue spruce tree. And when you do there are several factors that you need to take into account: Light Blue spruce trees require lots of light, so you should pick a sunny location where they’ll ideally get at least 6 hours of unfiltered sunlight every day. Soil
How do you take care of a Colorado blue spruce?
How long does it take for Colorado blue spruce to grow?
How do you grow Colorado spruce?
What is the best time to plant Colorado blue spruce?
Can you overwater a blue spruce?
What is the difference between a blue spruce and a Colorado blue spruce?
How often should you water a newly planted blue spruce?
How do I make my blue spruce more blue?
Where do blue spruce trees grow best?
How far apart should you plant blue spruce?
How close to the house can I plant a blue spruce?
What will grow under a blue spruce tree?
Where does the Colorado Blue Spruce tree come from?
Colorado blue spruce is a Native American tree that originated on stream banks and crags of the western United States. This sturdy tree is grown in farmlands, pastures and large landscapes as a windbreak and doubles as a nesting site for birds. Dwarf species are attractive in home landscapes where they look great in shrub borders, ...
How tall is a Colorado spruce tree?
The species grows up to 60 feet (18 m.) tall and looks best in open, arid landscapes, while smaller cultivars that grow 5 to 15 feet (1.5 to 5.5 m.) tall are right at home in lush gardens. Continue reading for information on how to grow a Colorado blue spruce.
What color are spruce cones?
The tree produces 2 to 4 inch (5 to 10 cm.) brown cones that fall to the ground in autumn. They are distinguished from other spruce trees by the bluish color of the needles, which can be quite striking on a sunny day.
How to check if a tree is in a hole?
You can check this by placing a yardstick or flat tool handle across the hole. After adjusting the depth, firm the bottom of the hole with your foot.
What is the pH of Colorado Blue Spruce?
Soil pH. Regarding soil pH, Colorado Blue Spruce are highly adaptable. They prefer a soil pH between 6.0 to 7.5 on the pH scale, however will tolerate extremely acid or alkaline soils. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.
How to keep spruce from watering?
When planting your spruce tree far away from a water source, and in well-drained soil, you can use remaining soil mixture to build a 3-inch high water retaining berm (water catch basin / doughnut) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole, as shown in the planting illustration above. This basin will help to collect water from rainfall and irrigation often reducing watering frequency. The berm can be removed after a growing season or when the plant has established itself.
How to keep weeds from growing on a tree?
To conserve moisture and suppress weed growth, apply a 1 to 2" layer of shredded or chipped wood mulch or pine straw around the planting area. As the mulch decomposes it will add vital nutrients to the soil that your tree will appreciate. Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. Avoid placing or piling mulch directly against the base of your tree as this could cause the bark to rot.
How to make a potted plant in a container?
Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set your plant in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1/2 to 1" below the rim of the container. Step 4.
How to plant a sage plant in a hole?
Step 1. Start by digging your planting hole at least two to three times as wide and as deep or not much deeper than the root ball of your plant. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheel barrow, or on a tarp. Step 2.
Is Colorado Blue Spruce a good soil type?
Colorado Blue Spruce are adaptable to most soils however do not like constantly soggy soils, which can be problematic. Dry to consistently damp to moist but well-drained soils are preferred.
Is Colorado spruce drought tolerant?
When established, Colorado Spruce trees are quite drought tolerant. That said, when young they will appreciate a consistently moist soil to establish roots. As with so many other ornamental trees, spruce do not like constantly soggy or wet soils, which can lead to root rot and other harmful plant diseases. So be careful to avoid over-watering them!
How big can a blue spruce tree grow?
Decide on Size. You can purchase blue spruce as six-inch saplings up to 500-gallon trees. The smaller the spruce, the less expensive and easier to install, but it will take longer to reach its full majesty and is more prone to disease and transplanting issues. Larger blue spruces are more expensive and difficult to install, but older trees are hardier than small saplings and will grow to an enjoyable size much faster.
What makes a blue spruce stronger?
Look for strong, compact branches. A strong looking sapling makes for a stronger blue spruce after planting. Never settle for a weak-looking sapling.
How tall are Colorado blue spruces?
While wild blue spruces can reach over 120’ high and 35’ across, most blue spruce for residential landscaping will only reach 50-75’ tall with a 10-20’ spread. Even landscaping blue spruces will need a significant amount of growing room. Leave at least 20’ for room for growth around any blue spruces.
What is the state tree of Colorado?
The official state tree of Colorado is the majestic Colorado blue spruce. You can find Colorado blue spruce growing in suburbs, out in the wild, and in nearly every corner of the Centennial state, but what about growing a blue spruce on your property?
Is Colorado Blue a good tree?
The Colorado blue spruce’s symmetry, compact branching, and gorgeous blue hue make it a great tree to grow on your property – if you take the right steps. Let’s learn how to grow Colorado blue spruce, from plant selection to tips on maintenance so your blue spruce stands tall for decades.
How tall is a Colorado blue spruce?
Height & Width: 60' high and 20' wide. Growth Rate: Slow to medium. The Colorado blue spruce is native to the central and southern Rocky Mountains, where it is often found growing at high altitudes. This region receives most of its rainfall during the summer, with relatively dry winters.
What are some good companion plants for blue spruce?
A few examples of good complementary plant partners are silver-leaved and violet-flowered Russian sage, catmint, and 'Black Scallop' ajuga.
Why are my blue spruce needles turning brown?
Unfortunately, blue spruces are susceptible to many pest and disease problems, including bagworms, spruce gall aphids, spruce budworm, spider mites, canker, and many other health issues which can cause needles to turn brown and fall off.
What is the most popular landscape plant in Colorado?
Colorado blue spruce ( Picea pungens) is one of the most popular landscape plants in the country. Slow-growing blue spruces have been given pride of place in many front yards for much of the last century. These trees have slowly outgrown their space, giving them an unfair reputation for being too big for the landscape.
How to water a tree by hand?
If you are watering by hand, be sure to soak the soil around the tree rather than the needles and stems. Not only is this a more efficient use of water, it will also limit the spread of foliar diseases and prevent water from diminishing the blue cast of the needles. If you plan to use an automated irrigation system, drip irrigation that delivers water directly to the soil is a better choice than a sprinkler system that will get water on the foliage.
What makes a blue spruce tree pop?
Pair with plants that have contrasting colors to make blue spruce really pop in the landscape. Plants that have wine-red leaves (like 'Diablo' ninebark) or bright yellow foliage (such as 'Goldmound' spirea) are the kind of plant partners that will make blue spruce stand out.
What is the growth habit of a straight tree?
The straight species usually has a pyramidal habit that slowly becomes more spear-like in regions with cool, dry winters or more irregularly rounded in most other areas. There are many varieties of different forms available, including weeping, rounded, and multi-stemmed trees for topiary.
What is the best soil pH for Colorado Blue Spruce?
A soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5 is preferred. Being a relatively hardy plant, the Colorado blue spruce can tolerate cold and can also tolerate heat – up to a point. However, it does not do well in excessively hot or humid conditions.
How much sunlight does a blue spruce tree need?
Light. Blue spruce trees require lots of light, so you should pick a sunny location where they’ll ideally get at least 6 hours of unfiltered sunlight every day. Soil. Although blue spruce trees are quite adaptable, they prefer moist but well-drained soil.
Can you grow blue spruce trees in a row?
Typically they are either planted in a row to form a windbreak or privacy screen, or individually as an ornamental tree. If you know what you’re doing, it is actually quite easy to plant and grow blue spruce trees. And if you don’ t, just keep reading this guide to find out what you need to know.
Is it hard to plant blue spruce?
As long as you take it to step by step, planting blue spruce really isn’t that difficult. In fact, here’s exactly what you need to do:
Do you trim a blue spruce tree?
Typically blue spruce trees do not need to be pruned, but you can trim them slightly to shape or remove any branches. Aside from that all you need to do is sit back and wait for it to grow. December 14, 2020 | View: 733 | Categories: Plant Guide | Tags: Blue Spruce | By: Admin.
Do you need to water a blue spruce tree?
Young blue spruce trees require regular watering, but once the tree is established it won’t require as much. At most you may need to water it during dry spells and make sure that it doesn’t get waterlogged.
How to grow Colorado blue spruce?
Fill a planting pot with at least 6 inches of vermiculite. Sow the Colorado blue spruce seeds in the pot in early spring and cover them with a 1/4-inch layer of vermiculite. Place a 2-inch layer of mulch on top of the vermiculite and place the pot in partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
What is the best way to propagate a Colorado blue spruce?
The Colorado blue spruce is a source of commercial lumber, and private growers use it as an ornamental tree. Seeds are the most common method of propagating the Colorado blue spruce. Like most conifers, its seeds require a period of cold weather to germinate.
How tall does a Colorado blue spruce grow?
The tree's silvery-blue needles offer an appealing alternative to the green of most shrubs and evergreens. Growing to a height of up to 70 feet, when planted outdoors, the blue spruce is a fast-growing plant.
How tall does a blue spruce tree grow?
Growing to a height of up to 70 feet, when planted outdoors, the blue spruce is a fast-growing plant. Growth ranges from 3 to 4 inches per year on a young tree to 12 inches per year on a tree with excellent irrigation. Preferring acidic soil, the blue spruce is a hardy tree that is drought tolerant.
How to get a tree to grow in a pot?
Dig a hole in the center of the pot large enough to carry the root ball of the tree. Snug the tree into the hole and cover with soil. Firmly press the soil around the base of the tree. The root ball should be completely covered by soil , with only the tree trunk appearing at the soil level.
Can evergreens be transplanted?
Do not allow the soil to become soggy. This will lead to root rot. Transplant the tree once it becomes too large for the chosen pot. It can be transplanted outdoors or into a larger pot. Prune the evergreen in the fall when the climate is cool.
What is the shape of a blue needle tree?
The blueness of the needles varies depending on the tree you select. It grows slowly in a conical shape and produces small cones.
Can you prune a Colorado blue spruce tree?
Colorado blue spruce grows naturally into a beautiful, pyramidal shape. You can prune the growth tips on branches in spring to shape the tree even more if desired. They usually form branches to the ground when grown in full sun. Insects, such as the spruce gall aphid, can cause growth tips to dieback and deform individual branches.
How Far Apart Should The Colorado Blue Spruce Tree Be?
Space considerations for blue spruce trees depend on the cultivar being grown. There’s an assumption that spruce tree roots only penetrate and spread through the ground by a few inches and can therefore be grown closely. However, that’s not true.
What are the outcomes of planting Colorado blue spruce trees together?
Colorado spruce trees fully grow when they are exposed to full sunlight. Should they be crowded in one place, they will form a canopy that prevents sunlight penetration. Again, Colorado spruce trees have shallow roots. Suffice it to say; they are not well braced to fight for nutrients.
How Far Apart Do You Plant Colorado Blue Spruce Trees: Wrapping up
Irrefutably, spacing affects the growth of Colorado blue spruces. Each time you are at the nursery getting the seedling or planning to sow them, you have to think about your landscape. That is how you are going to provide the spacings as above mentioned. Again, you shouldn’t overlook fertility, drainage and sunshine.
