I have saplings that I received through Arbor Day Foundation. They are approx. 12-14" tall and in plastic pots. What's the best way to winter them?
I would recommend placing them in a sheltered location such as against the foundation of a house or building. Then make sure that the pot itself is insulated in some way. Piling up leaves around the pot or wrapping it in layers of bubble wrap and burlap will both work.
Who sells 2'-3' tall white spruce plants with well established roots?
Most garden center and nursery retailers should have this tree, or can at least point you in the right direction. You can perform a local search for your area to find someone close.
Recently purchased a beautifully spiraled Alberta spruce, and although it is not marked as "dwarf," its projected growth is 5 ft. h x 5 ft. w. Is this actually what is referred to as a dwarf?
Secondly, the pruning has been done in such a way that it has the appearance of a swivel straw (trunk exposed with branches pruned to create effect). From the tag put on the tree at the grower or at the "big box" store, it would seem that they miraculously continue to grow this way. I'm doubtful. Should I be ready to prune and how often?
Final question: Am I safe to plant near a driveway? I have about a foot's leeway behind/betwixt and between pavement and sewer drainage.
Yes, this is the typical dwarf Alberta spruce. It is usually tagged like yours at 5', although its mature height is more like 10'; it grows so slowly, though, it will take 50 years to attain that height.
No, I'm sure it doesn't just magically grow that way. However, it grows so slowly that keeping its shape should not be difficult.
They are commonly used near the driveway.
This article has more information: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/3010/3010-1475/3010-1475.html
I am planting nine 8-ft. tall spruce trees using a 200 gallon tank. How much fertilizer do I add to the water tank?
That is going to depend on what fertilizer you use. The package should have directions, either measurement/gallon of water, or weight/sq ft. In the latter case, you would determine what area you will cover with the water, and put the appropriate amount of fertilizer in the tank.
We need to establish a top for our spruce. How do we do that? There are 2 other leaders beside the center that's been cut.
Here is an excellent article that will help you.
I've been given several very young saplings. Two were said to be spruce that "loses its needles in winter." I've never heard of such a spruce. Would you know the name? Is there any advice in care of it?
Conifers do actually lose their needles at some point, just not all at once.
Spruces generally hold their needles much longer then other conifers, but they too will shed their older needles to be replaced with newer ones.
Here are a couple of links with more information.
https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/horticulture/normal-fall-needle-drop-in-conifers
http://byf.unl.edu/natural-needle-drop
Years ago, we planted a Birds Nest Spruce that always remained the color of a Colorado Blue Spruce. We loved it! I have an area at our new home that I would like to plant one, but have been searching everywhere for that color and can't find it, nor has anyone ever heard of a "blue" one. Was the one we had a "fluke"? I also remember the needles being much softer than the green ones I see at nurseries. Any help you can provide would be appreciated! Thank you! I have no pictures to send.
Your Birds Nest likely had a more intense color when you first purchased it. I can speak from experience as I just planted a Bird's Nest last year.
There is a variety of dwarf Blue Spruce that is called a Globe Blue Spruce. It has a taller shape then a Birds Nest but could be mistaken for a Bird's Nest in it's smaller growth state.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/birds-nest-spruce/birds-nest-spruce-care.htm