I recently transplanted a blue spruce. The plant is only about 12-15 inches tall. The top of the tree is losing needles, but the bottom looks fine. Will the tree re-grow needles in the top part of the tree? Does this mean that the tree is dead or dying?
This sounds like a possibnle watering issue. Make sure the soil remains moist. Not wet, and not overly dry. Soil can dry out some between watering. If you are concerned about a possible fungal infection, then I would recommend an antifungal, such as wettable sulfur, rosemary oil, cinnamon, neem oil, lavendar oil, or garlic oil. There are many synthetic fungicides as well. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/colorado-blue-spruce/care-for-colorado-spruce.htm
I have a large blue Spruce about 1ft diameter at the trunk and I notice there are dead branches at the end of some of the big branches. What causes this? The dead ends are about 12inches long.
It appears to be a soil infection. Fungal infections can be treated, though. I recommend wettable sulfur, or essential oils such as: lavender, cinnamon, and garlic. Neem oil also helps in these cases.
We planted ten Blue Spruce trees in our yard in the spring. Now, in autumn, some branches are dropping their needles after turning a brown/red color. What causes this? We have the trees protected from rabbits, antelope, elk, etc. The Mountain Bluebirds love hunting within the trees (all about 10-ft tall), but we have plenty of nesting boxes, so nests have been found, yet. I just don't know what to do. Too much watering? Too little? We're in Zone 4 at around 6700 ft elevation, which should not be a problem for these particular trees. Any suggestions??? ~ Diana
Refer to the article below to determine if your new tree is planted in the proper soil and growing conditions.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/colorado-blue-spruce/care-for-colorado-spruce.htm
Newly planted trees need regular watering to ensure it can become established before dormancy and winter.
Watering amounts will depend on the size of the new tree, soil conditions and environment.
Some needle drop is normal for a Colorado Blue Spruce.
If the condition worsens and the tree shows other signs of stress, it could be due to disease.
https://www.extension.iastate.edu/harrison/news/common-diseases-blue-spruce
This link has watering guidelines.
https://ask.extension.org/questions/184569
Remember that most garden centers or greenhouses guarantee a new tree for 1 year from purchase.
What kind of fertilizer should be used on blue spruce
Typically, what you would do instead of fertilizer, would be to mulch the tree with organic matter, or compost. They don't, generally, need a heavy fertilizer. Here is an article with more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/colorado-blue-spruce/care-for-colorado-spruce.htm
I have a lovely “blue spruce” bush. Rather suddenly the blue/green needles are turning brown. The rapidity of spread is alarming. Might this be spider mites? More importantly, what should I do? Thanks very much. Emily
Unless you are seeing webbing, I would not say that this is a case of spidermites. The damage from this pest is very clear. If I had to guess, I would say this problem is either a pH issue, which can cause many problems in itself, or a fungal issue. Either way, You can cure both problems at the same time. Use dolomitic lime to ensure the stability of the pH, and iron sulfate to add just a touch of acidity, and kill off any bacteria, or fungus in the soil.
Should I plant a blue spruce tree now or wait till . . . ? Situation: We live in Asheville NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Purchased Blue spruce about 5 feet tall including root ball and pot from a reputable nursery on Nov 30th. The tree had been out side in a pot at he nursery not indoors. Instead of planting it immediately we placed it on our front porch and placed lED Christmas lights on it. The porch has a roof, but otherwise not climate controlled, no glass or heat-same temp as area around the house. It is going to be in the teens tonight and single digits tomorrow night. My question is it better to put the tree in the ground before it gets colder? If not, should we leave it on the porch or put it in the sun? Should we wrap the pot its in with tarp etc.? If now is not the right time, when should we plant the tree? When it is how warm or about what date?
To be safe I would wait until spring. These are hardy in your area, and will survive just fine outdoors. I would just wait until spring to give it the best chance to recover from transplant. Here is an article that will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/colorado-blue-spruce/care-for-colorado-spruce.htm
In your article, you suggest applying 12-12-1 fertilizer at various times! You do not say how much, and you don't give any sources for 12-12-1 fertilizer.
Look for a slow-release fertilizer labeled for pines or evergreens. Most soils have sufficient phosphorus although you need a soil test to confirm this. You are mostly looking for a nitrogen source and a bit of potassium. Several inches of rich compost would do. Here is an article from Univ of Minn Extension Service: https://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/fertilizing-evergreens-conifers/