It grows slowly, averaging about 60 feet tall, although some can grow up to 75 feet.
Blue spruce can tolerate some shade, but planting in a low-light area can increase disease incidence and severity.
However, this tree can adapt to loamy, sandy, or clay soils.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
During the first season, water the tree regularly to keep the soil moist.
Once the tree is established, water it only during dry spells.
Avoid waterlogging the tree or creating areas with standing water at its base.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Still, this tree variety can tolerate heat and humidity better than other spruces.
Fertilizer
These trees do not need frequent fertilization.
Sprinkle 10-10-10 slow-release granulated fertilizer over the soil in the root zone.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Then, water with about 2 inches of water to prevent fertilizer burn.
For fertilizer amounts, follow the product label instructions.
This tree does not need to be pruned but can be if you want denser foliage.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Grow cuttings in cool and humid conditions for successful propagation.
To protect the tree against hungry animals, you might wrap its trunk in burlap.
Cytospora canker is a stress-induced disease, so manage it by amending the soil regularly and not overwatering.
Signs of spider mite insect activity include a cotton-like substance on the spruce’s branches.
Another insect, the great spruce bark beetle, regularly affects wild spruce trees.
This beetle can take full stands of trees by tunneling into the trees' bark and laying eggs.
The holes weaken the tree, eventually causing a die-off.
Common Problems with Colorado Blue Spruce
An established Colorado blue spruce tree is usually easy to maintain.
Browning Needles and Die Off
Signs of overwatering include browning needles, wilting branches, and die-off.
Blue spruce is a long-lived tree with a slow growth rate, growing about 1 to 2 inches annually.
They mature at about 20 to 30 years when they produce seeds.
The biggest disadvantages are its susceptibility to fungal diseases and several types of insects that infest spruce trees.
U.S. Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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