When To Trim Alberta Spruce Trees

When to trim alberta spruce trees

Late winter is the best time to remove unwanted lower branches on evergreen trees. Spruce and fir trees possess side or lateral buds on their newest (outermost) growth. To promote denser growth, cut shoots back to just above a lateral bud or side branch in early spring.

How do you prune an Alberta spruce?

These evergreens should be pruned in early spring, when you first notice the new growth appear. It is recommended to only trim back the new growth of the current season. Pinch off the tips of lateral branches to maintain the size of the tree's height or width by cutting away just the end 1/2 to 1 inch of new growth.

What to do with overgrown Alberta spruce?

Once a spruce gets well beyond the size you want, there's no good way to shrink it back. So if a light pruning isn't enough for your dwarf Alberta spruce, your only option is to replace it. That plant is highly prone to spider mites, by the way.

Can you trim an Alberta spruce in summer?

Alternatively, prune spruce trees just before or after their spring growth and before intense sun on hot days can burn newly exposed leaves. Some experts say fall pruning also has an advantage because summer pruning can expose new cuts to insect damage.

How do you care for an Alberta spruce tree?

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.

Should I trim lower branches on spruce trees?

Evergreen trees such as pine, spruce, fir, Douglas-fir, and hemlock require little pruning. These trees typically have a broad, pyramidal form with low branches, and should be left intact. DO NOT remove lower branches as this destroys the natural aesthetic form of the tree. NEVER remove the main, central stem.

Can you shape an Alberta spruce?

If you just want to shape your dwarf spruce, or if your tree is young and you want to trim it to keep it small, then you can prune with a good amount of success. Taking care not to cut into the dead zone, cut back any branches that extend beyond the tree's conical shape. Remove ½ to 1 inch (1-2.5 cm.)

How do you prune a spruce tree that is too tall?

What you want to do is really just tip back the longest one. And work your way around the tree. Just

Can you top an Alberta spruce tree?

I recommend against cutting the Dwarf Alberta Spruce horizontally with one cut. It would look awful because the inside is all dead and it will not sprout new growth. Topping your spruces would be a bad idea. Tree topping is exactly what it sounds like.

Can I cut the top off a spruce tree?

Large evergreen trees do not respond well to topping. The removal of the upper main stem through topping opens the tree to internal decay, disease or damaging insects; it also removes the most productive portion of the tree. The practice of topping to control tree size or growth is not justified.

What is killing spruce trees in Alberta?

Spruce beetle is common throughout Alberta, especially in areas with abundant mature spruce trees. The spruce beetle usually has a 2-year life cycle in Alberta. Stout dark brown adults (about 4.5-7.0 mm long) overwinter in the tree, then emerge and attack new hosts from late May through June.

Do Alberta spruce have deep roots?

The root system of the Dwarf Alberta Spruce is not significant because it is a relatively small shrub. It reaches about two feet after four or five years and can grow slightly more, with the diameter of the root system a little larger than its crown.

Why is 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 have sliced the trunk, or animals have 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 do Alberta spruce get?

This little cutie reaches a maximum height of 4 to 6 feet tall and up to 2 feet wide. The slow growth rate means you can keep it tucked into containers for a few years.

Will needles grow back on Alberta spruce?

They especially like the dwarf Alberta spruce mini-trees that are very popular. Once mites brown out enough needles to kill branches, spruce usually never recover. That's because this species doesn't produce dormant "reserve" buds toward the inner branches as do evergreens such as yews, hemlocks and boxwoods.

How do you protect Alberta spruce in the winter?

In addition to planting your Alberta spruce in a protected location, you can winterize this tree by cutting away any dead or ground-touching branches, giving it a deep water and wrapping it entirely in burlap to save its needles from winter burn and winds.

What fertilizer do I use for Alberta spruce?

The Alberta Spruce thrives in full to part sun and adapts to any soil that is well drained. A neutral to acidic soil is best. If you know you have an alkaline soil choose an acidic fertilizer like Espoma's Holly Tone. After planting, adding a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch will help keep the soil moist.

What do you feed an Alberta spruce?

Nitrogen is the first one phosphate is the second one and potash is the third one. So look for the

When should you not trim trees?

Generally, you should not trim trees in the summer. During the summer months, most trees are still very active and growing. Trimming during this time could discourage new growth for the next season. Pruning during the winter, when the tree is dormant, is the better option.