One of our favorite trees is the Colorado Blue Spruce and not just because it is the state tree. It is also just a gorgeous tree that can be used in so many different ways. If you are considering adding a tree to your landscaping, there are some things that you will need to know about this tree before you plant it, however.
That’s why we put together this guide to help you better understand it and see why we love it so much.
Why We Love The Colorado Blue Spruce
- Adapts well to many different soil types
- Has a unique blue-silver color
- Perfect for privacy
There truly aren’t any trees that look like a Colorado Blue Spruce. Their silvery-blue color is just so unique and planting even one on your property can help to pull focus and create a unique space.
We love this tree because of so many features it has – it is more than just a pretty face! This tree works extremely well in most yards, is hardy, doesn’t produce too much dirt, and attracts birds.
The Arbor Day Foundation explains the lore around this tree much better than we ever could: “The Colorado blue spruce is such a delight that nature seems to have kept it a well-guarded secret for a very long time. It was not until 1862 that this spectacular species was discovered growing in enchanted meadows and stream sides high up in the Rocky Mountains. Once found, the fame of this blue spruce spread quickly, and today it is one of our most widely planted landscape trees as well as the state tree of Colorado.”
How To Grow A Colorado Blue Spruce
- Moist, well-drained soil works the best
- Requires a soil Ph of 6.0 to 7.5
- Can be grown in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 7
If you want to plant a Colorado Blue Spruce tree, there are a few different approaches you can take. Most people will buy a balled-root tree and plant it that way. However, it isn’t unheard of for a tree to come from seed in certain environments.
Often, they will be planted in a line so that they can form a sort of windbreak. They need to be planted in full sun to partial sun. They will be able to tolerate low sun, but it is better to plant in as much sun as possible. You need to keep the soil moist and well-watered for a long time after you plant the tree. You do want to avoid water-logging the roots of these trees, according to The Spruce.
Where To Plant A Blue Spruce
- It requires as much sunlight as possible
- Plant it somewhere where there will good water, but drainage
- The root systems don’t stick out of the ground too much
Once again, the best places to plant the Blue Spruce are areas where there is enough light to sustain them. You will get the healthiest, strongest trees this way. You can plant them closely together in order to form a screen or you can plant them by themselves. They will grow for a long time and can get fairly tall, so you will want to take that into consideration. According to Monrovia, it is a tall, thin tree so you can plant it in areas where you don’t have a ton of horizontal space, but you have a lot of height.
They aren’t messy trees, so you won’t have to worry about fall cleanup. Of course there will be some droppage, but it isn’t too bad.
How To Care For A Colorado Blue Spruce
F. D. Richards
- Truly one of the easiest trees to care for
- Some basic trimming can help the shape
- Regular watering is necessary
Once you plant a Blue Spruce, it is truly one of the easiest trees to take care of. You won’t really need to do too much unless we have a drought. During the first season, you should keep the first two inches or so of soil moist. For the best results, you can add a layer of organic mulch. Over the years, it may be a good idea to test your soil to ensure the tree is getting everything that it needs.
According to Gardening Know How, “Colorado blue spruce is susceptible to cankers and white pine weevils. The weevils cause the leaders to die back. Cut off dying leaders before the damage reaches the first ring of branches and choose another branch to train as a leader. Stake the new leader into an upright position.”
There are a few other small problems that you may encounter, including some insects and damage from other animals.
How Fast Does A Blue Spruce Grow?
- Depends on the location
- Trees in full sun will grow faster
- Expert 12-24″ per year
When you plant a tree, it can be really difficult to wait for it to grow taller. The Blue Spruce grows at what is considered to be a “medium” pace – or somewhere between 12 to 24″ a year. It may seem like it grows faster earlier on and then it will slow down quite a bit, according to Hunker.
It will often take somewhere between 30 to 50 years for the tree to reach full height. In that time, it will likely grow in fits and spurts.
Your trees should be important to you. In fact, the trees in your yard may be nondescript, but that can have a huge impact on your life. If your trees are giving you trouble or you are just worried about their health, make sure to contact a tree care professional as soon as possible. At Arbortec Tree Service, we serve the greater Denver area. Give us a call at your earliest convenience at: (303) 466-3175 No matter what, we will treat your trees like they are the most important ones in the area – that’s a promise.
Header photo courtesy of Tim Evanson on Flickr!