How do you take care of a Fat Albert blue spruce?

Prefers humus-rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils. Water deeply and regularly during the first few growing seasons to establish an extensive root system. Prefers even moisture but can tolerate periodic drought when well-established. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

How tall does a Fat Albert Spruce get?

30-60′ tall
It typically grows 30-60′ tall in cultivation, but may reach 100′ or more where it grows naturally. It is native to the central Rocky Mountains from southern Montana and eastern Idaho south to New Mexico where it is typically found growing in moist locations from 6000 to 11000 feet in elevation.

How much water does a Fat Albert Spruce need?

During the winter, the roots should not be allowed to dry. If there is a long period without water, these trees should be watered about once a month. A good layer of organic mulch will help conserve moisture, protect the roots, and simulate the natural forest environment.

How long do Fat Albert spruce trees live?

80 years
Fat Albert Spruce Facts As it grows slowly and relatively low to the ground, it’s an ideal tree to plant under power lines. It can live 80 years or more. Its cones are oblong in shape, usually between 2 and 4 feet long, and begin green but grow to become brown.

How do you plant a Fat Albert blue spruce?

Be sure to plant Fat Albert Blue Spruce in an area with lots of sunshine and air movement. A breezy spot with full sun will reduce the opportunities for fungus diseases of the lovely blue needles to become established.

What is the smallest spruce tree?

While not a true dwarf ornamental, the Baby Blue Eyes Spruce tree is the closest thing to a dwarf evergreen tree on the market today. A typical Colorado Blue Spruce will grow 50-75 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

How do you prune a Fat Albert Spruce?

Pruning not needed until the tree reaches the size you’ve given it. Then wait until the season’s new shoots have grown by late spring and trim off nearly all of that growth to maintain the size.

How much is a sun Blue Spruce?

Light. Plant Colorado blue spruce trees in full sun, ensuring they get at least 6 hours of unfiltered sun per day.

How do you keep a spruce tree small?

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 (up to 2.5 cm.)

How tall does a Fat Albert blue spruce grow?

However, the Fat Albert blue spruce, a dwarf blue spruce, grows quite slowly. If given the chance, though, it can get quite large. When fully grown, a Fat Albert will grow to be around 15 feet tall and spread 10 feet. As it grows slowly and relatively low to the ground, it’s an ideal tree to plant under power lines. It can live 80 years or more.

What are the virtues of a Fat Albert spruce?

Virtues: We love ‘Fat Albert’ spruce (Picea pungens ‘Fat Albert’) for its short, wide stature and its blue needles. It is a drought- and deer-tolerant tree that can fit into small gardens. It provides great winter interest and serves as a versatile backdrop for shrubs and perennials in other seasons. Provides good shelter for birds.

How often should I water my Fat Albert spruce?

Similarly, regular watering will ensure steady and healthy growth. As such, watering the plants weekly is recommended. The Fat Albert blue spruce is a forgiving plant in many ways. It’s not known to have any serious insect of disease issues, though it may get spruce gall aphids, scale, bagworms, spider mites, etc.

What kind of care do dwarf Alberta spruce need?

Common Problems. Dwarf Alberta spruce trees are not very tolerant of air pollution and salt spray, and they struggle in areas with high heat and humidity. They require very little care but are often the victims of spider mite attacks that can kill the tree. A yearly preventative treatment with a pesticide may prevent this.