Question
Colorado Blue Spruce
We just had a Colorado blue spruce planted last week and want to know how to care for it.
We're wondering if we need to water it once now and then let it be for the late fall and winter.
And, do we need to cover it for the winter with some sort of burlap?
Also, is there anything else you would recommend we do?
We live in Ontario, Canada.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Jackie
AnswerI would water it weekly until the ground start to freeze. The roots will continue to grow until the ground freezes and will need moisture. IF it rains that week there will be no need to water.
Looks like you have done the other needed thing that is mulch around the tree to protect the roots. I have no experience with winterizing tree since I have spent all my life in the Southern US. I would check with the nursery that you bought the tree from and ask their advice on winterizing the tree. It makes since you would need to do something since it is a newly planted tree and tender.
Did think of one other thing I would be to stake the tree for the winter. to help with the winter winds that you might have.
To properly stake a tree, you need two wooden or metal posts. Drive them into the sides of the excavated planting hole before you backfill to prevent driving them through the root ball. Secure the tree to the stakes with broad straps or hose; don't use wire because it will girdle the bark of the tree. Guying and staking the tree will keep it secure from blowing over, but allow the trunk to move up to two inches in any direction.
If staking doesn't allow some movement of the tree's trunk, the tree will not allocate any growth (wood) to the main stem and it will be unstable when you remove the stakes and guying. Remember to remove the stake and guying materials within a year.
Trees use water even during winter. Just before the ground freezes in late fall, give your tree a thorough watering. During mild winters, where temperatures are above normal and the ground thaws, give your tree periodic watering. This is particularly important for conifers, which retain their needles and use water readily during winter.
Before you water, examine the soil moisture four to eight inches deep. If the soil feels dry or just slightly damp, it needs water. Well-drained, sandy soils will need more water more often than a loam or clay soil. The best way to water a newly planted tree is to place a garden hose at the base of the tree. Run a slow trickle of water for several hours or until the soil is thoroughly soaked. To help hold or direct the water around the root system, build a temporary soil berm or saucer. Avoid short, frequent watering, which promotes development of a shallow root system that is more vulnerable to drying out and other stresses.
