Question
This fall I planted a Colorado blue spruce about 6 feet from my house not realizing that it can grow to 30ft. The tree was about 2 feet tall when I planted it. Now I am worried about damage to the foundation of the house. Will continued pruning once it gets to about 10 feet also stop the roots from spreading? Should I also be concerned about sap from the tree on the siding of the house? Or is my best option to dig the tree up and plant it in a more suitable location? If replanting is the better option, can it wait until spring? The location is coastal New Jersey.

Answer
This spring i would move the tree. The height will not be the main problem but the width will and the branches will rub your house. Mature Height 30 - 60 feet
Mature Spread 10 - 20 feet

Evergreens should be moved earlier in the fall than deciduous plants so they have time to form new roots. They need at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes. In the spring, Evergreens can be planted up to 4 weeks after deciduous trees have opened their leaves, providing that the newly planted trees receive adequate water.

Digging the root ball:

When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible

Evergreens, can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.

Size of the root ball and size of the hole:

For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:

Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter

For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.

Dig the hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.