Knowledgebase
Blue Spruce planted last year not blue anymore #751649
Asked May 23, 2021, 6:10 PM EDT
Arapahoe County Colorado
Expert Response
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On May 23, 2021, at 4:10 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
ThanksAlso it looks like blue spruce as black needles on underside of branch about 4 1/2 ft from the ground Could someone PLEASE COME OUT AND LOOK AT IT ?
Dear Laurel,
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YOUR QUESTION #0021580:
Blue Spruce planted last year not blue anymore
The 10 foot blue spruce planted last fall is mostly green and i was wondering if it needs nutrients or what else to help it be blue again? Would someone be able to come out and look at it to tell us how to take care of it?Ask Extension offers one-to-one expert answers from Cooperative Extension/University staff and volunteers within participating Land-Grant institutions across the United States.
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Thank you for your question.
From the picture you sent, it looks like there is new growth on your tree which is a good sign. It usually takes a transplanted tree 1 year per each inch caliper of the tree. E.g. A 4" caliper tree takes 4 years to recover from the transplanting process. Sometimes, the new growth will be a lighter color or lighter blue than the older growth. If the new growth is healthy and is not withered and dry, then your tree may be doing okay.
Did you provide any fall and winter watering during the dry periods we had this last fall and winter? Newly transplanted trees, especially those transplanted in the fall do not have the root system that established trees have to help them through the dry, windy fall and winter weather. Supplemental watering during these times is very important.
Provide adequate water to the tree during this growing season and into the fall and winter. Do not fertilize at this time. Let the tree grow the feeder roots that will help it take up nutrients, oxygen and water from the soil. You can check to see if the soil is dry by digging down a bit to check the moisture around the tree.
Take a closer look at the black needles: Do you see any insect activity in this area? Is the whole needle black or does it look like something is on the needle, either on top or on the underside? Does this black area reach to the trunk? If you can send a picture of this area we will take a look at it. You can respond to this email.
Here are some Fact Sheets to read:
https://cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/635.pdf
https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/trees-shrubs-vines/1707-fall-planting/
https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/yard-garden/fall-and-winter-watering-7-211/
I will watch for additional pictures.
