Knowledgebase

Fat Albert pine trees #751897

Asked May 24, 2021, 6:21 PM EDT

Hi! We are replacing pine trees that are old and unhealthy. We have planted Black hills spruce...3 so far. We want to add a few more pines/evergreens. Are fat alberts a healthy variety? We are in Bloomington, MN and have sandy soil. Is there any other pines/evergreens that are hardy. Also, what is the best time of year to plant ball and burlap pines. Thank you! Marie

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Fat Albert Blue Colorado Blue Spruce is a beautiful slow growing Blue Spruce. Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) is no longer recommended for Minnesota landscapes due to its susceptibility to several debilitating spruce diseases, most specifically Rhizosphaera needle cast and Cytospora canker. You may read more about these diseases at the following sites.

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/rhizosphaera-needle-cast

https://extension.umn.edu/plant-diseases/cytospora-canker
http://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/evergreen/

Scotch pine, Mugo pine, junipers grow well in sandy soil.

Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied May 27, 2021, 8:32 AM EDT
So I am sorry but I am still confused.  Do you no longer recommend the fat albert spruce?

Marie

Also what is the best time of year to plant?


-----Original Message-----
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
To: Marie E Cannady <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Thu, May 27, 2021 7:32 am
Subject: Re: Fat Albert pine trees (#0021828)

The Question Asker Replied May 28, 2021, 5:07 PM EDT
Unfortunately all blue spruce including Fat Albert blue spruce are prone to several fungus diseases as they age so we not longer recommend growing them in MN. 
Pat M MN master gardener and TCA Replied May 28, 2021, 5:14 PM EDT

Loading ...