Thank you for contacting Ask Extension!  Your trees appear to be growing under stress, either from problems related to improper planting or difficult site conditions.  They will not be able to thrive unless the stress is mitigated.  It is difficult to know the source of the stress.  The soil may be too compact so roots cannot penetrate well.  The soil may have high clay content or not drain well, leaving the roots too wet.  Alternatively, the trees may be experiencing drought stress during the summer. The effects of environmental stress may not be apparent for a year or more.  It is likely that there is a combination of stressors affecting the trees, together resulting in the poor growth response apparent in the trees.

You could consider getting a soil test, which would let you know the soil texture and pH (acidic for spruce) and whether there are any nutrients lacking: https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/.

Some alternative trees may be found in: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Alternatives_to_blue_spruce_BertCregg.pdf

Consider irrigating 1 inch water per week if possible during prolonged dry periods.  If that is not possible, consider applying 3 inches of mulch, such as pine needles or wood chips to conserve water and moderate soil temperatures.  Application of a low rate of balanced fertilizer, such as 1 or 2 lbs of 10-10-10 spread evenly under the canopy of each tree may be beneficial, but a soil test would help to know for sure.

More information: 

Trees and drought

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/help-me-save-my-blue-spruce

Hello,

Thanks for the reply.  I’ve taken some soil samples and submitted them for testing.  In the meanwhile I’ve removed sod around my Concolor’s and the clay was rock hard.  After soaking I was able to turn over the clay with a shovel.  Before using the 10-10-10 that was recommended I was wondering if I should use lime or compost on this area first?

Thank you,

Larry 

Soil testing was a good idea.  I would wait and not add any fertilizer, compost, or amendment until after you get the soil analysis back.  If you would like to send me your test ID number once you get the results, I'd be happy to help dial in the fertilizer.

DK67B4 - Hello, I just received the soil test results.

Larry Sieracki

Looks like your big problem is pH 7.9, which is nearly 100 times more alkaline than is appropriate for your trees.  A target pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is appropriate for your conifers.  It may be difficult to reduce the pH to appropriate levels, and will likely take a couple of years.  You may be better off replacing with trees that tolerate alkaline soils.  Has lime been applied in the past?  Do not apply any fertilizer until the fall, after the first hard freeze, when you will want to apply ammonium sulfate and potash.  Do not add any phosphorus, despite the contradictory wording in your report.

You will want to apply elemental sulfur to reduce soil pH, but this will need to be divided into 4 applications, spaced a few months apart.  Apply only when temperatures are below 75 F, and water in.  You will need around 0.6 lbs sulfur / 100 sq ft of soil for each application.   

Here is additional background on lowering soil pH: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Lowering_Soil_pH_with_Sulfur.pdf

Here is a calculator to determine the amount of sulfur to apply: https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Lowering_Soil_pH_with_Sulfur.pdf

Thank you for the quick response.  No, lime has not been applied anywhere in my yard.  I will follow your soil improvement recommendations starting in the fall.  Two questions:  Should I apply compost under the wood chips?  I have a bag of  HollyTone for acidic plants and trees.  Is this something I can use now?

Thanks again,

Larry 

Both compost and Holly-tone are fertilizers, and either would need to be applied in the fall, after the first hard freeze.  If you apply either now, you could prompt new growth that may not properly harden off for winter. 

Got it,  don’t fertilize until fall.  

Thank you,

Larry 

You got it!  If you have any more questions as time goes on, feel free to circle back around.

It is ok to fertilize now, but I would hold off on adding sulfur until spring, when the soil is above 55 F, and only if the soil is not saturated with water.

Happy to help. Take care, and let me know if you have follow-up questions!