Do blue spruce grow well in Indiana?
A: Blue spruce is not particularly well-adapted to Indiana. They suffer in heavy, poorly drained soil as well as from extreme heat and drought. They are also susceptible to a number of fungal diseases.
Why are blue spruce dying in Indiana?
The Colorado Blue spruce is not native to Indiana and tends to be susceptible to disease. One common disease, caused by the fungus Rizosphaera kalkhoffii, results in the defoliation of the tree. If left untreated needlecast can lead to the death of the tree.
How do you plant a Fat Albert blue spruce?
Be sure to plant Fat Albert Blue Spruce in an area with lots of sunshine and air movement. A breezy spot with full sun will reduce the opportunities for fungus diseases of the lovely blue needles to become established.
Why does my blue spruce keep dying?
Blue spruce trees are susceptible to an infectious needle disease caused by the fungus Rhizosphaera. Second-year needles turn a purple or brown color and eventually fall from the tree. After several successive years of needle loss branches may die. In general, trees appear to die from the bottom upward.
How fast do Fat Albert blue spruce grow?
As mentioned, the Fat Albert blue spruce, a relative of the Colorado spruce, is known as a relatively slow grower. A mature tree, if properly cared for and in ideal conditions, can grow a foot or more each year. Younger trees grow a bit slower at first, perhaps 3 or 4 inches per year.
How do you care for a Fat Albert blue spruce?
Prefers full sun and well drained soil. No wet clay! * Care: Keep damp the first season or two until the roots establish, then ‘Fat Albert’ is drought-tough. Fertilize with a spring scattering of acidifying, organic, granular fertilizer.
What’s the average lifespan of a blue spruce?
In the wild, the Colorado blue spruce can live 200 years or more. In the home landscape, it usually stays healthy for about 40 to 60 years, after which its health begins to fail, according to Northern State University.
