How Can I Make a Spruce Live?

Spruces are some of the most common trees used for landscaping. They are quite hardy and relatively easy to keep alive. In fact, a healthy spruce can live for 200 years or more. They can survive in most planting zones and in most types of soil. However, they are susceptible to several pests and diseases, including needle cast disease and cytospora canker disease. All most spruce trees need to thrive is a little light maintenance.

Hose
Mulch
High-nitrogen tree fertilizer
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Water your spruce tree regularly. In hot, dry weather, young trees must be watered once a week. To water, place the hose at base of plant and let the water trickle into soil to cover its roots.
- 2
  Spread mulch around the base of the plant. The mulch will keep pests away from the tree and add nutrients to the soil. It will also reduce the need to water and keep weeds at bay.
- 3
  Spread fertilizer around the base of the tree according to the manufacturer's directions to ensure maximal growth. It is best to fertilize in early spring, the beginning of the growing season.
- 4
  Prune the tree in early spring, if needed. Trim the ends of the branches as sparingly as possible to ensure the optimal health of the tree.
- 5
  Check to make sure the tree is healthy and free of disease regularly. Look out for discoloration of, and dropping of, needles, which is indicative of needle cast disease. Cytospora canker disease causes browning of branches and a sticky white sap. In either case, prune the affected branches several inches below the diseased areas.

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