When to Plant a Blue Spruce Tree?

Planting Time

• Evergreen tree such as the blue spruce are best planted during fall, as recommended by the Oregon State University Extension. One of the primary reasons for this is that the weather in fall is mild enough to allow plants to become established before the cold of winter sets in. Care should be taken that the trees are planted in early fall, recommends the University of Wisconsin Extension. Planting too late in the season will not allow sufficient time for the plants to settle before winter, making trees prone to winter burn.

Advantages

• Planting blue spruce in fall serves a number of advantages. It helps to reduce the shock of transplanting since the plant's naturally reduced needs for water at this time corresponds with the root's reduced ability to supply water immediately after transplanting. This is due both to root loss and change in growth conditions. Roots of trees planted in fall also have a better chance of growing and becoming anchored in the soil prior to spring, the period of active growth.

Growth Conditions

• Plant blue spruce in a moist, well-drained and fertile soil. The tree is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 to 7 and is tolerant of dry wind and drought. Water newly planted, young trees regularly and apply a 1- to 3-inch-deep layer of mulch to help conserve water. Amend planting site with organic material like aged manure, shredded leaves or compost prior to planting.

Planting Suggestions

• Conifers generally establish readily in their new planting site. Choose smaller sized trees for transplants as this allows the roots to establish at the same pace as the natural growth rate of the tree, recommends Adrian Bloom in "Gardening with Conifers." Prior to removing the plant from the container, immerse in a tub or bucket for several minutes. Make sure that the planting hole is large enough to easily accommodate the roots without crowding. Select an area of full sun for best growth.