How to Prune and Care for Alberta Spruce

Plant Alberta spruce where it will get air circulation to help control mite infestations. When planting next to a building, plant 3 to 4 feet away to allow the tree to reach mature height without pressing against the structure.

Plant Alberta spruce trees in spring or summer. Dig out the hole 1 to 2 feet wider than the diameter of the pot your spruce came in or the width of the root ball for ball and burlap trees. Make the hole the same depth as the pot or root ball.

Slide the root ball out of the nursery pot. Plant ball and burlap trees as is without unwrapping the roots. Position the Alberta spruce with the base of the trunk at the same level as the surrounding soil line. Back fill the hole and press the soil down around the roots.

Soak the soil 8 to 12 inches deep once a week for the first year after planting. Established spruce trees require water only during drought conditions. When watering, place the hose on a soaker setting and allow the water to penetrate down 12 inches or more. Water the tree at the base keeping moisture off the branches.

Prune Alberta spruce only to remove dead or broken branches. Remove dead and broken branches 1 to 2 inches below the damaged site using pruning shears or a tree saw. This conifer forms a neat shape without pruning. Pruning the limbs causes unsightly growth patterns and holes in the branches and foliage.

Spread a layer of mulch 2 to 4 inches deep around Alberta spruce. A layer of mulch helps regulate moisture and soil temperature and it covers bare soil with a visually pleasing layer of material. Mulch options include wood chips, sawdust, pine needles and crushed rock.

Fertilize once a year in spring. The University of Wisconsin recommends using 16-8-8 or 20-10-5 fertilizer for conifers. Use fertilizer as directed by the manufacturers label.