How to Grow Colorado Spruce in Arkansas

Growing Requirements

• 1

  Choose a growing site in full sun with loam soil.

• 2

  Plant your trees at least 10 feet apart, or 10 to 15 feet apart if using them for landscape screening.

• 3

  Spread a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch in a 3- to 4-foot radius around the tree.

• 4

  Water your Colorado spruce trees weekly during the first year. After the first year, water the trees twice a month. Make sure the soil is kept moist during the hot and humid summer months in Arkansas, but keep soil well-drained to prevent water-logging the trees.

Maintenance

• 5

  Perform a soil pH test. Fertilize your trees in the early spring or late fall with high-nitrogen fertilizer (12-6-3 or 16-6-6). Use acidic fertilizer only if pH levels read above 7.8.

• 6

  Estimate the height of your tree and divide that number by 3 to determine the amount of fertilizer you need in pounds. For example, if your Colorado spruce is 21 feet tall, you will need 7 pounds of fertilizer. Divide the fertilizer application into three parts.

• 7

  Mix 1 part of the fertilizer into the soil around the base of the tree. Dig 12- to 15-inch-deep holes between the base of the tree and the edge of its spread. Fill the holes with the remaining fertilizer, top the holes with soil, and water the fertilized area well to activate.

• 8

  Check trees for common pests, such as spruce gall adelgid, spruce budworms, spruce needle miners, pine needle scales, bagworms and aphids. Pay close attention for mites in Arkansas; trees are more susceptible after hot, dry weather. Inspect needles with a magnifying glass for mites if signs of yellowing occur.

• 9

  Make a soap-based treatment to avoid using chemical-based pesticides that may damage the wax coating on needles. Fill a spray bottle with 1 quart of water. Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid soap into the bottle. Spray infected areas in the early morning or late afternoon when weather is calm.