Engelmann spruce

Engelmann Spruce trees need to be watered every 10-14 days in the summer and every 20-30 days in the winter. During the summer times, you should give your Engelmann Spruce tree about 1 inch of water per week. In winter months, the watering requirement is reduced to about 1/2 inch of water per month. Water thoroughly, soaking the root zone which is the area within the drip line of the tree. Always allow the soil to dry out 2-3 inches deep between each watering.

Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) is a tree species that is native to the mountain regions of the western United States and Canada. This species of tree requires full sun or at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Sunlight is essential to spruces because it helps with the development of the tree’s flowers, cones, and cone scales. It also helps to keep the tree looking its best, as inadequate sunlight can cause foliage to become pale or yellowish in color. During the peak of the growing season, late spring and summer, Engelmann spruce will thrive in full sunlight all day long. During the winter months, the species will benefit from brief bursts of sun when the temperature rises, or warm, sunny winter days.

Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii) needs minimal pruning or pruning only for safety reasons such as to remove dead, diseased or damaged limbs. Maintenance pruning can be done in early spring before new growth begins or in late fall after needles have dropped. Pruning should focus on branches near the ends of the stems or the leader stems to maintain or increase tree shape and vigor. Oversize branches can be reduced by half, taking care to avoid cutting into older wood. When pruning, leave a collar, a flared attachment at the base of the cut branch, to help prevent diseases from entering. Avoid major pruning of any evergreen for aesthetic reasons as it can be harsh on the tree’s health.