Colorado spruce

The Colorado Spruce requires infrequent but thorough watering. For optimal growth, it should be watered deeply once a week during the spring and summer months when the weather is particularly warm. During the fall months, reduce the frequency of watering to every 2 to 3 weeks. During winter, water once a month, or even less depending on the weather. When watering, be sure the soil at the roots of the tree is thoroughly saturated. This will ensure the roots are able to absorb all the moisture. Additionally, avoid any water runoff during watering; too much water can cause problems.

Colorado spruce is an evergreen conifer that thrives in full sun. The optimal amount of sunlight for this species is 6 to 8 hours a day, with the best time of day for sunlight being mid-morning to mid-afternoon. If grown in an area with fewer than 6 hours of sunlight, the plant will have to work harder to get the necessary energy from the sun. However, the Colorado spruce also does well in partial shade, with 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.

Colorado Spruce should be pruned every year in late fall or early winter, when the tree's sap has stopped flowing. This is known as "dormant pruning." Avoid pruning during spring and summer to reduce the risk of stressing the tree by removing too much foliage. Large branches can be pruned to reduce the size and height of the tree. Make sure to remove branches at least 1/4 inch from the trunk to promote wound healing. Remove a few branches each year to avoid shock. Dead, broken, crossing, or diseased branches should be pruned when they are spotted. Take off all dead wood back to healthy, living wood. Diseased branches should be pruned well below the affected area to prevent spread of infection. Do not top the tree and avoid removing more than 1-third of the living foliage each year. After pruning, seal any large wounds with tree paint or a similar product to encourage regrowth and protect the tree from infection.