Colorado spruce

Colorado spruce (Picea pungens 'Foxtail') is a species that requires moderate watering throughout the year but especially during the growing season. During the summer months, it is best to water your Colorado spruce deep, once a week, and only when the soil is dry to a depth of 3-4 inches. During the winter, it is best to allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, and only water if the soil starts to feel dry to the touch at the top 2-3 inches. With good mulching around the base of the tree and a consistent watering schedule, your Foxtail Colorado spruce should thrive.

Colorado spruce (Picea pungens 'Foxtail') prefers at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, ideally receiving full sun from early morning to late afternoon. This species enjoys bright light, but it can tolerate some shade as well, so locations with partial shade are also suitable. It is important to note that too much shade should be avoided, as it can cause the plant to appear weak and become more susceptible to disease.

Colorado spruce (Picea pungens 'Foxtail') should be pruned in the late winter or early spring, before the tree begins to actively grow. If possible, prune right after the snow has melted and the cold weather has passed, but do not prune in temperatures below 10°F. You should also avoid pruning in the late autumn as it can interfere with the formation of buds. Pruning should only involve removal of dead or diseased wood, crossing branches, and branches which are too dense for adequate airflow. The goal is to remove enough branches to thin the tree, but not so much that the overall shape or structure of the tree is significantly altered.