My wifes Grandmother gave us $50.00 29 years ago, and we bought a Colorado Blue Spruce with it and planted it in our new backyard. It was beautiful. Unfortuneately, other trees smothered its sun and the urban sprawl had roads widened and her roots were damaged. My wifes Grandmother has passed away and She (The Spruce) is nearly dead as well...only a few branches in the middle of the tree are alive with new silver green growth. The top 4-5 feet are dead, just branches. We would like to try to save her if possible and if not, can someone suggest how we can grow another tree from her. I have no idea how to do this. Someone suggested using her pine cones but she has never had any. Please help...any suggestions?
As your not familiar with tree propagation, I don't know how helpful this post will be for you. Seed is the easiest and best method to start Blue Spruce. As soon as it is ripe the seed can be easily shaken loose from the cone and should be planted at once if possible. However, seedlings such as the Colorado blue spruce do not always resemble their parents, and a high percentage of them may be various shades of green, rather than a rich blue. Spruce with outstanding color are usually started from grafts. Grafting is done on potted seedlings of the same variety In a greenhouse using the side veneer graft. Cuttings are difficult to root at best, but when they are taken in late winter and rooted in a greenhouse with bottom heat, extra light, and rooting chemicals, results are sometimes quite good. Good luck. - Millet
Millet - Thank you for your information. She has never given off cones so going that route will not be possible. I suppose I can try grafting. Again, Thank you.
