How to Prune a Damaged Blue Spruce

Discussion in 'HortForum' started by ddragt, Aug 23, 2009.

  1. ddragt

    ddragt Member

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    stoneham, ma usa
    Last year I planted a colorado blue spruce tree whose branches had been damaged at a local nursery here in Massachusetts. This spring, its new growth was spotty, with normal new growth from the undamaged branches and little or none from the damaged ones. New growth at the top of the tree was bunched up and, although a small leader has emerged, it has not extended as far as it should, resulting in a cluster of new growth with many small branches at the top in a very small vertical space. My fear is that next spring the problem will become much more severe as each of those dense branches produces additional new growth which will result in a head-like top to the tree. Can I prune back those dense branches at the top now so next spring the new growth at the top comes only from the leader or is there another solution to the problem or should I just leave it alone and let it do its thing? The tree now appears to be very healthy and I am hoping for a more balanced growth everywhere else on the tree. If, however, the top does what I fear, it will be a very strange looking specimen for sure.
     
  2. ian66

    ian66 Active Member

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    Being newly planted, I wouldn't expect to see too much vigorous growth until the roots have a chance to become established and spread out. I would also recommend that you do cut out competing growth with the leader. Try to prune the cluster of growth back to re-shape the affected area.
     

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