I planted two young picea abies six weeks ago in a coastal location of Nova Scotia, very close to a beach. (there are hundreds of spruces & white/red pines within a hundred yards or so) The soil in the immediate area is a thick mire of red clay, but I ammended the hole with plenty of potting soil, and a generous amount of bonemeal. They seem to be doing well so far, but I'm wondering if it's okay to fertilize yet, and if so, with what? Also, it's a windy / stormy area, particularly in winter, so given their size, should I give these guys winter protection? (burlap?) Norway Spruce is very common here, and tends to do well despite the salty spray and clay soil there, but ANY advice is appreciated. Thx.
Norway spruce aren't particularly resistant to salt spray, probably about the same as white spruce. If they are in the same exposure as the white spruce are, they should be fine. I wouldn't bother with winter protection (they're zone 3 hardy), just make sure they are kept moist until the ground freezes. Some mulch around the base would be beneficial, just don't mound it up against the trunk You could fertilize now, but I would wait until September/October. When you do fertilize, a balanced fertilizer will be sufficient. Simon
No, a balanced fert. is not good for conifers in the fall, a very low single digit 1st # (nitrogen) is needed, if any, and the other two #'s shouldn't be high.
Thanks Rima. Incldentally, the Norway spuce are planted at our property at Caribou/Toney River, Pictou, whereas the sequoias (other post) are to go in our yard in Hfx (near the Rotary) where I can keep an eye on them.
You're growing sequoias near the rotary??? Maybe those 'sentinels' can cure the traffic problems! But do you really have the space? Wow, hope you have understanding neighbours!
So the little one is doing just great; lots of new (next year's) bud growth on every branch. Unfortunately the taller one isn't doing as well...no bud growth really, slight browning of a couple of the lower branches, and a few clusters of aphid-like greyish dots clumped around the tips of some of the outer top needles. What to do? Does that one sound like a gonner? For what it's worth, the little one was bought at a nursery, the taller one self-transplanted in June. Any help appreciated!
Next time do not amend planting holes or use bone meal. Do clear a wide area of grass and mulch after planting. Fertilize in autumn, following recommendations on soil analysis report. http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/~Linda Chalker-Scott/Horticultural Myths_files/index.html
