11 Alberta Spruce Tree Growing Problems to Watch For

If you’re looking for an iconic evergreen conifer with a distinctive Christmas tree shape, it’s hard to beat the Alberta spruce. The common dwarf variety (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) is one of the most popular landscape plants in colder areas of the US. It stands up to frigid weather and heavy snow and keeps its shape for years. 

The evergreen grows slowly and needs very little maintenance. Even after several decades, an untouched plant will be less than 15 feet tall, keeping its conical shape. 

Although it’s easy to grow, there are a few growing problems to watch out for. From pests and diseases to nutrient deficiencies, watch for these issues before they become a problem. Below are the 11 Alberta spruce problems to watch for so you’ll have robust and long-living trees. 

Waterlogging 

If you notice yellow needles and droopy branches, your Alberta spruce may have a problem with waterlogged roots. This conifer prefers to grow in well-drained soil. If its roots are growing in soggy soil or if you’re overwatering it, you’ll notice some distinct changes. 

The first way to avoid waterlogging your tree is to plant it in well-drained soil. Plant it on a slope, away from the low ground where water accumulates. If there’s heavy rain, its roots will be high above the waterline. 

Another way to prevent waterlogging is to avoid overwatering. Wait until the top three inches of soil dries out before watering again. If you notice the soil becoming soggy, let up on watering and consider transplanting your tree into better-draining soil. 

Winter Burn

When winter hits, the cold air freezes moisture in the ground, causing the soil to dry up. When the ice melts in spring, evergreen conifers such as Alberta spruce may have problems absorbing enough water. Without the moisture to protect them, needles will dry up because of intense sunshine, dry winds, and temperature extremes. 

Winter burn usually happens in areas with extreme cold, harsh winds, and intense sunshine. Trees planted in mountainous regions of the northwestern United States are especially prone to this common growing problem. 

The signs of winter burn include browning on the south and west-facing sides of the plant. As it progresses, you’ll see the browning spread towards the center. Eventually, entire branches can break off in spring and in some cases, your plant may die. 

Overcrowding

You can grow your Alberta spruce as a hedge or in clusters for Christmas trees and winter fencing. However, it’s important not to overcrowd them. If your tree is growing too close to another, it may cause some common growing issues. 

The most common symptom of overcrowding is browning needles. Eventually, these needles fall off the tree, leaving bare sections. If your tree is growing too close to others, it’s probably suffering from overcrowding. 

Overcrowding happens when trees grow too close together. They compete for nutrients, and often the older, more established trees with stronger root systems have the advantage. This causes nutrient and water deficiencies in younger or weaker trees. 

To avoid overcrowding problems, simply plant your Alberta spruce away from other trees. Give its roots enough room by planting it at least four to five feet from its neighbor. You can trim brown foliage caused by overcrowding to encourage new growth. 

Mite Infestations

Overcrowding and spring and summer rainfall cause damaging mite infestations. Mites such as the spruce spider mite (Oligonychus ununguis) wreak havoc on your tree by consuming its sap. This causes nutrient deficiencies and eventually death. 

Look out for symptoms such as yellowing and browning needles that drop and silk-like webs around the foliage. You can check for mites by shaking an infected branch over a sheet of paper. If you see groups of small 0.5 mm oval mites, you likely have an infection. 

Treat your mite infection in early to late May and again in early fall. Start by spraying the infected areas with high-powered water. Take off damaged leaves and dispose of them far away from your garden or yard. 

Try organic oil-based insecticides such as mint, garlic, and clove oils diluted in water work well. Insecticidal soaps made with neem oil are also effective in treating these pests. Keep these critters away by planting your tree in an area with good air circulation. 

Lack of Water

The Alberta spruce is native to Canada and the northern U.S. in areas with long cold winters and mild summers. These regions have low humidity. Even though droughts occur in its native range, a young Alberta spruce needs a consistent water schedule to thrive. 

A common growing problem to watch out for is underwatering. A common sign is dry and wilted needles. This can happen during severe droughts or if your young tree’s roots can’t permeate the soil. 

If you notice these signs, there are a few steps to take. Water your plant when the top three inches of soil dries. If the weather is hot and dry, check to see if the soil has enough moisture. 

After your Alberta spruce matures, it becomes more drought-tolerant. It’s still good practice to check soil moisture if you notice any symptoms. 

Too Much Summer Heat

The ideal climate zone for this festive-looking evergreen conifer is between USDA Hardiness zones 3-6. It thrives when summers are not too hot or humid. If you plant your spruce in areas with intense and muggy summers, you’ll run into problems. 

To prevent problems, Alberta spruce prefers cool air during the summer with good circulation. Too much heat and humidity cause the plant’s cells to die, resulting in brown foliage or stunted growth. 

If you live in areas with hot summers, you may plant your small evergreen in containers only. Move it to shadier areas with good air circulation. You can also plant it next to a larger deciduous tree that can give it a cooling shade during the summer. 

Damaged Trunk 

If you notice the top of your plant is turning brown and wilting, it may be a problem with the roots or trunk. Damage from animals, machinery, or other causes will disrupt nutrients and water flow to the crown. 

Get down to the ground and inspect the trunk and base. If you notice chewed or removed bark, it could mean animals are attacking it, especially if it’s young. Squirrels can use bark as material for their nests and rabbits can bite the bark off. Deer may rub their antlers at the base as well.

Other causes could include trauma to the tree by equipment such as weed whackers, snowplows, or sports equipment. Young trees are especially delicate. Alberta spruce trees are small in stature and large snowfalls can bury them, making them prone to damage. 

If you notice animals are damaging the trunk, put up a fence to protect it. In winter, keep a fence or barrier around a young plant so people know it’s there. As long as most of the bark is intact, it should heal itself.   

Environmental Stress

This short spruce is cold hardy in most environments but sensitive to environmental stresses like pollution and salt spray. In cities or coastal areas, it will be hard to grow, even if other growing conditions are right. 

One of the main harms to the conifer is pollution from pesticides. These chemicals can cause the foliage to die back and turn brown and wilted. 

Salt can damage your spruce as well. Road salt runoff damages plants during the winter and early spring. A similar effect happens to young conifers in coastal areas near the ocean or a saline lake. 

Keep your Alberta spruce away from roads treated with road salt in the winter, as this can cause even more problems. Use only organic fertilizers and pesticides. If you live in areas with high coastal winds, you may not be able to grow this tree. 

The Container is Too Small

This festive-looking evergreen is great for container gardening. Growing it in a container has several advantages. You can gradually expose it to the outdoor environment. You’ll also help bind its root system. 

As easy as growing this species of spruce is, it’s important to choose the right-sized container. Start with a container roughly one-third the height of your plant from the base to the crown. This will give the roots enough room to grow and form a healthy root ball.

This evergreen is slow-growing but benefits from replanting every two to four years. Eventually, you can plant your mature plant outdoors. Make sure you give at least six inches or more of space for the root ball to grow. 

Poor Soil Quality

If you notice signs of malnutrition, waterlogging, or wilting, it may mean you’re growing your tree in poor soil. For this tiny species of spruce to thrive, it needs well-drained soil that’s kept moist, especially when it is young. 

It grows well in slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5 to 7. One of the biggest issues to look out for is waterlogging. If you’re growing your plant in a container, make sure it has enough drainage. In your yard, plant your dwarf conifer on a slope and make sure the soil stays somewhat moist.  

When your plant is young, fertilize it in early spring or summer to encourage new growth. Try an organic fertilizer such as a fish fertilizer. Once it’s mature, it won’t need fertilizer. 

Transplanting Too Early or Too Late

When your tree has outgrown its container or is ready to thrive outdoors, it’s time to transplant. However, choosing the right season to do this is important. Conifers stop growing after the summer, so moving them in the fall is best. 

Transplanting your tree in the fall gives it time to send roots deep into the warm soil before the cold weather hits. Instead of growing new leaves, it diverts energy and nutrients into its root system. With the extra energy, the roots grow deep into the soil where they can access nutrients and give the tree structural support.