Dwarf Alberta Spruce

[rodnday]

I am just wondering if I should be shaping my dwraf Alberta spruce with hedge trimmers or anything at all to give it a very clean piramid shape? Any help or advise would be greatly appreciated.:)

[Newt]

Hi Rodnday,

You don't say where you live, but I'm guessing you live in the US or Canada.* If so, the best time to prune a spruce is in May and June.* The worst time to prune is July, August and September.* You can prune at other times if you need to.

As to whether or not you should prune for the look you want is up to you.* If you find you don't like the shape you can prune.* Using hedge trimmers will giver a formal appearance to your spruce.* If you use hand pruners to just prune wayward branches it will give a softer and more informal look.* Do you have any pictures of your spruce?

Newt

[rodnday]

Newt, I live in Vermont and from what you are telling me I guess that I will wait untill next year to do some shaping of my dwarf Alberta spruce. It doesn't look terribly bad but I feel it could use some manicuring. Thanks for your advise.

[Newt]

You are very welcome!* Since you live in Vermont, you could prune in early October.* The reason for not pruning in summer with this species is due to insect activity that could be attracted to a newly pruned tree.* With pruning in fall you risk a flush of growth if the weather stays warm after pruning, that can quickly change to freezing temps and damage the new growth that didn't have time to harden off.* Here's a handy chart for evergreens and decidious trees.
http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nursery/430-461/430-461.html
http://www.emerysgarden.com/infoshee...es_pruning.htm

Newt