How often do I water my Alberta Spruce?

After back filling and lightly compacting the 50/50 mix of existing soil and compost give the Alberta Spruce a good deep watering. This is not to be rushed. Most of the water you put on the plant at first will run away from the plant until the soil is soaked. A general rule of thumb is to count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size. For example a one gallon pot would be watered until you count to 5 a three gallon pot would be 15 and so on. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day there after. Water using the counting method for the first few weeks. You’ll want to water the bushes regularly after planting until they’ve been well established. We like to tell folks that when watering Spruce or any plant for that matter its best not to water the foliage of the plant. Water at the base of the plant near the soil line only. Gator bag Jr. can be used to help aid in this process and also provide plants with a good soaking due to the slow release of the water into the root-zone of the plant. Soaker Hoses can also be used to water when planting a long hedge.

How do I fertilize my Dwarf Alberta Tree?

Plants such as Spruce trees grow best if they are fertilized once in the spring and again in early summer. The Dwarf Alberta Spruce favors nutrient rich soil and ample fertilization. This Spruce benefits from an fertilizer which can help raise the acid level of the soil such as Holly-Tone by Espoma. When selecting a fertilizer for your Spruce, if soil Ph is not an issue a simple balanced fertilizer can be used such as Tree-tone. Don’t fertilize Alberta Spruce after August in the North. Fall is the time for spruce to begin preparing for dormancy. Fertilizing at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender to withstand the winter. In the South, a late summer into September application would be about right. As mentioned one spring application of a balanced fertilizer should more than suffice. Either chemical fertilizers or organic matter can be used successfully. Since an organic method of applying manure and/or compost around the roots, produces excellent results and also improves the condition of the soil, this would be an excellent first line of attack.

How do I mulch my evergreen spruce?

We highly recommend that you mulch your Dwarf Alberta Spruce with either a ground hardwood mulch or a ground cypress mulch depending on your local availability. Any type of mulch will do but cypress or hardwood mulch will be of a higher quality and provide better nutrition overall as they breakdown. Mulching helps to keep weeds away which will compete with your new investment for water and nutrients. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch is sufficient but remember to take care not to cover any part of the stem of the plant with mulch. Its better to leave a one inch gap of space between the mulch and the stem or trunk of the plant.

How do I prune Dwarf Alberta Spruce?

Dwarf Alberta Spruce is shrub that should be pruned in the late spring to maintain the shape and height of the plant. In general gardening terms, pruning is probably the most misunderstood gardening chore, and certainly, the chore that is most likely neglected. When we specifically look at pruning with regards to Spruce, this misunderstanding and negligence can be magnified. Pruning has been described as a “combination of art and science.” I personally find pruning to be one of the most relaxing yet rewarding chores in the garden. Pruning a specific plant to look a specific way, involves art in creating a unique definition for a specific plant, and it involves science in understanding the physical growing habits of the plant to be pruned. The most important reason for pruning Dwarf Alberta Spruce is to improve the overall health of the plant which in turn will reward you with a flush of new growth. Removing the dead and dying limbs will minimize the possibility of diseases such as “die back” and will also allow the plant to re-concentrate its energies and produce many more foliage. The main reason for pruning laurels such as Dwarf Alberta Spruce is to re-define the plant’s definition within the landscape. Many times, a plant may outgrow its intended size in the landscape, and must be pruned to re-define its purpose. Pruning should always be associated with re-invigorating a plant by allowing it to focus its energies on producing more vigorous branches, foliage, and flowers. It is important to always use sharp tools when pruning Dwarf Alberta Spruce or any plant for that matter. Knives, hand cutters, saws, and shears should be sharpened if necessary before pruning any plants. A sharp cut will heal quicker than a jagged cut, which will also minimize the likelihood of disease investing a cut during pruning. It is generally recommended to not use power equipment such as gas hedgers to prune Dwarf Alberta Spruce or any plant in my opinion.

Images Depict Mature Plants

Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Q: How do I plant my Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree?

We suggest when planting your newly purchased Dwarf Alberta Spruce that you dig a hole twice as wide as the root system but not deeper. Depending on the quality of your existing soil you may need to add a locally sourced compost or topsoil to the back-fill soil. We do not recommend using straight topsoil or compost as a back-fill soil because more times than not these products will retain entirely to much moisture and will cause the root system to rot. Adding compost or topsoil will help the young feeder roots of Dwarf Alberta Spruce to spread through the loose, nutrient rich soil, much easier than if you used solely the existing soil which more times than not will be hard and compacted. The most common cause of plant death after transplanting is planting the new plant to deep. That is why we do not recommend planting in a hole any deeper than the soil line of the plant in the pot. A good rule is that you should still be able to see the soil the plant was grown in after back-filling the hole. Bio-tone starter fertilizer is a great starter fertilizer that provides plants with mycorrhizae fungus. It is a naturally occuring beneficial fungus that colonizes on the new growing roots of plants. It creates a barrier between the roots of the plant and fungus and pathogens that can cause root rot. We love this product and use it on all plants we install in our own gardens. Bio-tone is a gardeners best friend and can help guarantee your success.

Picea glauca conica

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees are prized for their naturally symmetrical, pyramidal form and dense, evergreen foliage that provides year-round color and texture. Ideal for foundation plantings, formal gardens, container displays, and entryway accents, these slow-growing conifers add elegant structure and low-maintenance charm to any landscape.

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Woodies Root Booster Fertilizer

Woodies Select 4-4-4 Organic Fertilizer

Tree Staking Kit by DeWitt

DeWitt Dew Right Tree Watering Donut

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees (Picea glauca ‘Conica’) are beloved for their compact, symmetrical shape and dense, bright green needles that provide year-round interest. Naturally growing in a conical form, these slow-growing evergreen trees are ideal for formal gardens, foundation plantings, and decorative containers. Reaching a mature height of 6 to 8 feet over many years, Dwarf Alberta Spruce offers an elegant, low-maintenance option for adding vertical interest to tight spaces.

These cold-hardy evergreens thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, adapting well to both urban and suburban landscapes. Their tidy, pyramidal shape requires little to no pruning, making them especially popular for entryway accents, topiary forms, or symmetrical planting in pairs. Dwarf Alberta Spruce maintains its soft texture and fresh green color throughout the seasons, bringing consistent charm to mixed borders, rock gardens, or container displays.

Gardeners appreciate Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees not only for their visual appeal but also for their durability and resilience. They are resistant to many pests and tolerant of cold climates, making them a smart long-term investment in your landscape design. Whether planted as a single specimen or in a symmetrical row, these compact conifers bring structure, texture, and timeless evergreen beauty to any outdoor space.

Growzone: 3-8

Dwarf Alberta Spruce Hardiness Zones 3-8

Hardiness Zone:	3-8
Mature Height:	6 to 8 Feet
Mature Width:	4 to 5 Feet
Classification:	Conifer / evergreen
Sunlight:	Partial to full sun
Habit:	Densely branched, cone-shaped
Foliage:	Dark green
Flower Color:	Inconspicuous
Pruning Season:	Prune in late spring to maintain shape
Soil Condition:	Any well-drained soil
Water Requirements:	Water well until established
Uses:	Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, foundations, or planted in mass

How to Care for Dwarf Alberta Spruce

Before you buy a Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.

How do I plant my Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree?

To plant your Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree, begin by selecting a site that receives full sun to partial shade and offers well-drained soil. These compact evergreens thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil and do not tolerate soggy conditions. Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball, loosening the surrounding soil to encourage root expansion. Gently remove the tree from its container, tease apart any circling roots, and position it so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil mixed with compost, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets, and water thoroughly after planting. Once planted, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base—keeping it away from the trunk—to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Space multiple Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees 4 to 6 feet apart if planting in a row or symmetrical grouping. These trees are excellent choices for containers, entryway flanking, and small-space gardens thanks to their slow growth and natural conical form. With proper planting and location, your Dwarf Alberta Spruce will establish quickly and provide lasting evergreen appeal for years to come.

How often do I water my Dwarf Alberta Spruce trees?

Proper watering is essential for the health and longevity of your Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree, especially during its first year after planting. Immediately after planting, water deeply to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil. During the growing season, maintain consistent soil moisture by watering when the top inch of soil feels dry—typically once or twice per week, depending on weather conditions. Avoid overwatering, as soggy or poorly drained soil can lead to root rot. A slow, deep soak is best to encourage strong root growth. As the tree becomes established, usually after the first year, it becomes more drought-tolerant, requiring less frequent watering. However, in periods of extreme heat or dry spells, supplemental watering will help maintain the tree’s dense, green needles and overall vigor. For potted specimens, check moisture levels more frequently, as containers dry out faster than garden beds. Using mulch around the base helps conserve moisture and reduces temperature fluctuations, promoting consistent hydration and root health for your Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree.

How do I fertilize my Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree?

To fertilize your Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer—such as a 10-10-10 or 12-6-6 formula—in early spring before new growth begins. This type of fertilizer provides essential nutrients for healthy foliage and steady growth without overstimulating the naturally slow-growing tree. Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly around the drip line (not against the trunk), then water thoroughly to help it absorb into the soil. Avoid using high-nitrogen formulas, as they may lead to excessive growth that can disrupt the tree’s dense, compact shape. For container-grown Dwarf Alberta Spruce Trees, a diluted liquid fertilizer applied every 4–6 weeks during the growing season is ideal, as nutrients leach from pots more quickly. Always follow label instructions to prevent fertilizer burn, and never fertilize late in the growing season, which can encourage tender growth susceptible to winter damage. Proper fertilization enhances the tree’s rich green color and keeps its needles full and vibrant, ensuring your Dwarf Alberta Spruce remains a standout feature in your landscape year-round.

How and When do I Prune my Dwarf Alberta Spruce?

Pruning your Dwarf Alberta Spruce Tree should be done selectively and sparingly, as this slow-growing evergreen naturally maintains a dense, symmetrical, conical form. The best time to prune is in late spring to early summer, just after the new growth, or “candles,” has emerged and started to harden. Lightly pinch or snip back the tips of these new shoots to shape the tree and encourage compact growth. Avoid cutting into old wood or removing large branches, as this can create unsightly gaps that may not fill in easily. Routine pruning is typically minimal for Dwarf Alberta Spruce, but occasional maintenance can help keep its tidy appearance, especially when grown in formal gardens, containers, or foundation plantings. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches as needed throughout the year. If your spruce is used in a symmetrical design or entryway accent, light shearing may be used to maintain its uniform shape, but avoid over-pruning, which can stress the plant. With careful, seasonal pruning, your Dwarf Alberta Spruce will retain its signature form and year-round ornamental value.