Picea Abies / Picea Excelsa – Young Plant – Informal Upright

Position: Full sun with the exception of mid summer, when partial shade can be beneficial to avoid reaching excessive temperatures.

Watering: Picea are very tolerant of soil drought and also relatively resistant of somewhat excessive moisture. A good soil drainage and regular watering before soil gets completely dry is nevertheless preferrable to avoid plant stress and favouring fungal diseases

Feeding: Spring to Autumn, gradually decreasing the nitrogen component in favour of potassium in the course of the season

Repotting: Repot relatively infrequently, especially mature specimens, from late Summer to early Autumn. Early spring is also possible but more stressfull for the tree. Avoid removing too much soil and hassling the delicate root system.

Soil Ph: Very tolerant of both acidic and alkaline soil conditions

Pruning: Pinch new buds in late spring after they start elongating to increase pads density, allow light and air ventilation in the interior part of the canopy preventing diseases and favouring back budding on young wood. Back budding on very old wood is extremely unlikey to happen. Autumn is the best period for thicker branch pruning. Make sure wounds are clean and the cambium tissue is not damaged to favour proper cicatrization.

Wiring: Spruce wood is extremely elastic, even when relatively mature. This means that re-wiring is often necessary as branches tand to return to their original position after wired has been removed. For this reason, usage of guy wire can be more effective. Wiring in spring and summer can result in branches die back, so Autumn/Winter wiring is preferrable.

Pests and Disease: Norway spruce is a relatively pest resistant tree. Aphids and spider mites can be a problem.