Planting Instructions

Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')

Planting Instructions:

  • When to Plant:

    • The best time to plant a Dwarf Alberta Spruce is in spring or early fall. Avoid planting in the heat of summer or during the winter months, as extreme temperatures can stress the plant.

  • Location:

    • Choose a sunny spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In Colorado, full sun is ideal, but in very hot summer areas, consider a location with afternoon shade to prevent needle burn.

  • Soil Preparation:

    • The Dwarf Alberta Spruce prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter like compost or a well-draining planting mix to improve drainage.

    • pH: This plant prefers slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.5). If needed, test your soil and adjust the pH with sulfur if it’s too alkaline.

  • Planting Steps:

    1. Dig the Hole:

      • Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and about the same depth. The goal is to give the roots plenty of room to spread out.

    2. Remove the Plant from the Pot:

      • Gently remove the Dwarf Alberta Spruce from its pot. If the roots are root-bound (circling the pot), gently loosen them with your fingers or a small tool. Trim any very thick, circling roots if necessary.

    3. Position the Plant:

      • Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Planting too deep can cause the roots to rot.

    4. Backfill the Hole:

      • Fill the hole with the amended soil, gently firming the soil around the roots as you go. Avoid packing the soil too tightly, as this can restrict root growth.

    5. Water:

      • Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Make sure the plant is well-watered but not waterlogged.

    6. Mulch:

      • Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree (but not directly against the trunk). This will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Wichita Blue Upright Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum 'Wichita Blue')

Planting Instructions:

  • When to Plant:

    • Like the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, the best time to plant the Wichita Blue Juniper is in spring or early fall. Avoid planting in summer heat or during the winter months when the ground may be frozen.

  • Location:

    • Select a full sun location. Wichita Blue Junipers thrive in full sun, which helps to maintain their distinctive blue color and overall health. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

    • Spacing: If planting multiple junipers, allow at least 4-6 feet between each tree to accommodate their mature size and to allow proper airflow.

  • Soil Preparation:

    • The Wichita Blue Juniper prefers well-draining, sandy soil. It is highly drought-tolerant, so the soil should not retain excess moisture.

    • pH: This plant can tolerate slightly alkaline soil, so it’s not as particular as the Dwarf Alberta Spruce about pH but prefers soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

  • Planting Steps:

    1. Dig the Hole:

      • Dig a hole that is about 2-3 times the size of the root ball. This gives the roots space to expand and establish themselves.

    2. Prepare the Root Ball:

      • Remove the juniper from its pot. If the roots are circling the root ball, gently loosen them to encourage outward growth.

    3. Position the Plant:

      • Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.

    4. Backfill and Water:

      • Fill the hole with the soil you removed, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and ensure good root-to-soil contact.

    5. Mulch:

      • Apply a thin layer of mulch (2-3 inches) around the base of the tree, but not directly touching the trunk. This will help maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds.

Taunton Yew (Taxus baccata 'Tauntonii')

Planting Instructions:

  • When to Plant:

    • Plant your Taunton Yew in early spring or early fall for the best results. Avoid planting during the summer heat or in freezing temperatures.

  • Location:

    • Taunton Yews prefer partial shade to full shade. In Colorado, where sun exposure can be intense, look for a location that provides some afternoon shade, especially if your area experiences hot summers.

    • Spacing: If planting multiple yews, space them about 3-4 feet apart to allow for proper growth and airflow.

  • Soil Preparation:

    • Taunton Yews prefer moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5). If your soil is too clayey or heavy, amend it with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage.

    • Amend Soil: If the soil is alkaline, you can mix in some sulfur to bring the pH down slightly.

  • Planting Steps:

    1. Dig the Hole:

      • Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the width of the root ball and about the same depth. This gives the roots room to spread out and establishes the plant well.

    2. Prepare the Root Ball:

      • Gently remove the Taunton Yew from its pot. If the roots are bound or circling the pot, gently loosen them. If needed, trim any thick roots that are overly twisted.

    3. Position the Plant:

      • Position the root ball so that the top of it is level with the surrounding soil. Planting too deep can lead to root rot.

    4. Backfill the Hole:

      • Backfill the hole with the excavated soil, gently tamping it down around the roots to eliminate air pockets.

    5. Water Thoroughly:

      • Water well immediately after planting to ensure the roots are hydrated and the soil settles around the roots.

    6. Mulch:

      • Apply mulch (2-3 inches) around the base of the plant, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch will help maintain soil moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations in the soil.

Additional Planting Tips:

  • Watering After Planting:

    • Immediately after planting, water the plants thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots. Watering is especially important for newly planted trees, as it helps eliminate air pockets and ensures the roots are adequately hydrated.

  • Staking (if necessary):

    • If planting in a windy area, you may need to stake the plants for the first season to help stabilize them. Use soft ties that won’t damage the trunk or branches. Remove the stakes after a year or two once the tree is established and more stable.

  • Aftercare:

    • During the first growing season, monitor the moisture levels of the soil and ensure the trees are watered consistently. This is especially important for trees in pots, as the soil can dry out more quickly than in-ground plantings.