Asked on May 24, 2014
Only one of four baby spruce trees survived the winter. What happened?
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Bought and planted (in pots) four baby spruce trees last fall. They were purchased from the same nursery, planted in the same potting mix, exposed to the same weather. They were placed at each end and middle of the garages and one near the front door. The one that survived (actually flourished) was the on the left side of the garage.
Any idea what happened? And how do I avoid it in the future?
Any idea what happened? And how do I avoid it in the future?
8 answers
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My guess is they either dried out before the winter or with all the cold tems the little roots just froze. It would depend on the type of spruce but most don't do well in pots.
Janet Bergner
on May 24, 2014
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It was a merciless winter for plants. A potted plant's roots don't get as much protection from the cold. Wind burn is a factor, or it could be the surviving spruce got more shelter from a roof's overhang. Also, there is a fungus disease that affects spruce trees. The needles just drop off leaving empty branches. We had to trim the lower branches off of 27 spruce trees and then spray them with a fungicide one year ago.
Sally Roesner Fuhr
on May 24, 2014
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I had the same thing happen to one of mine. But, I accidentally forgot to put a tray underneath the pot holding the plant that died. I believe it just dried up. The one on the opposite side of the front door is still doing fine, as well as, the 3 we planted by the front walk.
Debbie Stanley
on May 24, 2014
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@Julie Benson-Grant I just think it gets too hot in the summer then in the winter it is too cold and that just finishes them off from the heat damage. After all they are called Alberta Spruces. For a similar look that is more hardy for the heat, try using the emerald green arborvitae, they work up just as nicely esp with ivy or seasonal color overflowing out of the pots !
Jackie Gandy
on May 25, 2014
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I have no idea, but this happens to me sometimes...I plant a couple of small trees for accents and one thrives, one fails....???? Both get the exact same treatment!
Jeanette S
on May 25, 2014
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Alberta Spruce can be a very finicky plant and they can never be allowed to dry out. They either like the pot or the spot or not and for that reason I do not grow them. For accent plants in pots I choose emerald beauty Arborvitaes and Boxwoods. From the picture it is hard to tell what happened but lack of moisture during the winter is also a problem with plants in pots or newly planted shrubs and trees in fall. Happy Gardening!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 25, 2014
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The nursery in our area sets the pot into the ground and covers with dirt for the winter.
Campfire_Dog
on Oct 20, 2014
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this happens to me....i have 8 planted in different places for accent, some in pots some in ground and always i of the pair will die..LOL always the one on the right side...its crazy..
Cinda Stephenson Moore
on Dec 07, 2015
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