How long can I keep a Blue Spruce in its pot before planting?

Question

I was given an about 4' Blue Spruce and would like to plant it in my garden, but it looks like temps will be in the 90s off and on for a few weeks. Is it better to wait till it cools down or to plant it right away? Thanks for the advice.

Answer 1

I would wait til it cools down but keep it watered well until then. Pick a good spot for transplanting because you should not move it once it is planted given the size and age. young trees can go into shock and if yours does and looses all of its folage do not panic it may not be dead yet. Try feeding a little beer mixed with water it will give them a boost. don't forget to protect it from the winter elements if you live in an area that gets wind/snow/ice. Good luck

Answer 2

4' is a good height. It is likely to be potbound (depending on size of pot it is in) - ie roots coming out from the bottom.

It will be very hard to maintain like this throughout the next few weeks so I would plant out as follows:

1. place pot in bucket of cold water to cover entire pot to base of tree.

2. dig hole size of pot with depth to match tree base.

3. fill hole with full bucket of water.

4. Leave tree in bucket of water 2 hours before planting - water well

    when in situ & continue for at least 3 days with more buckets of

    water.

Regards. h.

Answer 3

Plant it now and water.  Pots dry out too quickly, if you skip a day of watering while it is in the pot you could harm the tree.  Plus if it gets rootbound in the pot it will choke itself out once you put it in the ground.