When is the best time to prune a Blue Spruce?

Question

I live in Minnesota. It's July, I'm tempted to prune an overgrown Blue Spruce tree, but concerned about the timing. Is it okay to do it now?

Answer 1

Late fall, not too hot, not too cold.

Answer 2

If you want to slow its growth, prune in July, after the new growth has finished.  You shouldn't prune in the fall because decay fungi spread their spores profusely in the fall.  If your tree has any cuts or scrapes the spores can fall into them and infect your tree.  Do not prune in the spring you will cut off new growth, and your tree needs new growth to survive.  Once you get your tree under control you can start to prune in late winter.