How to feed blue spruce: how to care after planting, watering frequency and how to fertilize

Cultivation of Canadian blue spruce requires certain rules. In order for the plant to retain its decorative properties for as long as possible, it needs to be properly watered, trimmed and insulated. Also, many summer residents are interested in the question of how to feed a blue spruce. This culture is not too demanding on nutrients. However, the deficiency or excess of such elements can adversely affect the decorative properties of the tree.

Why feed spruce

Blue spruces are characterized by slow development. Active growth on trees is observed in late spring and in the first half of summer. At this time, it is important to properly care for the tree so that it retains its decorative effect.

Most of the nutrients need to be applied during the spring season. Additionally, useful substances are used in summer and early autumn. A month before the start of the first frost, they stop feeding the spruce.

It is important to consider that young plants need nutrients, while adult crops do not need to be fed. Fertilizers that conifers need are recommended to be added to the hole during planting.

If after a few years there is a change in the appearance of the culture, this may indicate a nutrient deficiency. At the same time, gardeners note that spruce needles crumble or acquire a dull color. Sometimes it even changes its color. By applying nutrients, it is possible to support the development of crops.

Many gardeners make mistakes when adding nutrients. They feed spruces in the same way as fruit trees. Doing so is strictly prohibited. Spruces require other elements to develop. In addition, their dosage differs significantly.

Ephedra are in need of certain trace elements. They need magnesium, sulfur and iron. At the same time, chlorine harms such plants. Therefore, when choosing a particular drug, it is important to consider its chemical composition.

How to identify a lack of nutrition

When growing blue spruce in a summer cottage, it is important to focus on its appearance. The loss of decorative culture may indicate a shortage of certain elements:

1. With a lack of nitrogen, the growth of the tree slows down or stops. At the same time, the branches become more rare, and the needles turn pale.
2. In case of magnesium deficiency, the needles turn yellow and dry out. The crown of the tree may acquire a golden color.
3. Potassium deficiency manifests itself in the form of fragility and yellowing of the needles. Subsequently, it turns brown and dies off.
4. With a lack of phosphorus, the tree lags behind in development. This process is characterized by shortening, yellowing and twisting of the needles.
5. Boron deficiency causes a decrease in the tree's resistance to frost and drought.
6. In case of calcium deficiency, there is an increased secretion of resin - primarily in the region of the base of the kidneys. Also, the lack of this substance leads to the death of the upper parts of the shoots.

Acute deficiency of these elements poses a danger to young spruces and adult crops that are fully formed.

Organics VS minerals - which is better

You can fertilize blue spruce by various means - both mineral and organic. In this case, it is necessary to choose and prepare such substances correctly. Of no small importance are the timing and frequency of their introduction.

So, when choosing nutrients for blue spruce, consider the following:

1. Ephedra cannot be fed with clean manure. It is not used even mixed with water. For the root system of such plants, an overdose of s altpeter and nitrogen, which are present in large quantities in organic matter, is very harmful.
2. When choosing a mineral preparation, preference should be given to products that include a minimum of nitrogen.

It is also important to consider that a large number of nitrogen components are present in green grass infusions, which are actively used by gardeners. Such funds also bring great harm to coniferous plants.

How and what to feed spruce

You need to choose fertilizers for coniferous plants very carefully. For them, top dressings that are used for ordinary deciduous crops are not suitable. Evergreens are characterized by an economical consumption of minerals. They do not require nutrients for annual fruiting or crown renewal. Therefore, additional elements must be supplied to the root system in a clear dosage.

When choosing a specific substance for coniferous crops, it is recommended to give preference to proven products from well-known manufacturers. The most popular formulations include the following:

1. "Hvoyinka" - is a combined composition that activates growth processes and ensures the harmonious development of conifers. The composition includes the most important micro and macro elements. They are present in such products in an ideal ratio. Top dressing is made with a solution of 10 grams of the substance and 10 liters of water. This volume is enough for 1 square meter of the trunk circle. The preparation contains quite a lot of nitrogen - 13%. Therefore, it is required to be applied in spring or summer.
2. "Fertile universal" - the substance is suitable for complex care of conifers. It can be applied at the planting stage and during the phases of active growth and development of crops. Before planting, the composition is applied to the soil in the amount of 100-200 grams per 1 seedling. For fertilizer during the growing season, you need to mix 20-30 grams of the product with 10 liters of water. This amount is enough for 1 crop.
3. "Fertika Lux" - is a mineral remedy that is designed for additional nutrition of conifers.The composition of the drug includes magnesium, which provides a bright color of the needles. To feed the spruce, you need to mix 20 grams of the substance with 10 liters of water. This volume is enough for 1 tree.
4. "He alth turbo for conifers" - this mineral product is intended for the normal growth and development of spruces. It is important to take into account that the composition includes a lot of nitrogen - 22%. Therefore, it should be used for conifers only in spring or summer. The drug is recommended to be applied in the form of a solution. To prepare it, you need to mix 15-20 grams of the substance and 10 liters of water.
5. "Aquarin" is a combined preparation that is intended for feeding coniferous plants. It contains a minimum of nitrogen. This fertilizer can be used throughout the growing season. Trees are recommended to be fertilized with a solution of 15-20 grams of the product and 10 liters of water. This volume is enough for 1 plant.
6. "Green Needle" - this mineral remedy contains a lot of magnesium.It can be used for complex care of coniferous crops. Thanks to this, it is possible to significantly improve the decorative effect of plants and prevent changes in the color of their needles, which is associated with a nutrient deficiency. The drug is recommended to be applied 2 times during the growing season. To do this, it must be scattered in the trunk circle and buried in the ground. The dosage of the agent should be selected taking into account the height of the culture. Under a tree below 4 meters, 50 grams of the substance should be applied. If the height of the spruce exceeds 8 meters, this amount can reach 250 grams.
7. "MicroMix" - this drug is distinguished by a specially selected composition that saturates coniferous plants with important chemical elements. Due to the low nitrogen content, fertilizing with this agent can be carried out during the entire growing season - from spring to autumn. This requires using a solution of 15-20 grams of the substance and 10 liters of water. This amount is enough for 1 square meter of the trunk circle.

Negative consequences of improper feeding

When using nutrients to fertilize blue spruce, it is important to follow the instructions exactly. Improper application of such funds adversely affects the development of culture. Nitrogen is especially dangerous for conifers.

Nitrogen damage to evergreens

This nutrient causes rapid shoot growth and elongation of young needles. With its application, plants do not have time to adapt to the onset of winter. In this case, insufficiently lignified shoots freeze and die. As a result, the appearance of trees deteriorates significantly.

What to do with an overdose

In the event of a nutrient overdose, action must be taken immediately. A compact tree can be moved to a new location. If this procedure is not possible, the plant should be watered abundantly.It is recommended to use at least 15 liters of water per 1 square meter. This will help wash active elements from the upper layers of the soil, and they will move deeper.

Blue spruce is a popular ornamental crop that fits well into landscape compositions and decorates every garden plot. For a crop to develop well, it needs to provide full and high-quality care, which includes the correct application of fertilizers.

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