Colorado Blue Spruce Tree

Why Colorado Blue Spruce Trees?

With silvery blue-green needles year-round and a sleek, pyramidal silhouette, the Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the most recognizable evergreens you can plant. Its columnar shape and stiff, crisp, blue-green needles set it apart from other conifers, and its cold hardiness is exceptional: this tree tolerates temperatures down to -40°F and thrives in Zones 2-7. It's also deer resistant and moderately drought tolerant once established.

The Colorado Blue Spruce, once established, adapts well to a range of soils, from clay to loam to sandy, but they still prefer well draining soil, especially when first transplanted. Its widespread, deeper root system helps it withstand wind better than most other spruce varieties — making it a strong choice for windbreaks and privacy screens planted in a row. Growth is steady and predictable at 12 to 24 inches per year, with uniform, symmetrical branching that fills in evenly over time. Left to grow, it can live for hundreds of years, and its dense branches offer food and shelter to birds like siskins, crossbills, and nuthatches. Light brown cones, 3 to 4 inches long, cluster in the upper crown and add a festive touch heading into the holidays.

One thing worth knowing before you plant: this tree does best with full sun and good air circulation. In humid climates or shady, poorly-ventilated spots, it can become susceptible to needle cast, a fungal disease that causes needle loss and doesn't reverse itself once it takes hold. Colorado Blue Spruces naturally grow in cool climates in the Southern Rocky Mountains, so they often struggle, and are short lived in warmer climates with hot, intense summers. Giving it space from other trees and structures, and avoiding low or consistently wet areas, goes a long way toward keeping your Colorado Blue healthy for the long haul.

Why Trees.com?

Your Colorado Blue Spruce leaves our nursery with a healthier, more developed root system than you'd typically find from a big-box store, because we grow and nurture every tree for months before it ships — not just until it looks sellable.

Every tree we ship is backed by our Alive & Thrive Guarantee™, and our Plant Experts are ready to help with questions about siting, spacing, or spotting early signs of needle cast as your tree settles in.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Choose an area with direct sunlight for your Colorado Blue Spruce. Though it thrives in full sun, it will also grow in partial shade. Furthermore, a wide range of soil types supports the Blue Spruce - clay, loam or sandy - provided that the soil is well-drained.

Once you’ve found your ideal area for planting, dig a hole that is shallower than the root ball and at least twice the width. If you’re planting several Blue Spruces together for privacy fencing, ensure you space them at least 10 to 20 feet apart.

To help the soil retain moisture even more efficiently, spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of the Spruce.

2. Watering: To encourage proper growth, water your newly-planted Blue Spruce Trees at least once a week during the first year after planting, until the ground freezes during the winter. More frequent watering may be necessary during the warm summer months to keep the ground adequately moist.

If you’re not sure when to water, simply feel the soil near your tree, down to about a depth of 1 inch. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.

3. Fertilizing: Although Colorado Blue Spruces don’t require frequent fertilizing, an application during early spring (before the growing season) provides an extra boost of nutrients for longer needles and richer color. Use 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer and follow label instructions.