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The Daily Insight

How long does it take for a blue spruce to grow?

Author

David Jones

Published Jun 01, 2026

How long does it take for a blue spruce to grow?

30 to 60 years
The Colorado blue spruce grows at a slow to medium rate, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, although it picks up a bit as it gets older. This blue spruce grows from 12 to 24 inches a year. So it will require 30 to 60 years for a Colorado blue spruce to grow from seed to 60 feet tall.

How long does it take for a spruce tree to sprout?

The seeds require no supplemental water during the normally rainy winter and spring months, although they should be watered to a depth of 3 inches if no rain falls for longer than two weeks. Healthy Norway spruce seeds will germinate in one to three weeks once daytime temperatures reliably top 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long does it take for a transplanted tree to root?

Experts agree that a newly planted tree typically needs one year for each inch in diameter of the trunk to regain a normal root system. For example, a three-inch diameter newly planted tree will need at least three years in the ground to become fully established.

How much water do newly transplanted trees need?

Newly planted trees or shrubs require more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs. They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals: 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily. 3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days.

How to care for a Colorado blue spruce tree?

Make sure the soil is well draining. A poorly draining soil can result in root rot and poor growth. This tree is very drought tolerant and can survive in periods of low water. It does thrive with moderate water levels. Avoid water logging the tree or creating areas with standing water.

When is the best time to plant a blue spruce?

Some people even lay the cut boughs over a shrub shelter to provide “roofing” that will help the protected bush make it through the winter in good shape. The best time to plant a Colorado blue spruce tree depends on the climate where you live.

How often should you water a newly planted spruce tree?

Daily watering of newly planted spruce trees is only required for two to three days after planting. After that, normal rainfall typically provides enough moisture. Supply additional water during periods of drought.

Why are the needles on my Blue Spruce turning brown?

The trees can also be affected diseases, the most common and destructive of which is Cytospora canker. This fungal disease typically affects trees that are 15 to 20 years or older and causes the needles to turn brown and drop from the branches.

When is the best time to plant blue spruce trees?

Harsh winters limit planting times. In areas with mild climates, like Southern California, Colorado blue spruce can be planted nearly year-round. Harsh winters and freezing weather limit planting times in certain areas.

Do you need to fertilize a Colorado blue spruce?

Colorado Blue Spruce trees don’t require frequent fertilization, but can benefit from the extra nutrients from fertilizer that can increase the length and improve the color of the needles. I suggest feeding spruce trees with a slow-release shrub & tree type fertilizer or a natural, organic plant food .

What happens to blue spruce in the winter?

First, it is almost impossible to dig a hole in the frozen ground. Secondly, even if you manage to plant spruce, then the frost can crush the roots that have not yet established in a new place. This can lead to root rot. I planted spruces several times in the winter, most of them survived.

How long does it take for a blue spruce to form roots?

If all goes well, by summer, the spruce will form enough new roots to survive the hot period. According to my observations, 3-foot-tall spruce in a new location can form 20-inch-long roots in 30-45 days.