Dwarf Alberta spruce is a popular evergreen ornamental tree that can be found in many gardens and parks. It grows to form a pyramidal Christmas tree shape that grows up to 13 feet tall and has a characteristic aromatic green needle of about 1/2 inch long. Dwarf Alberta spruce is perfect for indoor and outdoor ornamental purposes.
There are several practices that are implemented to ensure this ornamental plant grows well. Some of these practices are pruning, watering, fertilizing, and repotting, if planted in a container. Of all these practices, the one that has a direct and prominent effect on the growth of dwarf Alberta spruce is fertilizing. Dwarf Alberta spruce trees grow well when high quality fertilizers are applied to meet their requirements.
Like I explain to most garden keepers, every plant has its unique nutrient requirement. Think of it as what a baby eats and what an adult eats; these two individuals are humans nut have different food requirements. Fertilizers are carriers of plant food (nutrients) and different plants have different preference for their food.
The purpose of a plant determines its nutrient requirement and the type of fertilizers to be applied. In the case of dwarf Alberta spruce, it is an evergreen ornamental plant grown for its beautiful foliage and unique appearance. Fertilizer for dwarf Alberta spruce must contain nutrients that support the production of vibrant foliage growth, strong roots and bud development. Considering these requirements, here are the top fertilizers for growing dwarf Alberta spruce:
- 18-3-6 Liquid Fertilizer with Micro Nutrients (32 oz.): High nitrogen fertilizer for dwarf Alberta spruce
- Espoma Evergreen-Tone Organic Fertilizer for Trees & Shrubs
- Uncle Bill’s 0-10-10 Fall Fertilizer: Promotes Root Health and Flowering
1. All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer and Micro Nutrients NPK 18-3-6
The All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer and Micro Nutrients (50% Slow Release Nitrogen) is a balanced plant food formulated with essential nutrients to facilitate strong root, vibrant bloom, and overall health of the plant. This fertilizer contain high concentration of slow-release nitrogen required for a long term production of strong root and beautiful foliage. The All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer is suitable for all plants including indoor and outdoor ornamental plants.
Characteristics:
– All purpose liquid fertilizer
– Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
– Contains high concentrate nutrients
– Provides extended, long-lasting nitrogen
– Contains micro-nutrients for plant growth and health
Formulation Details:
– Total Nitrogen (N): 18%
– Available Phosphoric Acid (P2O5): 3%
– Soluble Potash (K2O): 6%
– Copper (Cu): 0.05%
– Iron (Fe): 0.1%
– Manganese (Mn): 0.05%
– Zinc (Zn): 0.05%
– Derived from Urea, Urea-Triazone Solution, Tetrapotassium Pyrophosphate, Potassium Carbonate, Copper EDTA, Manganese EDTA, Zinc EDTA, and Iron HEDTA
Additional Information:
– Directions for Plants: Mix 1-2 oz. of fertilizer to 1 gallon of water and water plants generously. Use once every two weeks.
– Directions for Turf: Use 3 oz. of fertilizer for every 1000 sq. ft. Mix in a spray tank at ratio of 1-3 oz. per gallon of water. Fertilize once every 2-4 weeks.
– Available in 8oz, 16oz, and 32oz quantities with easy measure and pour bottle
– Positive customer reviews on effectiveness and value for money
Application Guide
Target Plants: The All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer is typically formulated for all plants including ornamental plants, trees, fruit trees and more.
Application Forms: It is a liquid fertilizer.
Application Rate: 2 ounces of the fertilizer per gallon of water.
How to Apply: Mix 2 ounce of the All Purpose Liquid Fertilizer in a gallon of water and apply to plants using watering can, knapsack sprayers, or garden bottle.
When to Apply: Fertilize once every 4 weeks throughout the growing season of the plant.
2. Espoma Evergreen-Tone Organic Fertilizer for Trees & Shrubs
The Espoma Evergreen-Tone Organic Fertilizer is a balanced plant food that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at NPK ratio of 4-3-4 as well as sulfur and other micronutrients. This fertilizer is slow-release, it is perfect for planting and feeding evergreen trees and shrubs, including pine, fir, dwarf Alberta spruce, rhododendron and camellias. The Espoma Evergreen-Tone is made from natural materials, making it safe for regular application on plants without fear for burning the plant’s root. This fertilizer is safe around children, pets, and the environment at large.
Characteristics:
– Suitable for all needle leaf and broadleaf evergreens
– Rich blend of natural and organic ingredients
– Enhanced with exclusive Bio-tone formula
– 4-3-4 Fertilizer analysis with 5% Sulfur
– Environmentally safe with no sludges or toxic ingredients
– Approved for organic gardening
– Made in the USA by the Espoma Company
Formulation Details:
– Use when planting or feeding established plants
– Best to feed twice each year in early Spring and late Fall
– Ready to use, no mixing required
Additional Information:
– Customers are satisfied with the fertilizer’s performance and growth rate
– Easy to use and works well for trees and plants
Application Guide
Target Plants: The Espoma Evergreen-Tone organic fertilizer is typically formulated for all needle leaf and broadleaf evergreens including pine, fir, dwarf alberta spruce, juniper as well as acid loving flowering plants like azaleas, rhododendron, and camellias.
Application Forms: Available in granules
Application Rate: 1 cup per foot of drip line diameter.
How to Apply: For new planting, mix the fertilizer with the topsoil and fill the holes after planting the seedling. Water immediately after application and apply mulch to conserve moisture. For established plants, sprinkle the fertilizer around the drip line of the plant, gently work the fertilizer into the soil, and water immediately after application.
When to Apply: Apply the Espoma Evergreen-Tone organic fertilizer twice per year during spring and fall.
3. Uncle Bill’s 0-10-10 Fall Fertilizer
Uncle Bill’s 0-10-10 Fall Fertilizer is specially formulated for use during the fall and winter months. Uncle Bill’s fertilizer is ideal for dwarf Alberta spruce, clusia hedges, and other ornamental plants. Uncle Bill’s Fall fertilizer contains an equal portion of phosphorus and potassium alongside other micronutrients; the fertilizer does not promote foliage growth, instead focusing on keeping the tree’s root system healthy and aiding in flowering.
Characteristics:
– Nitrogen-free fertilizer for Bonsai
- Formulated without nitrogen to avoid promoting foliage growth
– Rich in phosphorus and potassium
– Stimulates budding, flowering, and vigorous root growth
– Suitable for all types of flowering plants
– Helps reduce needle length and candle extension in pines
- Increases cold hardiness of roots
Formulation Details:
– NPK Ratio: 0:10:10
– Made with natural-based fish
– 8oz bottle contains enough to make 16 gallons
Additional Information:
– Keep out of reach of children
– Do not ingest or inhale
– Wash hands after use
– Date First Available: September 11, 2020
– Manufacturer: Bonsai Outlet
– Country of Origin: USA
Application Guide
Target Plants: Uncle Bill’s Fall fertilizer is suitable for all indoor and outdoor tree crops including dwarf Alberta spruce, clusia hedges, and other ornamental plants.
Application Forms: It is a liquid fertilizer.
Application Rate: 1 table spoon per gallon of water
How to Apply: Mix 1 tablespoon of Uncle Bill’s Fall fertilizer in one gallon of water and apply to planting using a knapsack spayer, hose end sprayer or watering can.
Organic Fertilizers for Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Organic fertilizers are good for Dwarf Alberta spruce. Poultry manure, cow manure, horse manure, compost, blood meal, and bone meal are ideal organic fertilizers for dwarf Alberta spruce. These fertilizers are slow-release; they decompose slowly to release nutrients for a very long time.
Poultry manure, horse manure and blood meal are rich source of nitrogen and iron, they also contain appreciable amount of phosphorus and potassium. These fertilizers supports vibrant leaves and strong root development in dwarf Alberta spruce tree. They also improve the activities of the soil microorganisms such as better aeration and improving drainage with the soil.
Bone meal and cow manure are good sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. These fertilizers helps the dwarf Alberta spruce tree develop stronger buds and also increase resistance against various plant diseases and pests.
Generally, organic fertilizers are safe for dwarf Alberta spruce trees; however, these organic fertilizers do not release nutrients fast enough for quick utilization by the dwarf Alberta spruce tree, the nutrients are released slowly and for a very long time, ensuring the tree never lacks nutrient while still maintain a health growth environment.
How and When to Apply: Apply organic fertilizers by incorporating directly into the soil during land preparation before planting. The initial fertilization is to support the early growth of the young dwarf Alberta spruce tree. These organic fertilizers can feed the dwarf Alberta spruce tree for up to 6 months; you can reapply any of these organic fertilizer after 6 months or in fall for continuous feeding.
Best Time To Fertilize Dwarf Alberta Spruce
The best time to fertilize dwarf Alberta spruce is in the spring when new growth begins; this will give them plenty of time to absorb the nutrients before summer heat sets in and young leaves begin dying off naturally without any help from us humans.
If you’re looking for a boost of nutrients and want a fuller, greener plant with less browning, apply fertilizer in the fall as well. However, because this process takes longer than its spring counterpart and also requires more care (you must water your trees after application), it’s not as effective at preventing browning.
Ensure you read the instructions before applying any of these fertilizers. In that guide, the manufacturer often includes the best application method and duration of application. Also, make sure not to overdo it; don’t add more than recommended per package directions because too much could kill them instead.
Precautions For Applying Fertilizers
- Always test the soil pH before application.
- Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask to prevent direct touch and inhalation.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instruction regarding the dosage and application for best result.
Dwarf Alberta Spruce Soil and Environmental Conditions
The impact of environmental conditions such as the temperature, relative humidity, light, as well as soil cannot the left unsaid. The fertilizers will have little or no effects if the environmental conditions are unfavorable. Interestingly, dwarf Alberta spruce is hardy and drought-tolerant; it is ideal for people who live in areas with short growing seasons
Areas with cold winters and cool summers are very good for the best performance of Dwarf Alberta spruce; this tree performs best in low-humid environments. At the early stage of growth, the dwarf Alberta spruce tolerates partial shade, however, as it grows older, it requires full sun for its best performance, particularly the shades of greenery.
The dwarf Alberta spruce prefers well-drained soil and a pH range between slightly acidic to alkaline; this means that the pH of the soil should fall between 5.5 and 6.5. If you have alkaline soils (with a pH over 7) you may want to consider remediating them before planting your Alberta spruces.
Alkaline soils can cause stunted growth and yellowed foliage in your dwarf Alberta spruce trees. To lower the pH of your alkaline soil, add organic matter such as compost or peat moss before planting. You can also test your soil before adding amendments by using an inexpensive kit from a local garden center or hardware store.
Many gardeners have attested to the fact that this plant does best in terms of growth and performance when grown with regular potting soil with added peat moss. If you have sandy or clay-like soils with little organic material, consider mixing up some well-rotted manure into these types of soils before planting your Alberta spruces.
Water is essential especially when grown in pots. However, watering should be done in moderation to avoid a soggy soil condition. The best time to water dwarf Alberta spruce is during the cooler part of the day, particularly after sunset for better utilization of the water.
Care and Management of a Dwarf Alberta spruce
Pruning: Unlike other ornamental trees, pruning is not necessary with dwarf Alberta spruce as it grows so slowly. However, diseased and damaged branches can be removed whenever you find them.
Moisture Level: Check the moisture level of the soil around your dwarf Alberta spruce. As mentioned above, this species needs moist but well-drained soils so if its roots are staying wet for extended periods of time, it may be receiving too much water or nutrient runoff from other plants nearby.
Nutrient availability: Make sure that you have enough nutrients available for your dwarf Alberta spruce. It’s best if these nutrients come from organic sources such as composted manure or even just mulch rather than synthetic fertilizers which can end up polluting our groundwater supplies when they break down over time due to improper disposal methods.
Conclusion
Fertilizing the dwarf Alberta spruce will help it look its best, grow well, and produce cones for a beautiful Christmas tree. The fertilizers must supply nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium alongside micronutrients. The NPK fertilizers are best for dwarf Alberta spruce because the release nutrients quick enough for the immediate need of the tree. Though the nutrients released by these organic fertilizers many not available for timely utilization by dwarf Alberta spruce tree, they are ideal for long term sustainability and improve the soil health. These organic fertilizers are safe for re