Meyer Spruce Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on January 26, 2022

Planting instructions

Your Meyer spruce tree should grow in a full sun area, meaning a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. These trees also prefer soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. Generally, it’s best if the soil is somewhat loose and well-draining, but there may be some instances in which a Meyer spruce tree will survive in clay soils. You should also anticipate the mature size of your Meyer spruce tree, which may exceed 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide at its maximum size.

Watering and nutrients

The Meyer spruce tree typically needs water about once per week during the growing season, but you may need to increase this watering rate during times of drought or exceptionally hot weather. Meyer spruces also benefit from one or two applications of fertilizer each year. These feedings should occur during the spring and the fall months. When fertilizing, you should use a fertilizer blend that is highest in nitrogen. The next most important nutrient for this tree is potassium, followed by phosphorus.

Pollination

The Meyer spruce tree is a coniferous, cone-bearing species. Like all trees that carry cones, this tree uses wind currents to conduct pollination rather than relying on insects and birds to transport the pollen. Meyer spruces also tend to carry both male and female reproductive structures on a single plant, which makes self-pollination a possibility. However, pollination is not a common concern for gardeners who grow this tree, as it does not produce fruits that people commonly harvest.

Pruning

Meyer spruce trees have low pruning needs compared to other plant species. The reason behind this minimal need for pruning is that the Meyer spruce grows into a pleasing form without the help of pruning cuts. However, while pruning is not necessary on an aesthetic front, it can help this tree’s health. The best time of year to remove dead and damaged portions of this tree is in late winter, just before the tree exits its dormant phase.

Pests, diseases, and animals

One of the greatest advantages of growing a Meyer spruce tree is that this species has excellent disease resistance compared to similar species, such as the blue spruce. Needle cast, a disease that causes spruce foliage to become discolored and fall off the branches, does not often affect the Meyer spruce. Likewise, you’ll likely encounter very few pests or fungal and bacterial concerns with this tree. One of the few problems to be wary of is rot, which usually occurs in soils that have poor drainage.

Achieving maximum results

Sunlight is incredibly beneficial to the Meyer spruce tree. While six hours is enough to keep this plant alive, greater quantities of sun exposure, such as eight hours per day or more, will lead to even more vigorous growth. You should also be careful not to cut this tree back too much when pruning. This plant does not resprout from old wood, so cutting past the outer layer of foliage can lead to permanent bare patches.

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