Whiskey Blue Hills White Spruce Tree

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Remove the stake and ties at planting, as these are only for shipping. Choose a site that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and slightly shallower than its height to allow for the roots to spread.

2. Watering: Water the tree deeply right after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. For the first year, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions. Once established, the tree becomes more drought resistant.

3. Pruning: Prune sparingly to maintain the tree's natural shape. Remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter. If necessary, light trimming can be done to encourage denser foliage. Avoid heavy pruning, as spruces do not respond well to it.

4. Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Follow package instructions to avoid over-fertilizing. If your soil is nutrient-rich, you may not need to fertilize every year.