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Baby Blue Spruce Trees #877471

Asked July 16, 2024, 1:00 PM EDT

Are the baby blue and baby blue eyes spruce trees currently a good choice for the home landscape? I read that the blue spruce trees were having difficulty in recent years. If you do not recommend these trees, could you give suggestions to similar evergreens for a tight space. Thank you.

Wayne County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Marsha, thanks for the question.

Blue spruce in general has been plagued with problems in Michigan. There are other evergreens that may be a better choice.  Not knowing the details of the site, it would be hard to make a good recommendation. Soil, sun, air circulation, soil moisture, drainage, and personal preference need to be considered.  Size can be a problem, since many may exceed what is specified.   Considering that, a concolor fir like abies concolor 'Blue Cloak' could fit the bill.  Consider other genera as shown in the links below:

What’s going on with blue spruce? - MSU Extension

Alternatives to Colorado Blue Spruce | Yard and Garden (iastate.edu)

Abies concolor 'Blue Cloak' | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

Purdue Arboretum Explorer

Abies concolor 'Blue Cloak' | Landscape Plants | Oregon State University

I hope this is helpful.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 19, 2024, 9:16 AM EDT

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