Fat Albert Blue Spruce Spacing

10 years ago

I have recently planted two Fat Albert Blue Spruces to the left and right of an existing Fat Albert Blue Spruce (see picture). They were planted 12' on center apart. Is this 12' going to be enough for these trees?

The nursery from which the spruces were purchased from had advised 10-15 feet, and the tag on the tree advises 8-10 feet, so I felt that 12 feet was a happy medium.

Also, there is 10 feet to the right of the spruce on the far right, which marks where my lot line is. I didn't want to get any closer to the lot line than this, which is another reason for the 12 foot spacing between the trees.

I am not overly concerned about making it a dense privacy screen right away, but just wanted a little separation and privacy from the houses that are visible in the back yard, which is why they were planted.

Ultimately, I just want to make sure these trees are going to have enough room to grow properly.

And I also plan on mulching this weekend.

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Comments (4)

ricksample
10 years ago
It's all about how old you are and how long you plan on living there. If those trees grow an average of 5' in diameter every 10 years, they will start to touch each other towards the base in about 20 years. If they grow faster than that, it'll be less time. It's all about annual growth rate x number of years.

I plant mostly dwarf spruces & pines... they have a 10 year size of around 6' x 4'... in 20 years they will be 12' x 8'... in 30 years they will be 18' x 12', etc. They never stop growing lol. I space all of my spruces 20' on center. But that's because I'm 30 and plan to be here during my retirement in 30 years.

I think you spaced them how I would have.... if they get to large in the distant future you could always cut them down.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
i expected to see them 4 feet apart...

your spacing is sublime.. QUIT WORRYING ABOUT IT..

if someday.. you think they are too close.. remove the middle one ...

as rick suggested.. will you be there in 20 or 30 years.. to rethink todays work ... hell.. i hope to be dead by then ... lol

ken
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Sharpie123
Original Author
10 years ago
Rick and Ken,

Thank you for your replies. Feel much better about the spacing after your comments.

For now (and most likely later), I will just sit back and enjoy the spruces as the grow.

Thanks again guys.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
10 years ago
i figured my fatalistic.. kill me now thought.. might put it in perspective for you.. lol..

lots of grass there.. if you care to be enabled... come back often ...

you are welcome

ken