Norway spruce different shapes

andy1977

Hi

I was wondering why my Norway Spruce trees have different shapes. Both were bought recently and were about 100cm. Both are pot grown and have been repotted outside straight after I got them (they weren't taken inside over the Christmas period). 

This one is from B&Q:

This one is from my local independent garden centre:

Obviously the 2nd one is a much more pleasing shape, but I can't figure out why...maybe due to more pruning throughout its early life?

Could I do anything with the B&Q tree to encourage more of a traditional triangular shape as it grows?

Thanks

Dovefromabove

I suspect the first has been grown in less than ideal conditions … possibly overcrowded. It’s not looking very happy either … it’s lost a lot of needles (probably from lack of water at some stage) and those won’t regrow so those branches will always be bare. 

My decision would be to ditch the first and keep the second. I think it needs a bigger pot (use JI3 with a bit of horticultural grit added) or preferably plant in the ground. It’ll be much happier and healthier and easier for you to care for. 

Happy New Year 😊 

andy1977

Dovefromabove said:

I suspect the first has been grown in less than ideal conditions … possibly overcrowded. It’s not looking very happy either … it’s lost a lot of needles (probably from lack of water at some stage) and those won’t regrow so those branches will always be bare. 

My decision would be to ditch the first and keep the second. I think it needs a bigger pot (use JI3 with a bit of horticultural grit added) or preferably plant in the ground. It’ll be much happier and healthier and easier for you to care for. 

Happy New Year 😊 

Thanks. I used JI2 as it was  recommended by the RHS website:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/christmas-trees

Would there be any benefit to using JI3 instead?

Dovefromabove

JI2 will be fine … however the feed it contains won’t last as long, but as it’s winter and it’s not growing fast, and as it’ll need repotting or planting out in the spring, JI2 will be fine. 😊 

Fairygirl

I think another problem is that when these are grown as a crop for Christmas, they aren't just left to their own devices, as many people think. They're trimmed regularly to help them get the 'best' shape. 
Like many shrubs and trees, they're variable when let to grow in their own way.