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transplanting large dwarf alberta spruce - how big is too big?

13 years ago

I have some 5 foot tall dwarf alberta spruce that I want to transplant. Are they too big? I have moved them before when they were only 3 feet and they moved happily. I know this is the right time of year, and I'm careful with digging and watering. They just seem pretty big and I'm wondering about transplant shock when this size.

What do you think is a maximum size for this kind of spruce?

Thanks in advance

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Comments (3)

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years ago
the only limitation is your physical capabilities... presuming everything is done PROPERLY ....

check out the link

now.. that said.... you can buy these things for ten bucks.. and i personally wouldnt bother with the heavy manual labor for the cost of this very common plant ... if it were some unique cultivar, that might be one thing ... but not for this one.. not in my world ..

regardless.. if it makes you happy ... knock yourself out

good luck

ken

ps: why do you have to keep moving these plants????

Here is a link that might be useful: link
gottagarden
Original Author
13 years ago
thanks

They just seem too close to the walkway now. Not actually encroaching on the walk, but psychologically narrowing it.
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garcanad
13 years ago
I have moved three 5+ feet Alberta spruce manually early this spring, and they seem OK so far. I have moved a few 4+ feet ones a few years ago, and they were OK. I must say that I mostly moved them into shady protected spots which may have contributed to their survival.
In my zone, depending on the growing conditions, they can reach 3-6 feet in 15-20 years. I use them mostly as landscape fillers even in very shady locations.

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