Yes, he gave me several. I still haven't keyed in on THE one, but thinking about a cryptomeria as it needs to be deer resistant. I'm going to wait until I go to the show at the Civic Center this weekend. May contract with someone to do a redesign at the entry including a new pathway. I also have a JM I may have moved so there is more than just digging and replacing a few shrubs. Oy!! Thanks, rhizo! You have any recommendations along those lines (landscape designer)?

Hey feed the, your post has me a bit confused: If I read correctly, in January(!) of '08, you transplanted this tree, which is now 27 feet tall? If right so far, then this was a rather large tree when it got moved, no? If yes, than it would be expected to see it take some time to get reestablished in its new spot. As such, you may not actually have a problem beyond fairly significant transplant shock which could well be still sorting itself out. Like most here, I de-emphasize fertilizer in most situations. If the tree is in a lawn, I would be surprised if there was not already adequate nitrogen available in the soil. I also do not consider Picea pungens to be an especially problematic species in pH's up to and including your 7.5. Surely this tree is common in your Chicago area. For the most part, I'd say just give it more time to regain its root system. If you do ever get dry in your rain-soaked area, then pay attention to keeping both the original root ball and the surrounding soil moist. That's the biggest thing at this point. +oM

I have never posted, but thanks for the answer. I bought the tree in December 2011 and covered the pot with bags I had of mulch. When summer arrived, I had to go away for a month so it never got planted until July. My husband added 2 gallons of water everyday until I came home to plant it. I don't like anyone in my flower beds, but me. I will look for another small tree to plant in front of it. I did plant the ball last year with some Myke. I hope that helped it. My ground is very damp. I put my hands down there last week when it was very warm here in Ottawa. The nursery who sold me the tree, said to leave at least 2-3 inches of the crown out of the ground. Otherwise I cannot get air to the roots. I am new at this, so I am looking for some experienced people who can help me. Thanks for the info.

I also have a spruce about 24 years old too. I have noticed alot more needles around than I use to. There is one area on the tree that has piles of loose needles just siiting there. Maybe a birds nest. This a beautiful tree but planted too close to the house and too large realy for the property.In the future I will be forced to trim the bottom layers and up a bit at a time. I have been in this house 6 years and took pictures on a polaroid camera showing the spruce at the top of the house. I had 3 feet of lawn to cut between tree and driveway. It is now 10-12 ft and 14 ft wide now. When it matures to 60' the width will totally take over my front lawn. The city won't let us cut them down or maybe even trim without a permit. I haven't seen any bugs on it yet. Hope they don't come our way. Lynne