DirtyZ
Seedling
Hi all, I acquired this tree that someone had given up from a local club. Was hoping to get some general advice.
I’m assuming it’s a Dwarf Alberta Spruce, but not certain. Didn’t get to talk with the past owner but there was some wire on several lower branches and a front they’d chosen.
Couple days ago I noticed a bunch of ants and some aphids I think (last photo) crawling around. Makes sense now maybe why the lower needles seem to be yellowing, though those are also the same branches that have been wired and have very deep wire bite.
After doing some research I’m thinking to spray the tree with Dr Bronners soap & water, perhaps some alcohol added and/or neem oil.
The soil is pretty compact and old…very much needs a repot (also the pot is trashed and falling apart). I know it’s not the best time of year but considering an emergency repot perhaps where I don’t mess much with the roots but scrape the top and bottom layers a bit, add some new soil in a better pot, and maybe go back in fall and do something like a 1/2 bare root.
Just wondering if this seems sensible, given the infestation and how long the tree has been in not the best soil?
Also, curious about styling suggestions…Originally was hoping to try styling it this fall but given the need to repot and deal with aphids that maybe should wait til next year? I added a handful of tree pictures along with some inspiration photos I took on the coast recently and also found online. Kind of thought going for a more coastal Sitka spruce vibe might be cool given the upright growth on top, then wouldn’t need to wire down into an alpine style. I’ve not yet dipped too much into styling trees as of yet so was hoping for opinions!
(Tree is about 30” tall and the pot is 11-12”)
( 2nd pic was my idea for the front…slightly different then how the person before me had in marked in photo #1)
I’m assuming it’s a Dwarf Alberta Spruce, but not certain. Didn’t get to talk with the past owner but there was some wire on several lower branches and a front they’d chosen.
Couple days ago I noticed a bunch of ants and some aphids I think (last photo) crawling around. Makes sense now maybe why the lower needles seem to be yellowing, though those are also the same branches that have been wired and have very deep wire bite.
After doing some research I’m thinking to spray the tree with Dr Bronners soap & water, perhaps some alcohol added and/or neem oil.
The soil is pretty compact and old…very much needs a repot (also the pot is trashed and falling apart). I know it’s not the best time of year but considering an emergency repot perhaps where I don’t mess much with the roots but scrape the top and bottom layers a bit, add some new soil in a better pot, and maybe go back in fall and do something like a 1/2 bare root.
Just wondering if this seems sensible, given the infestation and how long the tree has been in not the best soil?
Also, curious about styling suggestions…Originally was hoping to try styling it this fall but given the need to repot and deal with aphids that maybe should wait til next year? I added a handful of tree pictures along with some inspiration photos I took on the coast recently and also found online. Kind of thought going for a more coastal Sitka spruce vibe might be cool given the upright growth on top, then wouldn’t need to wire down into an alpine style. I’ve not yet dipped too much into styling trees as of yet so was hoping for opinions!
(Tree is about 30” tall and the pot is 11-12”)
( 2nd pic was my idea for the front…slightly different then how the person before me had in marked in photo #1)
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