How to Spiral an Alberta Spruce Tree {Picea glauca Conica}

This Alberta Spruce tree was planted too close to the house. Alberta Spruces develop very long tap roots, which makes transplanting very risky once it has been established. There's  great danger of killing this otherwise healthy and happy six year old tree if the root is even slightly damaged.

Its location was a clear indication that spiraling the tree would add interest and create a tidy look to the back entrance of this house.  The decision was made, but timing is crucial to plant life.  Pruning at the wrong month can be as bad as pruning on the wrong day. It's always wisest to check The Farmer's Almanac Calendar,{http://www.farmersalmanac.com/calendar/}, for your specific area in the USA before making any drastic changes to your beloved plants.

The best time to shape an Alberta Spruce is the early spring, just a few days after the new tips have dropped their papery brown protective coatings.  One can also wait until the new growth has reached about an inch long. 

Be certain the weather temperature is no hotter than 78 degrees and that no severe heat is expected for about a week.  Also be certain that the tree has recently gotten sufficient water.  This will ensure that the cut tips of your tree will stay green and not turn brown with stress.

You'll need a nice sharp pair of household scissors, { preferably ones with a ten inch blade }, a pair of  hand bypass pruning clippers,{ with a curved blade }, and a ball of string or ribbon long enough to assist in marking exactly where to cut.

You'll also need to enter that quiet, peaceful, confident place within yourself as you work.  One wrong cut and the entire spiral design can  be ruined...and then what ?!?  OY !!!

The string or ribbon is intended to be your cutting guide. It's best to begin at the bottom of the tree. Gently begin laying  your ribbon or string on top of the foliage where you feel the spiral should begin.  Slowly, thoughtfully and methodically continue to wrap the string loosely  until you have reached a few inches from the top.

Now, turn your back and step several feet away from your wrapped tree.  How does it look ?  You'll probably notice the string line will need adjusting.  Aren't you glad you wrapped loosely ?

Keep in mind that your cut line will be much wider than your string.  In fact, your cut line should be at least as wide as the width of your wrist or lower arm, which  will be at least three inches wide.

Return to your tree and make string adjustments until your eye at a distance is pleased.

Now you'll have to explore the trunk of your tree and discover how the branches grow out from it.  Gently insert your hands and part the foliage to view what can be successfully cut away.  Use your string as a guide to decide exactly what and where to cut. 

Use the clippers and the scissors alternately as needed and begin to cut away, being certain to check your guidelines often as you work your way up the tree.  You'll have to constantly readjust your string and constantly step away and check your angles before you cut.

Once your basic shape has emerged, use the sharp scissors to carve nice curves into the foliage. 
Voila !  You're  done ! 

Science has proven that even your Alberta Spruce wants to be loved, and will be healthier if it is !
So, remember to tell your tree how beautiful she looks with a new haircut ! 

Next Spring, get out the sharp scissors and carefully snip away for Alberta to keep her shape and be an enjoyment  for decades to come !

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