Blue spruce Christmas tree: what to expect from a Colorado blue spruce

The sources truly disagree here, so here is who says what:

• Good, if kept watered: Michigan State University's species guide rates it good to excellent when the tree stands in water. Virginia Cooperative Extension rates it good, Iowa State Extension very good, and NC State Extension counts it among the best spruces for holding needles.
• Poor: The Morton Arboretum rates it poor, and a University of Illinois Extension article rates spruces as a group poor.

Why the split? Penn State has the best explanation: a blue spruce holds its needles well only if the stand never runs dry. For how many weeks a real tree stays fresh in general, see our Christmas tree care guide.

Penn State Extension says it holds needles well only when the water never runs out, and drops many needles if it dries out once. NC State adds that spruces drop needles quickly as they dry, and University of Illinois Extension says blue spruce drops needles in a warm room. Michigan State's guide agrees: good to excellent in water, only fair once dried.

So give this tree the full royal treatment: a fresh cut, a big stand, the coolest spot in the house, and a daily water check. Our Christmas tree care guide walks through every step.

Nearly every source mentions it. NC State, Penn State, Iowa State, University of Wisconsin Extension, Illinois and UConn all describe sharp needles, and Michigan State's grower guide notes the sharp needles have cut into demand for the tree. NC State's Plant Toolbox says the sharp tips can injure small children, and that Fraser fir is replacing blue spruce in the market partly because of them.

Pros

• The strongest branches around. Penn State says it holds the heaviest ornaments. Virginia rates its twig stiffness excellent, the Morton Arboretum calls it stiff, Illinois says it handles many heavy decorations, and UConn says it sags less under heavy ornaments.
• That color. Blue-gray to silvery blue, varying from dark green to powdery blue from tree to tree (NC State, Penn State, Illinois). Michigan State's guide calls its blue color excellent.
• A classic shape. NC State, Penn State and Illinois describe it as naturally symmetrical, the shape people picture when they think "Christmas tree."
• A pleasant scent. Virginia, Iowa State and the Morton Arboretum rate its fragrance good, and NC State notes a resinous smell when needles are crushed. Wisconsin points out it isn't as aromatic as a fir.

Cons

• Sharp needles that make decorating prickly and suit homes without small children best.
• Needles drop fast if the stand dries out even once.

• Needles. Fraser fir's needles are soft (Wisconsin, Penn State, Cornell). Blue spruce's are sharp.
• Branches. Blue spruce holds the heaviest ornaments (Penn State). Fraser's branches are stiff and strong according to NC State and Wisconsin, while Penn State calls them moderately stiff and maybe too soft for the heaviest pieces.
• Drying out. Michigan State rates Fraser good even after drying; blue spruce drops to fair, and Penn State says it sheds heavily if it dries once.
• Scent. Fraser's is strong: Clemson calls it exceptional and long lasting. Blue spruce smells pleasant but milder.
• Color. Fraser is dark green with silvery undersides; blue spruce is blue-gray to silvery blue.

The full Fraser story is on our Fraser fir page. Comparing with Norway spruce or another tree? Compare all 16 trees by needles, scent, branches and region.

NC State's Plant Toolbox lists zones 2a to 7a and the Morton Arboretum lists 2 to 7. Between them, they say it wants full sun and moist, well-drained soil, puts up with alkaline or clay soil and road salt, and dislikes heat and humidity. NC State notes it's a popular choice to dig and plant after the holidays. The Morton Arboretum adds a heads-up: older trees often get cankers and needle diseases.

Before you buy one in a pot, read our cut vs potted Christmas tree guide.