We just moved into a new house that has a beautiful 20-foot-tall Colorado blue spruce planted too close to the house. Can it be topped and shaped so it could be left in that spot? If we wanted to remove it and plant it somewhere else could we do that? Or will it just die anyway? What to do?
I would not recommend topping the tree. Since this tree can reach mature heights of 30 to 60 feet or more, it may not be the right tree for the site. Here is a page about Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) from University of Illinois Extension’s Selecting Trees For Your Home.
Here is information (now archived) from a local organization, Plant Amnesty, on why topping trees is not a good solution to your landscaping problem.
This organization has an “Adopt-a-Plant” service, if you think you would like to give the tree away. There are also referral services available from Plant Amnesty if you need the tree removed or moved to another location. You could also contact a certified arborist through the
International Society for Arboriculture.
I also suggest looking at resources like Great Plant Picks, which lists trees and shrubs which will do well in our area, and includes information on their growth habits and ultimate size at maturity.