It could be an issue with the soil, as dwarf white spruce prefer acidic to neutral soil. If your soil pH is too high it can negatively impact your shrub’s growth. It could also be an issue with drainage because they really thrive in well-draining soil. Excessive heat, harsh winter winds, too much sun exposure, and/or too much or not enough water may also lead to the issues you described. Spider mites can also wreak havoc on your plant, while crowding also results in needle loss and bare branches.
As far as planting in a raised bed, it would depend on what else you have planned for that space. You would have to make sure that other plantings share the same soil requirements because if you choose something that needs a more alkaline soil, one or the other will suffer. It might be better to plant a new dwarf white spruce in a container with high quality potting soil that you can adjust the pH when necessary so it gets the proper growing conditions it needs. You can also place the container in the perfect spot in your landscape for full sun.
Hi Pamela,
It could be an issue with the soil, as dwarf white spruce prefer acidic to neutral soil. If your soil pH is too high it can negatively impact your shrub’s growth. It could also be an issue with drainage because they really thrive in well-draining soil. Excessive heat, harsh winter winds, too much sun exposure, and/or too much or not enough water may also lead to the issues you described. Spider mites can also wreak havoc on your plant, while crowding also results in needle loss and bare branches.
As far as planting in a raised bed, it would depend on what else you have planned for that space. You would have to make sure that other plantings share the same soil requirements because if you choose something that needs a more alkaline soil, one or the other will suffer. It might be better to plant a new dwarf white spruce in a container with high quality potting soil that you can adjust the pH when necessary so it gets the proper growing conditions it needs. You can also place the container in the perfect spot in your landscape for full sun.
Hope this helps!