Can I cut off the bottom branches of a Colorado Blue Spruce?

Question

I want to keep a Colorado Blue Spruce that is next to our driveway, but it is making it impossible to get into our car. Can I cut off the bottom 1/4 or 1/3 of its branches, or will that damage it too much?

Answer 1

Yes you can cut them off, BUT you should wait until fall when the starts to become dormant. You should only prune up to 1/4 of the total amount of the tree so the tree doesn't get stressed and die or go into super growth mode.
DO NOT use any paint or tar to cover the cuts, they will heal them selves.

Answer 2

I cut mine 8' high on the side next to the driveway. That was 9 years ago.We've moved and the tree is still there. Chicago, Illinois suburb. The sap from the tree should heal the cuts.

Answer 3

As others offer...YES you can. I'd wait until the sap stops flowing; and/or early next year before it starts again; but will have renewed growth in Spring.

The tar works; as does latex paint. Of course you might PRUNE at a pace that doesn't remove too much at once; causing any shock.

Answer 4

I have an entire easement of them I have to keep trimmed. I then put a black tarry substance I picked up at the garden center for the ends, to keep the insects and damage out of the trimmed ends.

Answer 5

yes, but put a covering of tar,or a spray [you can get at a garden center] to cover the cut section,

Answer 6

You can trim away, they like everything but getting too cold or wind damaged.

Answer 7

yes i trimed all mine cut as close as you can to the maine part of tree i trimed mine so the first six feet were over head and they are doing fine

Answer 8

cut them close to the truck and then paint to keep bugs off.