Should I try it

[Utah]

Hello all I have a chance to collect this tree I have not seen it but from the photo it looks like Alberta spruce. I am very new to this and this would be my first collected tree. I have soil (turface MVP) and I Can build a grow box. With only one photo to go off what do you think?

 

[rockm]

That's going to be quite a job...Hope you have LOTS of turface, a 25-30 gallon grow box and a backhoe;-)...It does look like an Alberta spruce.

Seriously, it might be worth collecting, but you're not going to get it out easily (or successfully) all in one go. Do you have time to trench one side, leave it for a year and then dig it out?

 

[fourteener]

The foliage is probably so far away from the trunk that it might not have a future. It feels like a large struggle to get something mediocre.

I have a hard time saying no, but I'm certain i would say that to this tree. If you want the practice and it's free...give it a try.

 

[Dav4]

The foliage is probably so far away from the trunk that it might not have a future. It feels like a large struggle to get something mediocre.

I have a hard time saying no, but I'm certain i would say that to this tree. If you want the practice and it's free...give it a try.

This is exactly what I said to myself when I saw the picture. For me, it would be a "no go"...too much effort for minimal return.

 

[JudyB]

I typed those very words, (too much work for no return) but then thought what the heck, it's good exercise, right?

 

[rockm]

On the ther hand, it could be spectacular material. Such material is bound to have a terrific nebari under the first couple of inches of soil...You can bend the branches down with some effort, shorten them, create snags and other deadwood features too with such a tree.

Might be worth a photo of the nebari and first four feet of the trunk...

It is going to be quite an effort, though...

 

[Martin Sweeney]

Utah,

I would try to collect one or both of what appears to be yews right behind it instead.

Regards,
Martin

 

[Utah]

Thank you for all of your input. I am going to pass on it and i hate to pass on a free tree. I wish the yews in the back ground were up for grabs but they are not. If you are in Cleveland and want to try that monster its yours but im sure it needs to be out in one or two days.