Blue spruce concern

Question: Large blue spruce in back yard woodbury, MN.  Just removed large Ash tree to the right of the Spruce.  We realize that the spruce has three upper main trunk sprouts and are fairly barren.  Is it possible for the tree to recover without the Ash.  Or, is it acceptable to remove any of the multiple shoots without hurting the tree.  Thank you.  This is my second request.  I have attached photos .

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied March 23, 2023, 5:34 PM EDT
response: Large blue spruce in back yard woodbury, MN. Just removed large Ash tree to the right of the Spruce. We realize that the spruce has three upper main trunk sprouts and are fairly barren. Is it possible for the tree to recover without the Ash. Or, is it acceptable to remove any of the multiple shoots without hurting the tree. Thank you. This is my second request. I have attached photos . You have a tree with multiple leaders or main trunks. Two of them should have been removed when the tree was a few feet tall. And it appears that you have another spruce or fir tree behind the multiple leader tree.  Because these multiple leaders are so thick, I do not think that removing one or two of them will work. The wounds from the removal will heal but the tree will always look lopsided. You appear to have some new growth on the lower trunk, but I do not know how long it would take for those branches to fill out and their youth, for lack of a better term, will always be obvious. How healthy and well shaped is the tree behind this one? If that one appears to have a single leader or main trunk and has branches all the way around, I would recommend removing the multiple leader tree and let the younger one have the space to expand.  You can always plant a new tree atleast 12 feet away and preferably farther so that the branches have a chance to spread and grow before touching each other.  In addition, any new trees should be a spruce that is native to Minnesota. Blue spruce is native to Colorado and grows best in the drier air that they have there. Minnesota is too humid for them and those that do grow without sufficient air circulation around them are suseptible to needle cast diseases.    A Concolor Fir has a bluish color and might be a suitable replacement.  Also go to "Trees Are Good" online and look for a certified arborist in your area. They can give you a better idea of how to care for your trees.  If none are available, ask the aborist you locate a lot of questions so you can assess their competence.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 23, 2023, 6:54 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your thorough reply .  I have included a photo of the tree next to the spruce.  Ironically when we purchased in 1999, the homeowner had a greenhouse business, thus  the many pines.  We have had to remove 2 pines and a small Ash early on after we bought the home.  All in the backyard.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied March 23, 2023, 8:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your thorough reply . I have included a photo of the tree next to the spruce. Ironically when we purchased in 1999, the homeowner had a greenhouse business, thus the many pines. We have had to remove 2 pines and a small Ash early on after we bought the home. All in the backyard.  Yes, the younger tree looks more like a keeper. Your choice whether you keep the multi-leader or not.

responder: The Question Asker Replied March 23, 2023, 9:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your thorough reply .  I have included a photo of the tree next to the spruce.  Ironically when we purchased in 1999, the homeowner had a greenhouse business, thus  the many pines.  We have had to remove 2 pines and a small Ash early on after we bought the home.  All in the backyard.