Blue spruce tends to be shallow rooted, and is very sensitive to infertile soil, poor drainage, shade, drought and winter drying outside of its native range. Extended periods of hot, dry weather can damage the tree. Any of these factors can result in a gradual decline of the tree. Adverse environmental conditions can lead to purpling of inner needles, needle drop, branch dieback or tree mortality. Damage caused by poor growing conditions often are confused with infectious diseases like Sirococcus shoot blight, Cytospora Canker and Rhizosphaera needle cast.
Blue spruce is also sensitive to herbicides applied to home lawns to control broadleaf weeds.
Certain phenoxy-type herbicides may be absorbed by the shallow roots or foliage and cause considerable damage. Some twisting or distortion of new growth may be observed, but more commonly the needles turn purple and drop from the tree. In the case of root absorption, damage to branches may follow a spiral pattern up the tree. This is because the water conducting system of the trees tends to twist inside the trunk, and anything absorbed by a root on one side of the tree is translocated in a spiral pattern. Growers should understand the potential problems and risks in growing this tree in Kansas.