I have a (BIG) tree problem. We have a Colorado Blue Spruce in our back yard that was probably planted around the time our home was built (mid-60s). She is about 50 feet tall and experiencing some problems. Most of the branches about 15 feet from the ground are dead and brittle and needle-less. This seems even worse than last year (when we moved in), but I didn't take a photo so I am not certain. Is this just the tree aging and dying? Is there anything we can do? I would love to prolong her life if possible, because I have become strangely attached to my trees
, but also have concerns about safety. Do all of these dead branches make the tree less stable and more likely to fall down during a storm? We get some pretty brutal winds and lots of snow in the winter and lightning in the summer. Further complicating matters, the tree is not far from our power line or house (someone did not think the placement through when they planted it!). There is another large spruce-like tree right next to it (green though...not blue) and this tree is also showing the dying branches on the bottom (only about 3 feet up), so not as bad. I think this tree is the same age judging by its size. Should we be lopping off these dead branches? In the case of the tree with 15 fete of dead branches, will it be too top-heavy and at a greater risk for falling down if we chop these branches off? Should we start getting quotes to have one or both chopped down (something I really don't want to do unless required for safety)? Thanks so much for any advice anyone can offer!-meg
