The stress that caused them to cone was the transplantation. This is past and
normal behavior will resume in a couple of seasons

DO NOT TILL! Tilling is just about the worst possible thing you could do. You
need to do just the opposite, no tilling and maintain a thick, organic mulch.
Keeping the trees well mulched is your best insurance against growth inhibiting
environmental stress such as drought and cold. I would suggest a circle of
mulch, 2"-6" thick, that extends from the trunk to slightly beyond the widest
branch spread. Taper the mulch from thinnest near the trunk to thickest at the
periphery of the circle. Remove any weeds, grass, spruce seedlings etc. that
grow in the mulch.

You don't mention the type of spruce so the maximum growth rate is hard to
predict. The most commonly planted spruces here in the northeast, Colorado and
Norway spruce, will grow quite rapidly when happy. Norway will grow 30"-36" per
year. Colorado 24"-30" per year.

Light fertilization is all that is needed. Fert. sticks are ok but a slow
realease, pelleted fertilizer such as Osmocote is easier to use and makes it
easier to know exactly how much nutrition you are providing.

--beeky

J&L Morris wrote:

I fell a grove of poplar trees in my front yard in the spring of 1999. I
had the stumps ground. I then deep tilled and bought in a guy with a tree
spade. I had him move about 22 Spruce trees (all approximately 10 ft high)
to replace the poplars. I trimmed off the lower branches up to about 1 foot
off the ground to allow clearance for tilling around. I drive in fertilizer
stakes every year...They are doing fine to this day, but have I two
questions.
1) Last year we had somewhat of a drought. ....they show absolutely no
signs of turning brown (I kept them well watered during the drought) but,
they produced MANY pinecones.... My brother tells me a tree will do this if
it is 'Stressed" and is a natural way to preserve its species....is this
true?

2) I literally want these trees to "Jump" (grow fast) because I want my
privacy. I presently till around the trees. Should I till around the trees
or put down sod ?...Which will make them grow faster?...Or maybe this has
nothing to do with the speed the trees grow.... any thoughts?...Thanks in
advance for any replies..... Jim/ Saskatchewan Canada