The Watcher wrote:
A good mulch layer around the base(not against the trunk, though)
with some compost and maybe some light shade for part of the day. I
have a small spruce growing in a partly shaded spot and it seems to
like the conditions there.

Good, I did mulch and that's the conditions perfectly. I guess it's time
to just cross my fingers.

Should I water it more often during the summer, though?