Question
Our small alberta spruce turns brown but then after a lot of watering and a little fertilizer it perks up.  Now, in January it looks like it is dying again.  Help.

Answer
Gladys,

It sounds like the Spruce is struggling to survive. This could be due to many factors such as poor soil, poor site location, mites and root problems. Any one of these conditions will weaken the plant.

I think that the spruce may be root bound, that is that the roots never grew out away from the plant, andd this is limiting the air, water and nutrient uptake.

Use fertilizer spikes to slowly feed the plant over a 6 month period. Maintain regular watering (as temperatures allow) and protect it from winter winds using a burlap enclosure. The shrub should do well with a little extra care.

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen