Question
QUESTION: I have a 6-7 ft Colorado blue spruce (Fat Albert) in a partial shaded raised bed about 3-4 ft from my house. I planted it 2 years ago replacing a evergreen that out grew its space. It is thinning out and I am worried it is dying. What is the best way to care for this tree

ANSWER: I would do two things--water and fertilize.
Fertilize with 10-10-10 fertilizer at the rate of 1 lb per inch of trunk diameter scattered around the tree and watered in good. Also mulch around the tree if you have not done so to help hold moisture around the roots. Mulch with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch (pine straw is good) not piled up on the trunk.

Water with 1 inch of water per week-place a pan under the tree and turn the sprinkler on and when the pan has 1 inch of water in it stop.

This species likes sunlight so the shade maybe the problem. The water and the fertilizer may off set the sunlight so try them first. .

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QUESTION: I will fertilize the tree, but in the past week we have received about 4 inches of rain. Also, my rain downspout was near the tree ( I have rerouted away). I have about 2 inches of mulch around the tree. Is it possible that there was too much water?

Answer
Yes too much water is as bad as too little, I should have said water IF it does not rain. Usually rain water is not a problem unless the spot is low and the water stands for a day or so. Rerouting the downspout should help move the water away from the tree.