Hi Folks,
   I am new to this conference and I have a question regarding a Blue Spruce 
that I bought from a nursery Christmas of '94, root ball in a bushel basket, 
the tree about 2 1/2 ft. tall then.  After about 10 days inside, put it 
outside and planted it that Spring ('95).  The tree has grown, but only 
slowly and I have a suspicion that it is actually a dwarf variety since its 
new growth is very stubby.  At the time of purchase I didn't get the 
impression that the tree was a "dwarf."  It seems like the older growth was 
not stubby.  Could some disease or pest be causing the stubby growth, or do I 
actually have a dwarf?  The nursery can't offer me anything that satisfies me 
as an answer.  And the tree wasn't guaranteed and had no tag.  I forgot to 
say this was used as the family Christmas tree and with root ball stood about 
4 ft or so.
   My other question with spruces concerns that top bud. I have had the top 
bud seem winter-killed on a few spruces from time to time.  The one tree 
recovered by sending out two candles to assume the lead.  I assumed one was 
the leader, and pruned off the other to keep the shape.  Is there any way to 
tell which candle is the leader in this situation?
   Thanks for your time!  Any input here is welcomed and appreciated!
   Take care, Joe.
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