I' d cut like I show,. Would prb'ly need to also cut that small branch in front of the line first to get that out of the way. And might need to cut above that line first to get to the final cut, which would be OK to do.

and if you can free it to mother earth ... when its dormant.. or as close as it gets down your way.. bare root it.. and do some serious root pruning ... because is suspect it is already severely pot bound ... the roots going round and round.. like the bus wheel ...

ken

ps: now i am wondering if this particular tree would survive in your area??? .. someone else will have to answer that ... you are a long way from norway.. lol ..

You called it ( Norway , which is Picea abies

& Blue , which is Picea pungens

this is what you get from the conifer forum

not the pine tree forum

Thanks all, we live in the city with no back yard, so this little guy will last as long as he lasts as a deck potted tree - clearly not very long by the Sounds of it - but 2 Christmasses out of him already gets our money’s worth and one less tree cut down, so happy with whatever happens from here!

@Danae

I think the comments here are too pessimistic.

You might want to repost your question and get some advice from the container gardening forum here, or the bonsai people.

By using their methods you might be able to keep him going in a container for longer than that.

Picea are fast growers but if you pinch off new growth and prune the roots every year or two, Bruce the Spruce might be able to stay with you in a pot for longer than two years.

It will require more maintenance on your part than it would in the ground but I would think it's not impossible. Try asking over there!