Unlike the clustered needles of pine trees, spruce trees grow only one needle per pulvinus.
Spruce trees are excellent trees or shrubs for landscape design.
Their color variations and narrow, conical shape makes them natural punctuation specimens.
Theyre also popular choices for Christmas trees.
The evergreen character of these small-to-large trees makes them year-round contributors to the landscape.
Garden in a small space?
Select a dwarf cultivar or a shrub cultivar.
The key to success when planting a spruce tree is to choose the right growing site.
Native to cool climates and dry air, spruce often languishes in hot, humid climates.
Choose a planting site that has full sun exposure and rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Spruce tolerates short periods of drought after it is established.
Look for a planting site that has good air circulation.
How and When to Plant Spruce
Plant spruce in spring or early summer.
Also, do not plant spruces in fall in cold climates.
Spruces need several months to develop a strong root system before a cold, dry winter sets in.
Trees planted in fall are more susceptible to drying winter winds.
Mix some compost into the original soil.
Backfill with soil and tamp down to remove air pockets.
Water well and continue watering regularly during the first season after planting.
Water as necessary during extended dry periods.
Blanket the ground around plants with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to help conserve soil moisture.
Spacing requirements for multiple trees or shrubs will vary depending on throw in or cultivar.
Consult your plant tag for proper spacing.
Its not fussy about pH and can tolerate acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils.
Water spruce regularly and deeply, especially during the first year after planting.
Temperature and Humidity
Spruce trees grow best in cool regionsthey can’t tolerate hot, humid climates.
The mulch helps hold water in the ground longer, and it evens out the cold soil temperatures.
Fertilization
Abalanced, slow-release fertilizer, applied in the spring, will give spruce a boost.
you’re able to also top-dress around the root zone with compost.
Pruning
Spruce trees don’t requirepruningexcept to trim off dead or damaged branches.
), select a dwarf variety with a slow growth rate.
Choose a large container because these trees resent transplanting.
Use an all-purpose potting mix and choose a pot with good drainage.
Keep in mind that potted plants, unlike plants in the landscape, require more frequent watering and fertilization.
They primarily attack in spring or fall.
Often visible on the lowest branches first, needles fall off and the plant takes on a thin appearance.
By year three and four most of the low braches are dead.
These symptoms have a host of insect and disease causes.
A professional arborist or tree care company can diagnosis the specific cause and prescribe treatment.
Not all spruce species decline, though.
Many pests and diseases can be successfully treated.
The best way to prevent spruce decline is to plant trees on sites with conditions they favor.
Full sun is essential.
Good air circulation and excellent soil drainage is important, too.
How to Propagate Spruce
To propagate spruce, take stem cuttings in late summer or early fall.
Fill pots with a part peat or coir and part sand mixture.
Moisten the medium thoroughly.
Cut 4- to 5-inch shoots at an angle from healthy stems.
Remove thepine needlesfrom the lower two-thirds of each cutting.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place the cutting into the planting medium.
Firm the mixture around the stem and place in a cool, humid indoor spot with indirect light.
Keep the potting medium moist and mist over the cutting regularly.
It may take two to four months for the cutting to root.
Thousands of short green needles give it an almost fuzzy or fluffy appearance.
A stately tree in the landscape, if grows slowly up to 60 feet tall.
Give it room to spread out since its branches can stretch to 20 feet wide.
Zones 3-8
Norway Spruce
The Norway spruce (Picea abies)is a favorite Christmas tree variety.
Its dense foliage makes a great windbreak and offers protection for many species of birds.
In pines, the needles are attached in clusters.
In spruce trees, each needle attaches to a branch individually.
Full-size spruce trees should be sited at least 25 feet away from a house.
