Spruce trees are one of the most iconic types of trees because they are often used as Christmas trees. They are also very useful for ornamental aesthetics, as they are evergreen and do not have bare branches in the winter like many other types of trees such as maples or oaks.
Spruce trees are easy to plant and adapt well to many different types of environments. You can plant them near your house, in a garden or grove, in a container, in full sun, or in partial shade. If you are considering planting an evergreen tree, a spruce would be a great choice.
Read on for all the info you need to help you learn about spruce trees, decide where to plant yours, and learn how exactly to plant it. Let’s get started!
A Spruce Tree Is Not A Pine
The first piece of information that may come as a shock to many people is that spruce trees are not pine trees.
Many people think that pine is a category that encompasses the types of pine trees plus firs and spruces. But, in fact, these three types of trees are not all pines.
How To Know If Your Dealing With A Spruce Tree
Spruce trees, pine trees, and fir trees are all evergreen conifers, but how do you tell them apart? This quick reference of characteristics will help you distinguish between these types of trees.
| SPRUCE | FIR | PINE | |
| Needles | Green, pointy, stripes on the bottom, grow individually | Soft, round, attach to the tree on pegs | Grow in groups, long, flat, smooth |
| Bark | Covered in pegs from needles, scaly, loose | Smooth, varying in color | Scaly, brown or gray |
| Cones | Thin, soft scales | Grow upward | Hard scales |
Now let’s look at some of these differences in detail so you can be confident in identifying types of conifers when you encounter them, whether in the wild while on a hike, in the gardening shop looking for a cut Christmas tree, or in a nursery selecting a sapling to plant at your house.
Hallmarks Of Spruce Trees
Spruce trees are most easily identified by their needles, as are most types of evergreen trees.
On a spruce tree, the needles can be found growing individually on the branches instead of in groups, and the needles attach to the tree with little structures that resemble pegs.
function spruce_tree_age_calculator() {
// Define the growth factor for the species of spruce tree
$growth_factor = 4.5;
// Check if the user has submitted the form
if(isset($_POST['submit'])) {
// Get the diameter of the tree at breast height from the form
$diameter_cm = floatval($_POST['diameter_cm']);
// Calculate the age of the tree using the formula
$age_years = ($diameter_cm / 2.54) / $growth_factor;
// Print the age of the tree
echo "<p>The spruce tree is approximately " . round($age_years, 2) . " years old.</p>";
}
// Display the form for the user to input the diameter of the tree
echo '<form method="post">
<label for="diameter_cm">Enter the diameter of the spruce tree (in cm) at breast height:</label>
<input type="number" step="0.01" name="diameter_cm" required>
<br><br>
<input type="submit" name="submit" value="Calculate">
</form>';
}
// Add the shortcode for the spruce tree age calculator
add_shortcode('spruce_tree_age', 'spruce_tree_age_calculator');Spruce needles are very pointy and sharp. When they fall from the tree, they leave their pegs behind, resulting in a rough texture left on the branches of the spruce.
Spruce trees also have cones that point downward. This is the same with pines, but it does set these two types of conifers apart from firs.
Characteristics Of Fir Trees
Again, needles are key in identifying what type of conifer you are seeing. For fir trees, the distinguishing feature is that the needles attach individually like spruces but they attach directly to the tree without any pegs.
The result is that the bark of a fir tree is smooth because there aren’t any pegs left behind when the needles fall, which is markedly different from the spruce.
The needles of a fir are also soft. This is something many people may look for when choosing a fir as their Christmas tree because it isn’t painful to decorate a fir tree, unlike a spruce tree, which will possibly cause some pain due to its sharp, pointy needles.
Lastly, fir trees have the unique trait of cones that point upward, which is different from the downward pointing cones of spruces and pines.
Traits Of Pine Trees
Pine trees have needles that are always found in groups. The number of needles per group can vary from species to species of pine, but they are groups of either two, three, or five.
Then the group is gathered into a cluster that attaches to the tree with a peg, similar to the individual pegs found on spruce trees.
Now that you are able to tell the difference between spruces, pines, and firs, it is time to consider some different types of spruce trees so you can decide which is best suited to your home and yard.
Choosing A Type Of Spruce Tree
Spruce trees can be found all over the world and have been for a very long time. In Central Europe, their population has even increased in recent history.
So planting a spruce tree is a great idea if you are looking for a classic evergreen tree that has stood the test of time and can live in a variety of climates and areas of the globe.
Spruce trees are hardy trees and can grow after forest fires.
Just like there are different kinds of conifers, there are different types of spruces. Here are a few of the most popular that you are likely to encounter as you decide what type to plant in your yard.
Norway Spruce Tree
This is one of the quintessential Christmast tree spruces that probably springs to mind when you begin to think of this species of evergreen tree.
The Norway spruce is a big variety of spruce that has a pyramid shade and is a dark shade of green. Norway spruces are used not just as Christmas trees but also for their lumber.
Yale University also provides some interesting and quirky facts about this tree. For instance, the Norway spruce tree does grow in Norway, but it doesn’t actually originate there.
Also, the Norway spruce is the type of spruce that is always the tree in Rockefeller Center in New York City every Christmas. And, lastly, a weird fact about this tree is that the wood of a young Norway spruce is sometimes even used to make beer!
The Blue Spruce or Colorado Blue Spruce Tree
The Colorado blue spruce is one of the most popular types of spruce tree. The blue spruce is the official state tree of Utah, a state to which it is a native tree.
The blue spruce is slow growing, so don’t choose this one if you are in a hurry to have a mature tree in your yard. But if you are willing to be patient, the blue spruce is a majestic tree. It is easy to grow, also, and easy to take care of.
It can be very large, with some blue spruces reaching heights of 60 feet, though, according to the University of Nebraska Horticulture, Landscape, and Environmental Systems, it can grow a lot bigger than that in wild forests.
There are even subvarieties of blue spruce, so you can choose one that suits your yard best. Spruces are very hardy and grow well in a number of climates, so as long as you are able to provide enough sun and water, the tree should do great.
Note that, if you live in an are where you do not have a lot of sun, this variety of spruce does grow well in partial shade, too, so this is a great option.
Sitka Spruce
The largest spruce variety there is, the sitka spruce is not for all yards, but if you need to make a statement or have a large piece of land to plant on, consider this tree that can grow to be as tall as 230 feet.
The sitka spruce grows mainly in the pacific northwest area of the United States, so it is a good fit for rainy areas. According to Oregon State University, the sitka does not grow anywhere higher than sea level, so keep that in mind when considering whether this tree is a good fit for your yard.
White Spruce
The white spruce is a smaller variety of spruce, growing to about 40 to 60 feet tall. It grows faster than a Norway spruce, so if you are looking for a smaller and faster-growing addition to your yard, this might be a great choice.
If your head is spinning after looking at these options, check out our condensed list of the 10 best spruce trees to plant. That may clear some things up!
Where To Plant Your New Spruce Tree
Deciding where to plant your spruce tree is a very important decision. It might make the difference between whether or not your tree survives or serves its intended purpose. Here are five of the best places to plant a spruce tree.
1. Plant Your Spruce Tree Near Your House
Sometimes, a house just doesn’t look as good unless there is a tree nearby. If you are looking to add some color to your yard or some life to a xeriscaped yard, think about planting a spruce near your house.
Be careful that you don’t plant it too close to your house, but spruce trees are great for this type of planting because their roots are not particularly invasive and they are unlikely to harm a foundation or porch.
2. Plant A Spruce Tree In A Garden
Many gardens feature trees as large statement pieces or to add variety. You would need a big garden for this plan, of course, but a spruce tree would provide year-round greenery in a garden that might lose a lot of its colors in the winter months.
Plus, you could always decorate it as an outdoor Christmas tree, creating a winter wonderland in your own backyard.
3. Plant Your New Spruce Tree In A Container
Maybe you love the idea of planting a spruce tree, but you just don’t have enough space in your yard or garden, or maybe you live in a rental or an apartment where planting a tree in the yard is impossible. In this case, consider using a container, at least for a few years of your spruce tree’s growth.
Now you can move the tree easily if you put it on a rolling plant stand, and you can move it around for optimal sunlight, water, and temperature.
4. Plant A Spruce Tree In Full Sun
Spruce trees, like most evergreens and just trees in general, love full sun all day long. For most areas of the United States, the best area of your yard to plant a spruce tree will be an area that gets full sun all day long.
To find this area, you will need to look around outside your house on a day that is completely sunny. Do not try to do this on a cloud day; you are better off waiting a few days so you can get an accurate picture of the sun at your house.
Walk around in the morning and note what areas are totally sunny. Find a spot you like, as morning sun is more important than afternoon sun, then check that area again in the afternoon.
If it is still sunny, you may have found the perfect spot. And if it isn’t sunny anymore, you might still be able to plant there if you have a lot of sunny mornings at your home.
If you want to learn more about why spruces absolutely adore sun, check out our article that describes why spruce trees need more sun than shade!
5. Plant A Spruce Tree In Partial Shade
There are some exceptions to the idea of a tree being placed in sunshine all day long, and if these apply to you, you might want to consider planting your spruce tree in partial shade.
Finding partial shade is similar to finding full sun. You need to scout the areas around your home to see when each area is shady or sunny.
The afternoon sun is best to avoid in the southwest and similar climates, so try to find a spot that gets some morning sun but is shaded in the afternoon. This will help make sure your tree gets adequate sun but is shaded during the most harsh parts of the day.
When would this apply? Certainly it would be significant for you if you live in a desert climate or one that gets a lot of sun and very little rain like the southwestern parts of the United States.
Keep in mind that some varieties of spruce do better in partial shade than others, but the extreme full sun of some areas of the country is too harsh for most trees, even conifers.
Steps For Planting A Spruce Tree
Now that you have chosen a spruce tree, it’s time to start planting. Planting a tree may seem like a simple task, but there are a few key factors to consider that will help set your new tree up for success.
The best time of year to plant a spruce tree is usually in the fall, after the hot summer temperatures have gone away but before the ground freezes or snow falls.
If you can’t plant in the fall, consider the springtime when temperatures and conditions are similarly mild.
To plant your tree, your basic steps are these:
- Prepare the area where you are going to plant the tree by removing debris.
- Dig the hole for your tree.
- Check the placement of the tree.
- Recover the root ball with the removed soil.
- Water your tree.
- Keep an eye on the tree for the first few months to make sure it is getting enough sunlight and water.
Now let’s break down the steps of planting in detail so you will know exactly what to do throughout the process.
1. Preparing To Dig
Before you even put your shovel in the ground, there are a few things to check on. You have already used the tips above to help you choose a spot for your tree, but you need to prepare that spot before you dig the hole for your spruce.
First, clear the area of any yard debris like rocks, pine cones, weeds, or insect nests.
You can get rid of the weeds easily ahead of time by using an herbicide like Roundup Ready-to-Use Grass Killer III, which is specially made for use around trees.
Once you have cleared the area, you are ready to dig a hole to plant your tree in.
2. Digging The Hole For Your Spruce Tree
Now that the area has been cleared, it’s time to dig the hole that you will plant your tree in.
Dig a hole that is about twice as big around as the root ball of your spruce. This does not have to be exact, but it is a good general guideline.
The hole should be deep enough to bury the entire root ball but not so deep that there is much space between the top of the root ball and the ground surface.
Gently remove any casing like netting or plastic from the root ball of your spruce tree.
If your spruce seedling is in a temporary disposable plastic pot, a good method is to gently squeeze all around the outside of the pot to loosen the soil within. If this doesn’t work, you can use gardening shears to cut into the side of the pot and make more room for the root ball to loosen up.
Be ready to move the tree directly into the hole at this point. Don’t complete this step until you are ready to put the tree into the ground.
3. Planting The Spruce Tree
Gently hold your tree by the root ball. Never hold it by its branches, as they could easily break and severely damage the tree before you even plant it.
Checking The Planting Location
Lower the root ball into the bottom of the hole and check the level of the ground. If the bottom of the trunk is more than an inch or two below the ground surface, remove the tree very gently and put some soil back into the hole.
Likewise, if the top of the root ball sits any higher at all than the surface of the ground, remove the tree from the hole and dig the hole deeper until the trunk of the tree begins at ground level.
Knowing the area where you plant is also a good idea. For instance, there are many plants that you would want to avoid growing near your spruce tree, usually because they simply don’t mix and will compete for vital nutrients.
Replacing The Soil
When you are sure the depth of planting is correct, you can center the spruce and being to replace the soil.
Start by loosely shoveling or spading soil into the hole around the root ball, moving around in a circle to keep the soil level even. When you have filled the hole, gently pat the soil down.
Likely at this point, you will need to put more soil on top. Continue this process until the ground all around your spruce tree is even.
You may want to amend your soil in some fashion to meet your spruces preferences. For instance, spruce trees love acidic soil, so you may want to add something to lower your soil’s pH.
4. A Note About Fertilizer
While it might seem that you would be going the extra mile and helping your spruce by giving it plant food or fertilizer at this point, fertilizer can actually be bad for young trees, so skip it at this stage.
If, after the tree has been planted for about a year or so, you want to give it a boost, you can add some fertilizer, like Scotts Evergreen, Flowering Tree, and Shrub Continuous Release Plant Food, which is made especially for evergreen trees like a spruce.
5. Watering Your Newly Planted Tree
When you have leveled the soil all around your spruce, use a garden hose to thoroughly water it. Make sure the ground all around is saturated.
If you don’t want to stand around doing this, you can set up a sprinkler or soaker hose to do the work for you, but make sure to keep an eye on it so you don’t flood the planting site.
If you live in a climate that gets plenty or rain or snow, this might be the only time you need to water your spruce. But if you live in a dry climate or at high elevation, you should consider your plan for keeping the spruce watered.
For more detailed information about watering spruce trees, take a look at our tips for watering your spruce tree (and when to do it).
Pruning Your Spruce Tree
Spruce trees do not actually have to be pruned, so if you prefer to just let your tree grow as it would in the wild, you can do that.
But if you want to keep it looking its best and remove branches that might cause problems down the road, the best time to prune is in the spring. Look for dead branches along the bottom of the tree and remove those.
That’s A Wrap!
Now that you have learned about spruce trees and how to plant one, you are ready to add your own to your yard.
Whether your want an outdoor Christmas tree, a shade tree, or just some color in the winter months, consider a spruce tree for your next gardening adventure.
References
Cienciala, E., Altman, J., Doležal, J., Kopáček, J., Štěpánek, P., Ståhl, G., & Tumajer, J. (2018). Increased spruce tree growth in Central Europe since 1960s. Science of the Total Environment, 619, 1637-1647.
Dy, G., & Payette, S. (2007). Frost hollows of the boreal forest as extreme environments for black spruce tree growth. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 37(2), 492-504.
Deans, J. D., Lundberg, C., Tabbush, P. M., Cannell, M. G. R., Sheppard, L. J., & Murray, M. B. (1990). The influence of desiccation, rough handling and cold storage on the quality and establishment of Sitka spruce planting stock. Forestry: An International Journal of Forest Research, 63(2), 129-141.
Tarroux, E., DesRochers, A., & Girard, J. P. (2014). Growth and root development of black and white spruce planted after deep planting. Forest ecology and management, 318, 294-303.
