With over 35 different species of spruce trees sprouting among the states, it can be hard to narrow down which spruce tree is best suited for your yard. If you’re searching for a quick start to your spruce tree journey, there are a few species that will start soaring once you send them into the soil.
The fastest growing among the spruce tree species is the Norway Spruce. Closely following this towering monster in its footsteps is the Sitka Spruce, the White Spruce, the Colorado Blue Spruce, the Engelmann Spruce, the Serbian Spruce and the Red Spruce. All of these spruce varieties will grow fast!
While the majority of the spruce tree species grow just under one foot per year, these seven species grow beyond twelve inches annually, allowing you to quickly jump-start your spruce journey.
What Is A Spruce Tree?
A spruce tree is a coniferous evergreen that naturally sprouts from the soils of mountainous regions and boreal forests across the map.
Spruce trees are one of the most sought-out coniferous trees for residential planting. Once you get a glimpse of them, you’ll understand why! You’ll often find them as part of the landscape for design and functionality, as they can often be used for windbreaks and even Christmas trees!
Coniferous, often referred to as a conifer, simply means that the tree bears cones. Each variety of spruce tree will develop cones as they mature.
Evergreen simply means that the foliage of the spruce will remain green throughout the seasons. As the trees begin to lose their leaves, the needles of the spruce will hold strong and stay green, which is different from the average deciduous tree that displays a darling show during the fall!
In other words, a spruce tree is a pyramidal-shaped tree with evergreen needles that develop seed-bearing cones that droop down from the branches.
Among a few other species of trees that can be described the same way, there are few specifics to the nature of the spruce.
Pines Trees vs. Fir Trees vs. Spruce Trees: The Pinpointed Difference
Spruce trees are most commonly misidentified as a fir or pine trees.
Unless you’re up close and personal, or have the encyclopedia of trees memorized, it’s hard to distinguish the differences without any delay.
Look At The Needles
First and foremost, proper identification of any coniferous evergreen begins with the needles.
When examining the needles of any evergreen tree, pay close attention to the points at which the needles attach to the twigs. If the needles appear to be long and soft and attach in clusters of two, three, or five, you’re looking at a pine.
If the needles are attached individually, you could be looking at a spruce tree or a fir. To determine the difference between the two, you’ll have to take a closer look at the needles.
Fir needles are generally flat, friendly, and flexible while spruce needles are spiny, square, and sensitive.
If you were to place a needle in your hand, the spruce needle would roll between your fingers and likely break, while the fir needles would not budge and have a bit more flexibility to them.
Study The Cones
Without touching the tree, you’d be able to tell the difference between a fir and a spruce through the characteristics of their cones.
Spruce cones droop down from the branches while fir cones stick straight up and fall apart before falling to the ground with signs of sap.
Generally, evergreen trees found in landscapes are likely going to be spruce trees, but if you have an evergreen growing in your yard that you can’t identify, try those tips!
Which Spruce Trees Will Grow The Fastest In My Yard?
Spruce trees are often slow to moderate-growing evergreens… with an emphasis on slow. There are, however, a few species that are faster growing than the rest and would make the perfect addition to your yard.
Norway Spruce
The Norway Spruce is the fastest-growing spruce tree. The Norway Spruce is known for its rapid growth and droopy branches allowing it to become one of the most commonly planted spruce trees for ornamental use.
The Norway Spruce can grow up to 60 inches per year, but on average inches upward at two to three feet per year. At maturity, the Norway Spruce reaches 45 to 70 feet tall and can continue to grow up to 100 feet in height. It has a typical spread of 30 to 50 feet wide, so it needs a bit more growing room than the average spruce tree.
This spruce is easily grown and adapts well to a variety of climates and soil conditions, but does best when planted in acidic, well-drained soils with access to full sun.
Although, it is not among the drought-tolerant spruce species… so keep the water coming! Here are some tips for watering your spruce tree (and when to do it).
The Norway Spruce can also be known for its longevity. While the majority of this species lives for only a few hundred years, several Norway Spruce trees have been carbon-dated to be over 9000 years old according to Bates College Research.
There are many valuable uses for the Norway Spruce beyond its growth timeline, but if you’re just looking to harness its quick growth to watch it reach a mature height in your lifetime, it’s the perfect spruce tree for your yard.
The Norway Spruce can be found just about anywhere and is often found in landscapes throughout the map.
Sitka Spruce
Next, in the order of fastest growing spruce trees is the Sitka Spruce. It is actually known as one of the largest trees in the family of spruces and is the largest tree to grow in Alaska.
At first, growth may be slow. As the Sitka Spruce begins to mature, it can grow up to 60 inches per year, but on average, tops out at just over two feet per year. Mature trees often reach heights beyond 200 feet.
The Sitka Spruce is naturally found in landscapes and foggy forests along the Pacific Northwest Coast. It does have very little use in landscape because of its hardiness and size, but if you’re looking to grow the tallest tree around, give it a go!
Because of its limited use and hardiness, it may be hard to find a Sitka spruce at your local nursery. However, you can purchase your very own Jonsteen Sitka Spruce Sapling here! These natural saplings are grown organically and are even backed with a growing guarantee! If your sapling isn’t looking too hot, they’ll send you a new one!
When you go to plant your new Sitka Spruce sapling, be mindful that it still requires full sun, wet soils, and a misty environment, preferably near the ocean.
White Spruce
Known for its beautiful needles and ability to add elegance around your home, the white spruce is the next on the list for fastest growing spruce trees.
Perhaps the most common use for the White Spruce is during the holidays. This spruce is often grown as a Christmas Tree! If you’re searching for a tree to decorate or cut down for the holidays, it would make the perfect addition to your yard.
The White Spruce grows at a steady rate of 13 to 24 inches per year. At maturity, the white spruce reaches just over 40 feet tall with a spread of 10 to 20 feet.
This spruce tree is native to much colder climates than the average spruce and is one of the most valuable trees in Alaska.
In your yard, this spruce tree requires direct sunlight and acidic and well-drained soils.
Colorado Blue Spruce
And of course, the most versatile spruce tree of them all is the Colorado Blue Spruce. This spruce is well known throughout the states for its beautiful bluish-green needles and perfectly symmetrical shape.
Although this spruce isn’t labeled as the fastest growing, it still grows quicker than the rest of the spruces listed below.
The Colorado Blue Spruce inches upward at one to two feet per year, reaching its average mature height of around 60 feet in 30 to 50 years. Like most other spruces, the Colorado Blue Spruce will have a spread of about 10 to 20 feet at maturity.
This beauty is also often grown for use as a Christmas tree. It has a delicate aroma and beautiful blue needles. It’s important to note that the blue spruce isn’t known for its needle retention, but if you’re looking for an outdoor Christmas Tree, this is a great option!
The Colorado Blue Spruce, like the rest, needs full sun, acidic soil, and temperate climates to grow at its best.
Native to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, this Colorado Blue Spruce can grow in yards just about anywhere, including warmer climates in the plains of the United States. It is not the most drought-tolerant, so if it is to be grown in warmer climates, be sure to keep the first two inches of soil consistently moist.
Engelmann Spruce
Unless you’ve ventured out into the timberline among the mountains, it’s possible that you have yet to encounter the Engelmann Spruce. The Engelmann Spruce is still sometimes used as an ornamental landscape tree often as a windbreak, and sometimes just an evergreen statement tree that stands slender and tall.
The Engelmann Spruce grows at an average of one to two feet per year reaching its mature height between 40 to 80 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. This spruce starts out slow, as the majority of spruce trees often do when grown from seed, but has been known to take 20 years just to reach 4 to 5 feet when grown in lower altitudes.
After it gets going, it will easily grow up to two feet per year when planted in acidic soils with direct sunlight.
This species of spruce tree often lives longer than the rest. It is not rare for an Engelmann spruce to live beyond 500 years of age, so try adding a piece of history to your yard to be admired for years to come!
Serbian Spruce
The Serbian Spruce is an elegant evergreen that grows at an average rate but is perfect for landscape use.
Since the Serbian Spruce can grow in hardiness zones 4 to 7 (quite similar to the Colorado Blue Spruce which grows from 3 to 7), it is perfect for most yards that don’t see the desert sun.
On average, the Serbian Spruce grows at least 12 inches per year reaching an average height of 40 to 60 feet with a 20 to 25-foot spread in under 50 years. It has even been noted that at its best, the Serbian Spruce can grow up to three feet in a good year.
This spruce is often a darker green than the rest and can grow quickly with only four hours of sunlight per day. It still requires consistent rainfall, and acidic soils to grow quickly.
The droopy nature of the Serbian Spruce can add lots of character to your yard, so if you’re looking for a show-stopper, try planting a Serbian Spruce!
Red Spruce
Last, but certainly not least on the list of fast-growing spruces is the Red Spruce. The Red Spruce is one of the most common spruce trees to grow along subalpine regions of the world.
The Red Spruce is native to the Eastern portions of North America but still grows abundantly in other mountainous regions just below the timberline.
In good conditions, the Red Spruce can grow just beyond one foot per year on average and maxes out at an average height of 60 to 80 feet with a spread of 20 to 30 feet.
The Red Spruce is named after its resilient, reddish bark, often even referred to as a “red fir” instead of spruce, although it is clearly part of the spruce family.
If you’re looking to grow a red spruce, it does best in areas with constant rainfall, cool summers, direct sunlight, and acidic soils.
Its staggered pyramidal shape and red tint makes it an earthy addition to your yard.
If your spruce tree’s needles is turning red, here’s why (and how to fix it!)
Fastest Growing Spruce Trees Ranked: Complete Growth Chart
| Tree | Annual Growth | Lifespan | Full Height | Best Hardiness Zone |
| Norway Spruce (Picea abies) | 13” to 60” | 300 – 900+ years | 75’ – 100’ | 2b to 7a |
| Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis) | 12” to 60” | 400 – 800+ years | 40’ – 230’ | 7b to 8b |
| White Spruce (Picea glauca) | 13” to 24” | 250 – 300+ years | 40’ – 60’ | 2 to 6 |
| Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) | 12” to 24” | 600 – 800+ years | 30’ – 135’ | 3 to 7 |
| Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii) | 12” to 24” | 500 – 600+ years | 40’ – 80’ | 2 to 8 |
| Serbian Spruce (Picea omorika) | 12” | 60 – 100+ years | 40’ – 60’ | 4 to 7 |
| Red Spruce (Picea rubens) | 12” | 250 – 450+ years | 60’ – 80’ | 2 to 5 |
*growth may vary based on conditions
Which Spruce Tree Should I Plant In My Backyard?
Each tree journey is specific to your own aspirations, aesthetics, and availability.
It is important to note that spruce trees are best suited for large, open spaces in your yard with full sun.
You’ll want to be sure that you plant your spruce at least 20 feet from other structures, buildings, and trees for it to reach its fullest potential and grow at its fastest rate.
According to the Montana State University Extension Service, it is possible that specific spruce species can grow too large for average-sized yards. Selecting a smaller, fast-growing variety from the list above might be the best option for your yard.
Check out these ideas below for the spruce tree that best suits your tree journey!
What Are You Searching For In A Spruce Tree?
Have an average-sized yard and still want a towering spruce? The Colorado Blue Spruce is the best option for smaller yards, but remember, it still needs lots of space to grow!
Are you looking to grow the fastest forest of spruce trees around your home? The Norway spruce is the quickest-growing spruce variety of them all. You could have the start of a forest of spruces at a decent height in under 5 years!
Searching to grow the tallest spruce tree around? The Sitka Spruce is the third-tallest growing tree in the world, try planting one!
Are you looking to catch the eyes of those driving past your home? The Colorado Blue Spruce produces the most striking bluish-green needles and is known to be one of the most beautiful landscape trees around!
What is the fastest-growing spruce tree for privacy? If you’re looking for a beautiful evergreen that also serves a function, the Norway Spruce makes the list as one of the best evergreen trees for privacy since its branches are widespread and the tree can reach a towering height!
Do you need to add some elegance to your yard? The White Spruce of Alaska has a stunning variation called the Weeping White Spruce, which grows just like the White Spruce and can elevate any yard! The Serbian Spruce is also another great option for adding a hint of elegance.
Want to bring home a piece of the mountains? The Engelmann Spruce and Red Spruce are the most abundant spruce trees in the mountainous regions of the Cascades and Rockies. Plant one of these species in your yard to bring a piece of the mountains home!
Live in a warmer climate and need the most drought-resistant spruce? The Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the most versatile spruce varieties of them all. Honestly, it’s probably the best option for any landscape tree!
Does your spruce tree just need some help reaching its fullest potential? Try this Epsoma Organic Evergreen Tone Fertilizer to promote growth in your spruce! Sprinkle this natural fertilizer around the base of your spruce once in the early spring and once in the late fall and watch your spruce soar!
That’s A Wrap!
Among the 35 species of spruce trees, there are really only seven that are considered to be fast-growing when compared to the rest. If you’re looking to harness the beauty of a spruce in a few short years, consider planting one of the seven!
In order for these spruce species to be considered fast-growing, be sure to start your spruce from a sapling and not a seed. When grown from seed to sapling, it can take years. Only when your spruce reaches the sapling stage will these growth rates be accurate.
To review, here are the seven fastest-growing spruce trees for your yard, listed in order of growth:
- Norway Spruce
- Sitka Spruce
- White Spruce
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Engelmann Spruce
- Serbian Spruce
- Red Spruce
Each of these seven spruce trees grows over a foot per year which deems them the fastest growing. Most other species in the spruce family grow less than a foot per year, which doesn’t make them as sought out as these seven!
Consider the chart and the requirements needed to keep your spruce tree happy and healthy when deciding which spruce tree is best suited for your yard.
And don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way!
References
Barber, V. A., Juday, G. P., & Finney, B. P. (2000). Reduced growth of Alaskan white spruce in the twentieth century from temperature-induced drought stress. Nature, 405(6787), 668-673.
Bousquet, J., Isabel, N., Pelgas, B., Cottrell, J., Rungis, D., & Ritland, K. (2007). Spruce. In Forest Trees (pp. 93-114). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
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.
Miller, B. D., & Hawkins, B. J. (2003). Nitrogen uptake and utilization by slow-and fast-growing families of interior spruce under contrasting fertility regimes. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 33(6), 959-966.
Tjoelker, M. G., Boratynski, A., & Bugala, W. (Eds.). (2007). Biology and ecology of Norway spruce (Vol. 78). Springer Science & Business Media.
Wardle, P. (1968). Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii Engel.) at its upper limits on the Front Range, Colorado. Ecology, 49(3), 483-495.
