how does a spruce tree grow

How do spruce trees grow?

Spruce seeds grow in cones, and it is these you want to collect. Pick them while they are young and before they are ripe. ... You may, but do not need to, treat the seeds in some way to help them to germinate, like scarification. Plant the trees outdoors in late autumn or early spring.

How long does it take to grow a spruce tree?

The Colorado blue spruce grows at a slow to medium rate, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, although it picks up a bit as it gets older. This blue spruce grows from 12 to 24 inches a year. So it will require 30 to 60 years for a Colorado blue spruce to grow from seed to 60 feet tall.

Do spruce trees have deep roots?

IN normal soil, a spruce tree has a fairly normal root system. ... According to the U.S. Forest Service, blue spruce trees develop shallow roots after seed germinate, perhaps only 2 to 3 inches deep. This reveals that this tree species grows with a spreading, shallow root system.

What is the difference between a pine tree and a spruce tree?

This is an easy tip to remember: on pine trees, needles are attached and attached to the branches in clusters; on spruce trees, needles are attached individually. ... A longleaf pine – which you can tell is a pine because its needles are attached in bundles.

What spruce tree grows fastest?

The fastest-growing spruce tree, according to the Arbor Day Foundation, is the triangular-shaped Norway spruce (Picea abies), which is part of many suburban home and rural farm landscapes throughout Europe, the United States and Canada.

How tall does a spruce tree grow?

Spruces are large trees, from about 20–60 m (about 60–200 ft) tall when mature, and have whorled branches and conical form.

Do spruce trees need a lot of water?

Most varieties of spruce trees have a medium to high need for moisture. Spruce trees do not tolerate drought conditions so proper watering is imperative to their health. You are fairly accurate in determining how much water each tree requires. ... Mulch will help conserve soil moisture.

Are spruce trees fast growing?

While the majority of these coniferous tree species have a fairly unremarkable average growth rate (between 6 inches and 11 inches per year), the Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens glauca) are renowned for their extraordinarily fast rates of growth.

How tall does a white spruce tree grow?

The white spruce grows to a height of 40–60' and a spread of 10–20' at maturity.

Can spruce tree roots damage Foundation?

However, the majority of sources, including Tree Canada and the Arbor Day Foundation, agree that tree roots CANNOT cause direct damage to foundations and pipes. Due to the enormous amount of pressure on foundations, tree roots just aren't strong enough to actually create cracks in the concrete.

How many gallons of water does a spruce tree need?

Use the following “rule of thumb” for applying the proper amount of water: apply 10 gallons of water per inch of tree diameter; for instance a one-inch tree will require 10 gallons of water each time it is watered. For mature trees 10 inches in diameter or more, apply 15 gallons of water per inch of tree diameter.

What grows under a spruce tree?

Notable acid-loving shrubs and perennials include: rhododendrons, blueberries, bergenias, hostas, lungwort, lily-of-the-valley, and any juniper or other conifer, Hydrangea will thrive just outside the drip line, and the acidity will actually turn their flowers bluer.

How can you tell if a tree is spruce?

How to Identify a Spruce Tree

Shape: Spruce tree needles are almost square-shaped, with distinct sides you can feel when you roll a needle in between your fingers. Their tips are pointy and sharp.
Texture: Two words—stiff and smooth.

Is Spruce harder than pine?

Pine is weaker than spruce, but it contains high amount of resins which ensure durability of created products. Spruce has creamy-white lumber. Thanks to its excellent tonal quality, spruce is often used for the manufacture of music instruments such as guitars and violins.

How can you tell the difference between a spruce tree?

To tell spruce and fir trees apart, it helps to know that spruce needles are sharply pointed, square and easy to roll between your fingers. Fir needles, on the other hand, are softer, flat and cannot be rolled between your fingers. Spruce needles are attached to small, stalk-like woody projections.

What is the best spruce tree to plant?

The most famous is the Dwarf Alberta Spruce, a long-time garden favorite in cooler zones, growing into a dense and lovely cone of bright green needles. If you want a larger dense, green cone for a lawn specimen, the Black Hills Spruce (P. glauca var. densata) is an absolute winner.

What evergreen tree grows the fastest?

Which evergreens grow the fastest? Eastern white pine and green giant arborvitae are some of the fastest-growing evergreens. Each add on about 2 feet every year!

How much does a blue spruce grow per year?

This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

Can you keep a blue spruce small?

While not a true dwarf ornamental, the Baby Blue Eyes Spruce tree is the closest thing to a dwarf evergreen tree on the market today. A typical Colorado Blue Spruce will grow 50-75 feet tall and 20 feet wide. For homeowners with size constraints, this simply will not work.

How fast will Norway spruce grow?

This tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13" to more than 24" per year.

Is spruce wood hard or soft?

Examples of softwood trees are cedar, Douglas fir, juniper, pine, redwood, spruce, and yew. Hardwood refers to wood from broad-leaved trees such as oak, ash or beech.