How to Grow Spruce Trees
Spruce are a hardy evergreen tree seen throughout North America. A spruce can thrive in nearly any climate, and produces a light yet durable wood that is ideal for the production of paper. There are 35 different varieties of spruce and some can, over time, grow to a height of more than 100 feet. Spruce trees may be planted in all types of soil, but they thrive best in a clean, humid environment free of pollutants. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Select an appropriate area to plant your spruce saplings. Because these trees grow so tall once they reach maturity, planting spruce in a front yard may reduce the sunlight in your home. The root system of a growing spruce tree can also damage a house's foundation if it is too close to the home.
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Dig a hole at least 2 feet deep for each tree you intend to plant. This will ensure that the root system is buried deep enough to prevent it from breaking through the soil. If you intend to plant more than one spruce, be sure there is plenty of space between the trees to prevent their root systems from becoming entangled.
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Place the spruce saplings in the holes. A portion of the saplings' root balls may protrude from the holes. This is normal.
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Pack compost or manure around the root ball of the tree.
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Water the saplings deeply immediately after planting. The goal is to completely saturate the root systems.
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Provide a steady supply of mulch to the saplings for their first two years of life. The best mulch to use for spruce trees consist of leaf mold or compost. The mulch should be applied in a 3-foot-wide ring around the trunk of each tree,
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Water the trees every two weeks during the summer months and during periods of drought. Average rainfall is usually suitable to provide a spruce with enough moisture to survive.
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Provide the spruce saplings with a liquid all-purpose fertilizer every three months for the first four years. After four years, the trees will be properly established and fertilization will no longer be necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
The root system of a mature tree can extend up to 60 feet from the trunk. Be careful when digging or having construction work done as this could harm the roots and kill the tree.
