Fast-Growing Spruce Trees

Certain spruce trees sprout more than 2 feet per year.

For a natural boundary line that doesn't put off the same "stay away" vibe as a wall or fence, many homeowners turn to natural markers like trees. Spruce trees provide wind protection and keep out prying eyes without marring the nature of your landscape, and some fast-growing breeds can create a proper shield in only a few years.

Norway Spruce

Norway spruce is a fast growing tree, sprouting up to 3 feet a year in its first 25 years of life as long as it is properly cared for. With no competition and absolutely ideal conditions, these trees can grow up to 6 feet in a single season. Even in bad conditions, the tree will sprout at least 1 foot each year. These trees can live to be more than 100 years old, sprouting well over 100 feet tall and creating a spread that goes beyond 40 feet.

Colorado Spruce

The Colorado spruce grows at a slightly lower rate than the Norway spruce, sprouting only 1 ½ to 2 feet per year under proper care. Like its Norwegian cousin, the Colorado spruce can grow up to 135 feet if unhindered and doesn't hit maturity until it reaches around 75 feet tall. The spread of this tree can reach up to 20 feet at full maturity; if unchecked and allowed to grow wild, it can sometimes reach 35 feet by the end of its life. These trees are also long-lived, living well past a century if undisturbed and treated well.

Planting

For optimal growth speed and size, plant either spruce species in full sunlight, meaning that it receives at least seven hours of sun each day. The tree will grow with less light but not as quickly. Spruces can adapt to many soil types, but for optimal growth, plant them in moist but well-draining soil, at least 3 feet from competing trees, grasses or shrubs. This will ensure that the tree always has full access to nutrients and water for quick growth.

Care

Water the spruce tree any time the top 1 ½ to 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. If you notice wilting branches or browning needles, this is a sign of either under or over watering, so adjust your schedule accordingly. You won't need to water at all if you have consistent rainfall. Balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied once every four to five weeks during the growing season will promote growth. Stop fertilizing in late fall when the tree is going dormant, or the new growth can be killed off by the cold temperatures of winter. Control all weeds in the area with mulch, herbicide and regular maintenance to reduce competition for resources.

References

• Fast Growing Trees: Norway Spruce Trees
• Norway Spruce: Welcome
• Arbor Day Foundation: Spruce, Colorado Blue