Spruce trees are evergreen plants that belong to the family of pines and they originate from the territory of North America.
There are about 35 species of this plant with so many cultivated varieties (cultivars) that are known today and this plant mostly grows in the temperate regions of the world since they thrive well under hot weather conditions.
Spruce trees are one of the most popular plants among gardeners since they have a natural pyramidal shape which makes them a great ornamental and landscaping plant.
In some parts of the world, this beautiful plant has been a very good source of high-quality woods which are used in the building industry and having them around can also be a great source of income for you.
The shape of this plant makes it an alternative “Christmas tree” so you can think about investing in this plant by growing a number of them and also using it to adorn your beautiful home and making the environment more lovely and accommodating.
Spruce trees can grow to a height between 60 and 200 feet and this plant can either be grown from seedlings or from the seeds.
However, some people do not want to go through the stress of collecting seeds and making them undergo certain processes but you can be assured that these plants will definitely develop even from seed if it is well carried out.
However, in this article, we will discuss more about the whole process involved in growing spruce trees from their cones which is usually produced on matured plants.
Spruce trees as evergreens serve as great windbreakers and every gardener should have at least one of this tree in their garden; think about how beautiful your garden will be during the festive period when this cute plant is covered with lightning.
If you want to learn how to grow spruce trees and you are yet to understand how to go about it then this article is for you; you should read further to learn more about the spruce trees.
Table of Contents
How to Plant Spruce Trees
Planting spruce trees is a very easy operation to carry out; however, providing the plant with the right and necessary environmental conditions for them to grow and develop is very essential.
Spruce trees are quite special in that this plant practically has species that are peculiar to certain regions such as the Norway spruce, Colorado spruce, Yearling blue spruce, etc.
The process involved in the development of each species does not really vary from one to the other and they will all be discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. Below are the steps involved in planting spruce trees:
Select a proper location:
The site for growing spruce trees must be carefully chosen so as to ensure that the plant can survive well under every possible condition.
Spruce trees, being an evergreen plant will survive best under the full sun so you should think about choosing a site that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
The soil of the area must be well-draining and must be one that is not high in clay content; soils rich in humus will work best for growing spruce trees.
The soil must be moist (water holding) but must not get waterlogged and the soil should be fertile.
Soil treatment:
If you live in an area that has poor soil or is waterlogged knowing how to treat your soil and in most cases amend it will go a long way.
A soil that is too acidic or alkaline in nature will also need to be amended after the proper test has been carried out.
You might need to ask for the assistance of a professional as regards this to help you deal with proffering the necessary treatment that will make the soil suitable for growing spruce trees.
If soil is poor, the pH level, soil texture, and nutrient availability should be determined and the necessary treatment possible will keep the soil in the best possible shape.
In some cases, adding manure or composted materials before planting and leaving to decompose for a period of time will help add nutrients needed for the plant’s growth and development in the soil.
Till the soil:
After the soil has been amended, the next line of action is to make the soil less compacted by practicing tillage operation.
You don’t need large machinery to get this done; a shovel will work well under this situation. Keep a space of about 3 – 4 feet less compacted by lifting the soil in that area with the shovel.
Dig a hole:
After tilling the soil and making it less compacted, dig a hole that is no deeper than the height of the ball around the root of the spruce tree.
This will ensure that the plant is well leveled with the surrounding soil and the tilled soil will also ensure the penetration of the root.
Plant the spruce tree seedling:
Once the soil is dug well, the seedling should be carefully placed in the prepared hole with the earth of ball; make sure it doesn’t fall off as this can hinder the survival of the plant when the root is exposed.
After careful placement, the soil should be compacted by simply stepping on it. Make sure the press is not too hard so as to avoid the blockage of the spores in the soil which could cause a problem for air and water movement.
Water the soil:
The soil should be watered very well (heavily in some cases) after planting has been done. Note that this plant requires water for good growth and development and also to be able to withstand stress.
Always provide the seedling with water as needed and recommended so as to ensure that they perform to requirement and watering should be done early in the morning till the plant matures to a height in which they do not need supplemented water for their survival.
Practice mulching:
After planting, place mulches that are 2-inch high around the plant; make sure it does not touch the base of the plant.
This will help to prevent the spread of soil-borne diseases as well as help store soil moisture while reducing the rate of evaporation.
This practice in the long-run will also help to improve soil fertility and increase the nutrient available in the soil upon decomposition.
Tips for planting Spruce Trees
When planting your spruce trees, there are certain things that should be given much consideration so as to have the best plant possible.
Spruce trees are not just ordinary plants, the process involved in growing them must be orderly and you must also ensure that everything is handled well.
Below are some tips that you should pay very good attention to when you want to plant spruce trees:
Trim away diseased parts:
If there is any part of the plant that appears damaged or diseases before placing in the soil, you should think about getting rid of them as soon as possible. Roots and leaves that are diseased should be removed with pruning shears before planting is done.
Avoid fertilization of the planting hole:
If you haven’t fertilized your soil beforehand, do not fertilize when you are about to plant in the hole as this can cause serious damage to the tree’s root. Any fertilizer that you want to or desire to add to the plant must have been done prior to planting.
Make sure to till:
If you want to enjoy the planting operation of a spruce tree then you should think about tilling the soil. Tilling the soil will ensure that the planting region or site is permissible and can ensure easy digging.
Give support when transporting the seedling for planting:
Necessary support should be given to the plant as needed. When carrying the plan to be transplanted or sown, you must ensure that you do not carry it by the trunk rather give the plant support at the base.
Caring for Spruce Trees
After planting, there is a need to give proper care to your plant so that it can attain the best height possible. Below are some of the ways to care for spruce trees:
Regular watering:
Spruce trees love water so you should always water them when they are still young. However, when they mature they make use of their root to get water but you might need to water them again during the dry seasons or when drought strikes.
Get rid of diseases and pests:
Some species of spruce trees are susceptible to pests like deer and they can also be affected by diseases. All possible ways in which these plants can be protected and guarded must be put in place.
Prune when needed:
Pruning should be carried out when needed e.g. when you observe a damaged or diseased stem on your beautiful plant. Always prune your plant as needed or required.
Conclusion
Planting your plant can be easy; however, you should learn to care for them as they mature so that you can get the best plant possible in our yard.
Learn more about growing that distinct plant around your home – if possible; make it a centerpiece in your garden.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article !
