A Paul’s Select Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Paul’s Select’) typically grows between 30 to 45 feet tall and 5 to 10 feet wide. It is a slow-growing, cold-resistant evergreen conifer that is often used as a specimen or accent tree in landscaping.
It is known for its tall, narrow form, blue-green needles and finely-branched leaders. Its branches are long and bend gracefully. Paul’s Select Norway spruce is an excellent choice for specimens or screens, windbreaks, and erosion control.
It is tolerant of temperatures down to -50°F, making it ideal for cold climates. Its only drawbacks are that it has a slow growth rate and is susceptible to some diseases such as root rot and needle blight.
To reach its mature size, it should be planted in full sun and given ample water and fertilizer during the growing season.
How tall is a 5 year old Norway spruce?
A Norway spruce typically grows to a height of 80 feet at maturity, but will grow at different rates depending on numerous environmental factors such as the amount of water and nutrients it receives, light exposure and soil composition.
At 5 years old, a Norway spruce may vary in height but can be on average between 8 to 15 feet tall depending on all of these conditions.
Can you keep a Norway spruce small?
Yes, it is possible to keep a Norway spruce small. Pruning and trimming the branches of the tree is the best way to control its size. This can be done in late winter, just before the buds begin to open in spring.
When pruning, it is important to use sharp, clean pruning tools. By removing the main leader and carefully regulating the length of the side branches, you can ensure that the tree will remain at the desired size.
Additionally, using root pruning and a slow-release fertilizer can also help to control the size of the Norway spruce.
How far should a Norway spruce be planted from fence?
When planting a Norway spruce near a fence, it is best to give the tree enough space to grow without harming the fence or wall. The general recommendation is to leave at least three to four feet of space between the tree and the fence.
Additionally, it is important to consider the mature size of the tree. Norway spruce can reach heights of up to 50 feet, with a spread around 25 feet, so the height and width of the tree should be taken into account when planting.
It is also important to remember to look for signs of root development as the tree grows to avoid any damage caused by root growth. It is possible to create a healthy habitat for a Norway spruce near a fence or wall, but it is important to plan for the future growth of the tree and make sure enough space is left for the tree to grow.
Do Norway spruce trees have deep roots?
Yes, Norway spruce trees have deep roots. Norway spruce root systems typically extend as much as three times the height of the tree, pushing between 6 and 10 feet deep into the ground in search of water and nutrients.
The roots are also much more widely spread than one would expect, typically extending outwards two to three times the width of the canopy. The root systems are so far-reaching that they’re able to find new sources of moisture even during dry periods.
The strong and deep roots help Norway spruce trees stay secure during heavy winds, and they’re inconspicuous enough to not damage foundations or pavement.
How far apart to plant Norway spruce for privacy?
When planting Norway spruce for privacy, it is recommended to space the trees 6 to 12 feet apart. This spacing will give young plants the widest possible canopy and allow the mature plants to form a uniform hedge or windbreak.
If you are looking for a more immediate result, planting closer together (3 to 5 feet apart) may produce a privacy barrier faster as the plants grow more quickly and will fill in faster for a denser hedge.
However, keeping the plants too close together can lead to issues in the future as the plants become overcrowded and lead to issues like dieback and disease. As the Norway spruce matures, pruning can be done to control the width and height of the hedge.
To ensure the optimal distance, measure the area where the hedges will be planted and plan accordingly.
How far apart should you space spruce trees?
Spacing varies depending on the type of spruce tree and the desired outcome for the planting – for example, if you are trying to create a natural “forest” look, you should space the trees closer together; if you are trying to create an ornamental spruce border/hedge, you should space them further apart than for a natural forest look.
As a general guide, for most species of spruce trees (e. g. Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Spruce, Black Spruce) planting distance should be twice the final expected width of the tree’s canopy – so if the desired width is 5ft, the distance between any two trees should be around 10ft.
On the other hand, if the goal is to reduce competition between the trees, they should be planted at least 4ft apart, as this will reduce the amount of competition between them. To maximize the trees’ growth, be sure to also consider the type of soil and the amount of sunlight present when planting.
How many feet per year does a Norway Spruce grow?
The growth of Norway Spruce depends on several factors such as the climate, soil, and age of the tree. Generally, however, a Norway Spruce will grow 1-2 feet per year. As the tree matures, growth tends to slow down, and it may reach a maximum height of 50-60 feet, although some have been recorded at over 100 feet tall.
In areas with very mild winters, a Norway Spruce can grow up to 4 feet in a single year. Given ideal conditions, a Norway Spruce can live for up to 200 years or more.
What is the lifespan of a Norwegian spruce?
The lifespan of an Norway spruce is approximately 150-200 years. That said, some have been known to live for up to 400 years in certain climates. Norway spruce grow well in cold climates with moist soil, although they will also tolerate dry soils.
They need full sun or partial shade and have an average growth rate of 13-24 inches per year. Outdoor temperatures can affect their ability to survive, so in colder climates where temperatures drop below freezing, Norway spruce may not live as long as in more temperate regions.
It is also important to note that Norway spruce may be susceptible to certain pests and diseases, which can shorten their lifespan.
Is the Norway spruce a good tree?
Yes, the Norway spruce is a good tree that is often used in landscapes. It is a fast-growing evergreen conifer that has been a popular choice for hedging and windbreaks since the mid 1800s. It has a well structured pyramidal shape with soft needles that are deep green with silver-blue undersides.
The Norway spruce can thrive in a variety of climates, from cold northern climates to warmer southern climates. It is tolerant of most types of soil and deer resistant, so it can be used in different types of areas.
It is also low maintenance and does not require frequent pruning. In addition, this tree is known for being a particularly hardy species and can grow large in size, making it a good choice for providing shade and privacy in larger yards.
When should I plant a Norway spruce?
The best time to plant a Norway spruce is in the spring, as soon as the ground thaws, or in the fall. Planting in spring allows the tree to mature in its first season and become better established. Planting any time during the dormant season (November through April) can be beneficial as long as the ground can be worked and the tree is kept properly hydrated until the ground freezes.
When planting in the spring, you should begin by soaking the root ball in room temperature water overnight and then allowing it to sit in a bucket of water for several hours before planting. This helps soften the roots and encourage growth.
Transplant shock can occur if the roots are not prepared correctly or the tree is not planted correctly.
When planting, make sure to dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide and with a depth of one to two inches deeper than the root ball. Fill the hole with compost and mix it with the existing soil that was removed.
After placing the tree in the hole, pat down the soil, and give it a thorough soaking.
Finally, mulch the root area so that the soil stays moist and there is a barrier to protect the roots. Keep the tree watered (about one inch per week) during the first few growing seasons and be sure to prune in late winter to promote healthy growth.
What is the prettiest spruce tree?
The prettiest spruce tree is subjective and depends on individual opinion, so there is no definitive answer. Generally, Norway Spruce and Blue Spruce are the two most popular varieties of spruce that are considered the prettiest.
Both types of Spruce trees have a conical shape, short needles and an attractive color. The Norway Spruce usually has a deeper green color, while the Blue Spruce is lighter in color and has a silvery, bluish hue.
The Blue Spruce often has more of a distinctive, ornamental shape with branches that are more spread out than the Norway Spruce. Additionally, the scent from both types of Spruce is often seen as a pleasant fragrance.
Ultimately, the prettiest Spruce tree will depend on personal preference and the specific environment in which it is planted.
What is the difference between Norway spruce and Black Hills spruce?
The Norway spruce (Picea abies) and the Black Hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densata) are both species of spruce trees that are native to North America. The Norway spruce is a large, cone-shaped conifer that can reach up to 100 feet in height, while the Black Hills spruce is a smaller, upright conifer that rarely reaches more than 40 feet in height.
The Norway spruce is typically found in the eastern and northern parts of the United States and is often used in landscaping. It is a pyramidal-shaped tree, with medium-green needles that hang downwards on short shoots.
It prefers areas with mild winters and average precipitation, and requires regular pruning to keep it healthy.
The Black Hills Spruce, on the other hand, is commonly found in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and Canada. This species grows more slowly than the Norway, so it is often used as a windbreak in more windy areas.
It has dark, steel-blue needles that stand straight up on longer, reddish-brown shoots. The Black Hills Spruce prefers areas with cold winters and higher levels of precipitation, and does not require as much pruning as the Norway spruce.
Why is my blue spruce not blue anymore?
Unfortunately, it is normal for a blue spruce’s color to fade over time. As the tree matures, its needles become more of a silvery-green hue and eventually transition to the yellow-green color that is more common among spruces.
The more intense blue color is only present in immature needles—which are the newest growth at the top of the tree. This means that as the tree continues to grow, the intense blue will constantly be replaced by the more muted yellow-green color.
Additionally, environmental factors such as direct sunlight, drought, and wind can further cause the blue color to fade. To maintain a bluer color, it is recommended to provide the tree with plenty of water, give it protection from high winds, and avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight.
Also, providing a fertilizer with calcium, boron, and iron might help to maintain some of its color.
Are there different types of blue spruce?
Yes, there are different types of blue spruce trees. Blue spruces, or Picea pungens, include everything from the traditional Blue spruce, to Colorado Blue Spruce, and Hoopsii Blue Spruce. The traditional Blue Spruce is a slow-growing coniferous evergreen tree that is known for its dense-blue foliage, pyramid shape, and fragrant evergreen scent.
Colorado Blue Spruce is a fast-growing type that has blue-green foliage, and a more relaxed, open pyramidal shape. It’s also much more drought-resistant than the traditional Blue Spruce. The Hoopsii Blue Spruce is a hybrid between the traditional and Colorado Blue Spruces, and it has a semi-dense blue-green colored foliage, and is faster growing than traditional Blue Spruce while remaining slow-growing compared to the Colorado Blue Spruce.