Norway Spruce

Plant in spring or fall in moist, well-drained to average soil, spacing 20–30 feet apart for large specimens. Norway spruce is one of the fastest-growing, most adaptable spruces — excellent for large screening, windbreaks, and wildlife habitat. It tolerates a range of soils including clay. Dig a generous planting hole, incorporate compost, and water deeply. Mulch well and water consistently through the first two seasons.

Minimal pruning is needed for natural growth. Norway spruce provides exceptional wildlife value — the cones are eaten by many bird species and the dense branches provide year-round shelter. Very cold hardy and wind tolerant. Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring for young trees. Norway spruce is a large-scale tree that should be sited where it has room to develop its full, pyramidal form — not for small garden spaces.