Are Black Hills spruce good trees?
Black Hills spruce is smaller, denser, and grows slower than White spruce. Black Hills spruce is a great choice to blend into a windbreak with other tree species. It is slower growing, but will give you a dense, sturdy tree to withstand strong winds and storms better than faster growing evergreens.
How far apart do you plant Black Hills spruce trees?
Spacing--single row 16 ft apart, double row 18 ft apart, multiple rows 20 ft apart with trees staggered from the other row. The Black Hills spruce is a recommended windbreak tree west of Iowa.
Is Black Hills spruce the same as black spruce?
Not to be confused with Black Hills spruce, a variety of white spruce, black spruce (Picea mariana) is a separate species and one that is more tolerant of wet soils than other spruces.
How long do Black Hills spruce trees live?
250-300 yearsspread, it has a pyramidal habit and a slow growth rate. Black Hills Spruce trees commonly live 250-300 years. Grows best when planted in moist, well-drained soil in full sun.
How long does it take for a Black Hills spruce to mature?
As stated above, the growth rate of Black Hills spruce trees is very slow. If provided with ideal growing conditions, they may grow to a height of around five feet in five years.
How fast does the Black Hills spruce grow?
Growth Rate This tree grows at a slow rate, with height increases of less than 12" per year.
What is the best spruce tree to plant?
Some of the best spruce trees to plant in your yard include Black, Serbian, Weeping White, Norway, Black Hills, Colorado Blue, Dwarf Alberta, Sitka, and White Spruce. These spruce trees adapt to a variety of soil and weather conditions, providing plenty of interesting colors during the cold gray winter.
What is the difference between a Black Hills spruce and a Colorado blue spruce?
Black hills spruce have needles that are shorter and softer than Colorado blue spruce. Black hills spruce have excellent color and have a very traditional Christmas tree appearance. Branches are stiff and hold up well to ornaments. Back to list of tree species.
Where does the black spruce grow best?
The most productive black spruce stands are found on the better drained sites such as sandy glacial deposits, river terraces, and outwash plains of the order Entisols, usually in association with hardwood species. In the north, black spruce sites are commonly underlain by permafrost (perennially frozen soils).
What is the difference between a Black Hills spruce and a Norway spruce?
Black Hills spruce has a lush broad-conical shape; it is dense and full. Simultaneously, Norway spruce is thinner and skeletal (except for varieties of this species). Its shape is mostly narrow-conical or even columnar, and often young branches hang down.
How do you take care of Black Hills spruce?
Black Hills Spruce 'Densata' (Picea glauca)Plant Feed. Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants.Watering. Water regularly until established.Soil. Well-drained, slightly acidic soil.Basic Care Summary. When planting, keep the base of the trunk exposed. Plant in a reliably sunny spot.
Do deer like Black Hills spruce?
The Black Hills Spruce grows in a wide variety of soil types and growing conditions. Its prickly and aromatic foliage contribute greatly to its natural deer resistance.
How far apart should I plant spruce trees?
Planting: Plant spruce trees 20 to 25 feet apart. Make sure that you water your trees regularly in order to maintain moist soil. These evergreens don't need much fertilizer just plenty of sunshine and water.
How do you plant Black Hills spruce?
Planting: Plant your Black Hills Spruce in a spot in your yard that gets at least 4 hours of sun each day, and choose an area with well-drained soil. To plant, spread 2 inches of organic fertilizer on the ground in an area that is two times as large as the root ball. Till the fertilizer into the ground.
How often should you water Black Hills spruce?
HOW TO WATER BLACK HILLS SPRUCE TREES. Check the plant daily for the first week or so and then every other day thereafter. Water using the following counting method for the first few weeks. Count to 5 for every one gallon of pot size.
Why is my Black Hills spruce dying?
Lirula needle blight causes the inner needles of spruce trees to turn yellow then gray. Caused by the fungus Lirula macrospora. Occurs in Colorado blue spruce and white spruce. White spruce, including Black Hills spruce, is more likely to be damaged.
How tall does Black Hills Spruce grow?
It is hardy to minus 40 degrees, yet grows at a good pace, reaching 10 feet tall within 10 years.
How tall does a black spruce get?
Black Hills Spruce is considered by all experts to be the very best white spruce you can grow. It is remarkable for its compact growth, reaching 20 to 40 feet tall in time, with a spread of just 10 to 15 feet.
What is the best white spruce for a garden?
It is called Picea glauca var. densata, in recognition of it being a distinct variety. Sometimes it is simply called ‘Densata’. Although only found in a small area, this special tree has been propagated from stem cuttings, and is considered by experts to be the best form of White Spruce for gardens.
What is the name of the spruce tree with white needles?
The name ‘glauca’ means white, since the needles of this tree are covered in a white coating. Confusingly, Colorado spruce is most admired for forms with silvery-blue needles, and the names of several of these contain the word ‘glauca’, such as Globe Blue Spruce ( Picea pungens ‘Glauca Globosa’ ).
How long does a white spruce tree grow?
Colorado Spruce has needles that are longer – about 1.5 inches long. White Spruce grows into a 40 to 60 foot tree. It is drought-resistant, and it grows well even in poor soils. Like most plants it will grow fastest in moist, richer well-drained soils. It loves cold winters and mild summers, and it is best planted no further south than zone 6. There are many other beautiful evergreens for warmer parts of the country.
What is the best spruce tree?
For gardens, the best spruce trees are compact and dense, needing no trimming to always look beautiful and garden-worthy. White Spruce is a popular variety, with dense branches covered in short, blue-green needles that are covered with a white coating. Of all the White Spruce, everyone agrees that the rare and special Black Hills Spruce is ...
How far can a spruce tree grow?
Over time it may reach as much as 40 feet, and 15 feet across. When choosing a planting spot, it is important to allow enough room for its width – the stem should be at least 5 feet from walls, fences, paths or driveways. Otherwise you will lose the beautiful balanced shape of this tree, which would be a great waste.
What type of soil does a Black Hills spruce tree like?
For those looking for a particularly adaptable tree for soil conditions, the Black Hills spruce might be the tree for you. It can do well in clay, loam, sand, and slightly alkaline soils as long as it is in a well-draining area. While it can handle some alkalinity, your tree will favor slightly acidic soil. You can always test this using a simple pH tes t and amend the soil as needed .
What is the name of the spruce in South Dakota?
High in the Black Hills of South Dakota, you will find a cultivar of white spruce growing, which is endemic to that specific region, known as Black Hills spruce, Picea glauca ‘Densata.’ Though the cultivar is uncommon in the nursery trade, it is the favorite for landscape use. The Black Hills spruce is more appealing in ornamental horticulture with richer colors and slower growth than the typical white spruce. For this reason alone, the Picea glauca ‘Densata’ should be your choice if wanting to add a white spruce to your landscape design.
What is the only pruning that needs to be done to your tree?
The only pruning that needs to be done to your tree will be the removal of dead or broken branches. Optionally if you need to create a path or drive under the lower branches that will eventually droop, these can be removed to allow passage by cutting the entire branch off to the trunk.
Do Black Hills spruce like urban or marine environments?
Mind its preferred conditions and note that it does not like urban or marine environments, and you and your tree should be very happy.
Do black hills spruce trees grow in shade?
The Black Hills spruce will grow in partial shade for those with less than ideal light conditions. It does prefer full sun, though, and you will see slower growth if you plant your tree in anything less.
Is Picea glauca a cultivar?
While there are only three varieties of Picea glauca, there are many cultivars. Black Hills spruce was formerly designated as var. densata. It is now considered a cultivated variety “Densata” or cultivar since it is biologically similar to wild white spruce populations to constitute a unique variety.
How tall does a black hill spruce grow?
It is a slow (6”-12” per year) growing very compact evergreen. 15 year old Black Hills Spruce. It will grow up to 40+ft tall and 20+ ft wide and as with the white spruce is very wind ...
How big does a black spruce tree get?
15 year old Black Hills Spruce. It will grow up to 40+ft tall and 20+ ft wide and as with the white spruce is very wind firm and is not damaged by heavy snow or ice storms. this tree can live 80 or more years in windbreaks west of Iowa. Deer will normally not eat this species unless nothing else is available.
What is the best tree for windbreaks?
The Black Hills spruce is a recommended windbreak tree west of Iowa. East of Nebraska we have seen a lot of problems with this tree and excessive rain and moisture, causing fungal problems the same as the Colorado Spruce and rarely growing over 30 ft tall.. We do not think this is a good tree for the first 3 rows of a basic windbreak, if a larger windbreak with more rows was used they could be put in as the extra rows. The White Spruce we think is a better plant for a windbreak if you like the look of this tree, and usually they look very similar and since they are first cousins in the tree family, without the problems associated with the Black Hills Spruce. They do seem to do well, not in a windbreak but alone where sun and wind can keep the fungal diseases at bay.
Do deer eat spruce?
Deer will normally not eat this species unless nothing else is available. It will grow well in hardiness zones from 3-6 and does well in a variety of soils, with well drained being the best. It will survive dry and hot areas better than other spruces and seems to get along fine with 10” of rain a year or more.
Can black spruce be damaged by rain?
Fungal diseases in wet areas and times of excess rainfall can effect the Black Hills spruce. Putting them on an outside row and not in the middle of a windbreak will lessen this problem. They are rarely effected by insect pests and occur usually on older, newly planted, or stressed trees.
How tall do black hills spruce trees grow?
As stated above, the growth rate of Black Hills spruce trees is very slow. If provided with ideal growing conditions, they may grow to a height of around five feet in five years. You may approach a horticulturist or the local nursery authorities, if you want more details about growing Black Hills spruce trees.
What is the shape of a black spruce tree?
The leaves or needles are greener in Black Hills spruce, and the cones are smaller. These trees are mostly conical in shape. The branches are compact and stout, with an ascending form of growth. Its bark is brownish or ash in color, and is flaky in nature. These trees are adapted to extreme cold temperatures.
What is the best tree to grow in Black Hill?
These pyramid-shaped trees are highly popular for ornamental purposes. Here are some tips for growing Black Hill spruce trees. Spruce trees are often grown as windbreaks, fences, and accent plants. Being dense and hardy, they are excellent for these purposes. These trees are also grown for shade, and for preventing soil erosion.
Where are white spruce trees native to?
The Black Hills spruce is scientifically termed Picea Glauca Var. densata/Picea Glauca densata. These trees are native to the Black hills of South Dakota, where they are found abundantly, that too at elevations of more than 6000 feet.
What is the pH of soil for a sage tree?
If not, you may add compost and other such materials to the soil. The ideal soil pH range is 4 to 7.5. The location must have good sunlight, but partial shade is also suitable for growing these trees. You need to dig holes, that are at least twice as big as the root balls.
Do black hill spruce trees need moisture?
Though Black Hill spruce trees are found to be drought resistant to some extent; they need moisture, till they establish themselves. As they have a shallow root system, these trees tend to get dry very fast. It is always better to plant them in soil, that is rich in organic matter.
Is a black spruce tree smaller than a white spruce?
As compared to the original species, i.e., white spruce ( Picea glauca ), the Black Hills spruce is slow-growing and smaller. The latter has a darker foliage, which is found to be denser than the white spruce. The leaves or needles are greener in Black Hills spruce, and the cones are smaller. These trees are mostly conical in shape. The branches are compact and stout, with an ascending form of growth. Its bark is brownish or ash in color, and is flaky in nature. These trees are adapted to extreme cold temperatures.
