A Norwegian spruce tree is what many people think of when they think of a Christmas tree. However, besides their use as Christmas trees, Norwegian spruce trees make for excellent shade trees, privacy hedges and specimen plants. Also referred to as Norway spruce and European spruce, these extremely hardy evergreen trees can be grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 through 7, making them an excellent addition to almost any garden. Before planting a Norwegian spruce, take time to choose a good planting site since they are known to grow upward of 50 to 80 feet tall.
Instructions
Selecting a Planting Site and Preparing the Soil
1. Locate an appropriate planting site for the Norwegian spruce tree that is in full sun. Avoid overly wet areas since Norwegian spruce cannot tolerate soggy soils. If in doubt, test the drainage capabilities of the site in question. Dig a 6-inch-deep by 6-inch-wide hole. After you have filed it with water, time how long it takes to drain back completely. If it requires longer than one hour, plant your spruce tree elsewhere.
2. Measure out a 6-foot-square section where you are going to plant the Norwegian spruce tree. In the section remove any weeds and their roots. Turn over the soil using a shovel or garden fork. If you are planting a row of Norwegian spruce trees to make a privacy screen, measure out one 6-foot-square section for each tree you are planting. Make sure each section is about 6 to 8 feet apart.
3. Eliminate any further weeds, roots, rocks, clods or any other garden debris as you turn the soil over.
4. Lay out a 3- to 4-inch layer of sphagnum peat moss on topsoil in the planting section. Norwegian spruce trees need acid soil for best growth. Peat moss makes soil more acidic. You can also use elemental sulfur; follow the instructions provided on the product's label as to how much sulfur you should use.
5. Work the sphagnum peat moss into the soil using a pick, garden fork or shovel. Make sure it is well incorporated into the soil before proceeding.
Planting Norwegian Spruce
6. Dig a planting hole in the middle of the section you have prepared. The hole should be as deep as the container the spruce is currently growing in and about three times the diameter.
7. Loosen the soil around the perimeter of the planting hole using a pick or garden fork. This will ensure quick development of the roots after transplanting.
8. Lay the container holding the Norwegian spruce horizontally on the ground. Use a mallet or other suitable tool to remove the container from the root system. Do this by tapping at the top of the container in a downward direction until you can slide the container free.
9. Plant the Norwegian spruce into the planting hole. Make sure it's sitting vertical in the hole. If in doubt, use a carpenter's level. Check to make sure the top of the root ball is not sitting deep in the hole. It should be about 1 inch above the surrounding topsoil.
10. Backfill the planting hole slowly with soil. Once the hole is about three-quarters full, pour enough water into the hole until it's full. Continue backfilling the planting hole as soon as the water has drained away.
11. Spread out 2 to 3 inches of pine bark or wood chips around the Norwegian spruce as a mulch. This helps to keep moisture in and prevent weeds. Keep the mulch about 2 inches from the trunk.
12. Water the Norwegian spruce thoroughly using a steady, slow stream of water so it can soak down to the roots. Water the spruce tree twice a week for the first 30 days, then reduce to weekly watering once established and growing.
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