Spruces are not only used as timber, many species have also found their way into the home garden. Dwarf forms with spherical or conical growth are particularly popular here, as are the Serbian (Picea omorika) and the Oriental (Picea orientalis) spruce.
The cones of the spruce hang from the branches
The different types of spruce
The spruce, common in the forest, known as Norway or Norway spruce (bot. Picea abies) is relatively important in forestry because it provides valuable lumber for furniture, instruments and house construction. But spruce is also used in the paper industry and as firewood.
The Serbian spruce (bot. Picea omorika) is often planted in gardens and parks. It grows slower than the common spruce, but with a narrow crown. Its needles are quite dense and the trunk carries branches down to the ground. This results in a harmonious shape.
The sugar loaf spruce is particularly suitable for the home garden. It grows very slowly for a spruce, does not need pruning and keeps its conical shape on its own. This spruce is very suitable for planting in pots on the balcony or terrace.
The right location
Most species of spruce prefer a sunny location and have no special soil requirements. However, it should be permeable and not too dry. The drier a spruce is, the greater the risk that it will be attacked by the bark beetle. If the soil in your garden is relatively dry, then Serbian spruce or Norway spruce are probably best suited.
Plant the spruce
A spruce from the container can be planted almost all year round, provided the ground is not frozen. But it needs enough water in the first few weeks to root well. The larger the tree when planting, the more important a support stake is for the spruce. It is quite susceptible to wind and should be placed in such a way that it cannot fall on buildings even in a storm.
Caring for the spruce properly
Once well rooted, the spruce is very easy to care for. It does not need regular pruning and actually no fertilizer. You may want to check the pH of the soil from time to time. The falling spruce needles makes the soil acidic over time. You can counteract acidification by adding lime.
The essentials in brief:
- various types suitable for the garden
- Location: best sunny or only light shade
- do not plant directly next to buildings
- sensitive to wind (can then easily tip over)
- needs no pruning
- does not tolerate waterlogging
- if the drought persists for a long time, there is a risk of pest infestation
tips
There are species more suitable for the garden than the common spruce.