Evergreen Tree – Black Hills Spruce

Black hills spruce 

Botanical name: picea glauca 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 30-60 ft in height with a spread of up to 20 ft

Hardy zone: zones 3-7

Foliage color: green/blue 

Growth rate: no more than 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the winter to maintain desired shape and size 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings in the fall or winter months 

Landscape use: privacy, windbreak, background foliage

Light needs: at least 6-8 hours of sun per day 

Special features: disease resistant, deer resistant, adaptable soil, pet-friendly

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release tree and shrub fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: year-round 

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: azaleas, blueberry bush, junipers, pines 

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets 

Invasive species: no