What is norway spruce used for

Norway Spruce: A Tree of Many Uses

Take great care when pruning Norway spruce, as the tree has a lovely natural form that most will want to preserve. The tree shouldn't need much in the way of pruning, unless they are exposed to high winds, in which case it can benefit from regular reductions to reduce the sail area. If you are pruning, because its location is vulnerable to high winds or because of dead and diseased branches, take care to make pruning cuts just outside the branch collar; do not leave stubs. Taking a cutting from a young and pliable branch is the best way to propagate Norway spruce. Here's how:. When the cones drop their seeds, collect them from the ground and place them in a small container.

About The Author

Put that container in the refrigerator for at least three weeks. When you remove the seeds from the refrigerator, soak them in water for 24 hours; discard any seeds that float. The remaining seeds can be planted in containers filled with moist but not soggy soil. The seeds should germinate after three weeks or so. Keep the new saplings in their containers for at least one season to allow the root system to grow. When potting saplings or seeds, make sure the container is large enough to allow for the growth of the root ball. Starting with a inch pot made of simple plastic works best. Repotting will likely not be necessary, as the Norway spruce will be ready to plant in the ground outdoors after only a season or two. When planting a Norway spruce, dig a hole twice the width of the depth of the root ball or container. Remember to always plant shallow rather than deep, as you are planting the roots, not the trunk. Water the roots profusely and add 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch to help preserve moisture.

Norway spruce can handle extremely cold temperatures, so mature trees have no particular overwintering needs. Immature trees can use a thick layer of mulch at the base to help keep the roots a bit insulated. Norway spruce is a very hardy tree with little worry about diseases.

Norway Spruce: Plant Care and Growing Guide

In most cases, diseases don't settle in unless the tree is already deeply stressed by drought or other environmental factors. If this happens, some diseases common to the spruce are Cytospora, canker, or rust. Prune out the affected branches. The trees might also become vulnerable to spider mites ; treat the mites with insecticidal soaps or oils. It's also susceptible to many types of beetles that bore into the trunk and introduce rot. Watch out for small holes near the base of the tree, and call an arborist if you notice any signs of beetle activity. Telling the Norway spruce apart from the Douglas fir is sometimes a tricky task. An easy way to tell firs from spruces is the needles. The needles of a spruce are pointy and sharp. The needles of a fir are soft and almost feathery. Small saplings can be grown in containers, but always with the goal of planting them outside as soon as the root system is established. Norway spruce grows much too large to be kept in containers, inside or out.

Spruce Wood | Types of Spruce, Uses, Advantages, and Disadvantages - Timber Blogger

Norway spruce trees drop the average amount of needles yearly that most other trees with needles drop. However, the drop is less noticeable in a spruce tree than in pine trees that lose their needles. Norway spruce trees are highly susceptible to many diseases and prone to pest infestations if they are stressed or planted in poor conditions. They also have shallow roots which means the trees can become easily damaged in severe weather. However, spruce trees are hardy and manage to live extremely long lives. By Les Engels. Les Engels. He is an arboretum curator with over 30 years of experience. He describes himself as a "tree-hugging dirt worshipper" who is a member of multiple gardening societies and foundations. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. What makes this tree even more likeable is its multiple uses. It is an important lumber crop in Europe, producing a strong light-weight wood with a straight grain, making it an ideal choice in construction.

Is the Norway Spruce suitable for the sand hills of Nebraska. The soil is fine sand and dry. Insects are plentiful as well as deer and rabbits. Environmental Conditions: Does well in acidic, clay, loamy, moist, sandy and well drained soils hardiness zones Does well in full and partial sun. Medium to fast growing tree, growing up to two feet a year and reaching feet at maturity.