Different types of maple trees have different types of root systems. The methods include growing spruce tree seeds and cuttings. Does poorly in shade conditions. He has worked as a handyman for various individuals since 2013, with a focus on lawn care and home renovation.  Plant it in marshy soil and it will thrive. Dwarf spruce trees can be planted about 4 feet from the home, while larger spruce trees should be planted 14 to 20 feet from the home, depending on the species. View our Privacy Policy here. Under good conditions, these trees can grow up to three feet a year for the first 25 years. Its branches extend to the ground, giving excellent wind protection. Severing the roots about halfway between the trunk and the outermost branch tips will result in a more compact … Best planted in full sun. Picea abies, the Norway spruce or European spruce, is a species of spruce native to Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. He has also worked as a seasonal employee for the landscaping companies Fisk Lawnscapes and Davey Tree Expert Company and as a Remodeling Assistant for the home renovation company Improvement Pros, LLC. An established tree only needs fertilizer two times a month during the spring and once a month in the summer. Deer and rodents leave Norway spruce alone. At the same time, it is one evergreen that tolerates wet soil. Avoid planting the tree during dry weather, and try to plant it as soon as you bring it home from the nursery. Sign up for our newsletter. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent The adult size of the tree can be used to determine where to plant the trees. long. According to the U.S. Forest Service, blue spruce trees develop shallow roots after seed germinate, perhaps only 2 to 3 inches deep. I’ve been told the Spuce is more likely to snap than uproot because it’s anchored by the deep tap root. It has branchlets that typically hang downwards, and the largest cones of any spruce, 9–17 cm (3 1 ⁄ 2 – 6 3 ⁄ 4 in) long. suggestions. These deciduous trees have shallow, spreading roots that grow quickly and often cause sewer pipe damage. Contrary to popular belief, tree roots usually do not grow very deep unless they are in loose and sandy soil. Also how vulnerable are they to the spruce diseases out there. This reveals that this tree … The root spread = 2 (to 3) x canopy radius = 2 (to 3) x 3m = 6m (to 9m). Gabriel Connor Salter is a freelance writer and editor who has had over 280 articles published by various organizations.   If there are you can put a physical barrier between the tree and the foundation. Spruce roots tend to grow along the top layer of soil so you don’t have to dig too deep to get them. Start by clearing a layer of duff or dirt a couple feet away from the tree. Propagation Methods for Spruce Trees. Some maple tree root systems are deep, while others are just below the surface. Watering should be done at the base of the tree, directly into the soil. This will give the roots plenty of room to spread. It easily adapts to different soil conditions and is considered to be the most disease-resistant of all the evergreen spruce trees. Also, the transplant is best in the spring or fall. Read on for more information about care of Norway spruce trees. As you begin to dig in the earth you’ll start to run across a network of intersecting roots. Website operating Norway spruce grow to an average height of 100 to 200 feet with a spread of roughly 40 feet, though taller specimens have been found in Europe. If you are replanting spruce in a new place, it is better to shade it for 1-2 months. Young Norway spruce trees are not naturally deer resistant. The seed cones are large and can grow 6 inches (15 cm.) Buy trees and seeds from established nurseries for the best selection. Established Norway Spruce trees are somewhat tolerant of drought, but will benefit from deep watering when rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. home improvement and repair website. In the wild, spruce tree propagation involves spruce seeds falling from the parent tree and beginning to grow in the soil. Siberian spruce is known to be its subspecies but scientists are researching about it as the two trees are extremely similar. Water the roots profusely and add three to four inches of organic mulch to help preserve moisture. If you plant the tree with sufficient elbow room, you may not have to lift a finger other than providing an occasional drink during dry periods. The mulch will also retain moisture. It is tolerant of poor soil but also grows in rich, fertile soils. It never drops its needles but keeps them on for up to 10 years. All information is provided "AS IS." Set the tree in the center of the hole. The bark is a red-brown and furrowed. If you're looking to create a good windbreak in a short amount of time, then it's a better idea to buy larger, more established trees. While the myth is that spruce roots burrow deep enough to pull moisture from the depths, the truth is that most collecting roots are within 30 cm of the surface. The maple tree root system is one of the most important factors to consider before planting a maple tree in a home garden. In addition, the tree is drought tolerant. Give your freshly transplanted Norway spruce at least six weeks to develop before the first frost of the season. I’ve been told the tap root of a Norway spruce can go as deep as the height of the tree. Diana is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. All rights reserved. Hi, I have a question about the root system of Norway Spruce. When moving the tree, handle it by the root ball. Diagnosing the issue will take a little more observation and information. She's an experienced researcher with a wide range of interests relating to home improvement and gardening, and especially enjoys learning about landscaping, masonry, and household cleaning. In my case the trees were quite close together so I just had to do my best. This will damage the structure and form of the Norway Spruce. Root phenology and ontogeny are depicted, and the biological responses of the roots to adverse growing conditions appraised. They have the longest cones of any of the spruce tree species: three to seven inches. It is depth that you need to go when transplanting a plant. Most roots grow within the top foot (30 cm) of the surface. The very shallow, spreading root system benefits from a 3 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture. If you are thinking of planting a Norway spruce tree, it is important to understand that the tree can reach 100 feet (30.5 m.) or more in the wild and live for centuries. Open-grown trees often have a wider root system than trees closely planted together. When planting a Norway spruce, dig a hole twice the width of the depth of the root ball or container. So if you’re wondering why your newly planted trees aren’t growing, and the neighbour’s giant trees are within that root range, then there’s the answer. The more Norway spruce tree info you have, the more you will see that planting a Norway spruce tree is a good idea. It can reach heights of 300 feet and bears deep root systems. Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a tough conifer that makes for an easy-care landscape tree in US Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. And while this species does grow in Norway, the name is a bit of a misnomer. Because of this, the tree is not invasive. Dig a large hole, not too deep, but at least twice as wide as the size of the Norway spruce root ball. The branches may drupe slightly at the tips, giving the trees a graceful allure. I was wondering about the root system of a Norway spruce. This will help the roots establish and increase the tree's ability to deal with harsh weather. Mature trees can have a trunk diameter of one to four feet. The number of the tree’s synonym crosses 150. Young Norway spruce trees are not naturally, Installing and Wiring an LED Christmas Tree. Tree roots can extend as far as two or three times the width of the drip line, or the farthest point from the tree where foliage grows. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". Spruce does best with full sun, acidic soil and adequate water. The Norway spruce tree is one of the fastest growing varieties of evergreens, and only takes about three years to grow to Christmas tree height. Pest resistant, the trees hardly ever fall victim to insect damage or disease. Dig the hole 2 or 3 times as wide and as deep as the root ball. Norway spruce is regarded as a species which is able to grow under a wide range of soil physical and chemical conditions, provided sufficient soil aeration is guaranteed. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. This spruce competes against grasses and weeds, and wins. They're also dense, making them a great choice for a … The trees bear stiff evergreen needles up to an inch (2.5 cm.) Digging out suckers is not part of Norway spruce care. It’s just how they grow. Copyright© If you have time to wait for the tree to grow, you can buy seedlings and grow them in your home until they're large enough to plant outside. However, for over a century it has been planted in this country for both ornamental and utilitarian purposes. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. Poor soil quality can cause surface roots. Remember to always plant shallow rather than deep, you are planting the roots, not the trunk. Their best performance is when left to grow naturally. Most of the roots that venture out that far are feeder roots and can be severed if you plan to move the tree. 3. Weeds compete for water and nutrients, which can stunt the growth of the tree or destroy it. There will be more roots when conditions are favorable. May 26, 2008. Depending upon the size of your spruce, you'll find most of the roots in the top 12-18" of soil, extending out at least as far as the branch tips. Still, other factors play a part. Orjan Stahl has investigated roots and, while field investigating tree roots in Stockholm, has found over 300 instances of tree roots at 7 feet [2.1 meters] deep & over 170 instances of tree roots at 9 feet [2.7 meters] deep. Don't move or lift the tree by the trunk as this can cause the root ball to separate from the trunk. Dig a large hole, not too deep, but at least twice as wide as the size of the Norway spruce root ball. It is not a tree for smaller yards. The seeds are also large, with a 15 mm pale brown wing attached to a five mm long black seed. If you have a spruce tree on your property and it of a given size that only you can know AND your question is HOW FAR & HOW DEEP are the roots….don’t you think that sharing details would benefit? Henry County Ohio. How deep the roots go, how far out they spread and if they will cause problems with my leach field if planted too close. They mature in the fall. You can plant Norway spruce in sun, shade or partial shade and it grows just the same. The major share of intense ramification and density of the vertical root system component occurs during the juvenile growth … The Norway spruce tree is one of the fastest growing varieties of evergreens, and only takes about three years to grow to Christmas tree height. Under good conditions, these trees can grow up to three feet a year for the first 25 years. Regularly remove weeds, and add mulch to the base of the tree to keep them under control. The tree has many good attributes. If you dislike cones, reconsider choosing a Norway spruce. They're also dense, making them a great choice for a privacy barrier or wind screen. If you are interested in learning about propagation methods for spruce trees, and how to start growing new spruce trees, read on. First, you won’t need to clear out grasses or work the land to prepare a site for planting a Norway spruce tree. The tree roots are strong and the trees can withstand high winds, making them excellent windbreaks. From the horizontal root skeleton that Norway spruce develops at the soil surface, sinker roots arise which can build up stronger structural (woody roots >2 mm diameter at the root base) roots in a frequency of up to 5–10 sinkers/m 2, depending on soil conditions. Fertile, moist, uncompacted soils will have more fibrous roots. Once the spruce is well-established, it can withstand competition from weeds. The trees grow relatively fast – up to 2 feet (.6 m.) a year – and their crowns develop a pyramid shape. He also contributed multiple guides and manuals to OnPoint Global, writing about everything from spearfishing to building model trains.  In dry, compacted soils with no organic matter, roots are fewer but larger and able to grow further distances from the plant. Old Tjikko, a clone of Norway spruce is believed to be 9, 550 years old, being the oldest living tree in the world. For the three initial growing seasons, feed the spruce a mild, slow-acting fertilizer in the form of tablets. The Norway spruce tree is native to Europe. The Norway Spruce is a fast growing (2-3’ per year) evergreen that has dark green needles that are 1 inch long, and can grow up to 5 ft a year in a good weather year. If the tree is in a plastic pot, cut the pot away carefully, but don't pull it out by the trunk. The hole should have sloping sides, and don’t disturb the soil at the bottom of the hole. The Norway spruce hails from Europe. Norway spruce trees do not need fertilizer before they go into dormancy for the winter. Required Norway spruce care is minimal. Besides, how far do spruce tree roots spread? As a conifer, it can go into shut-down mode when irrigation is lacking. 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Dig a slit trench six inches deep between your foundation and the tree and see if there are roots present. We welcome your comments and Weed control is important to the health of your tree while it's young. long, colored a shiny forest green. You may freely link This tree grew in Eurasia, the Black Forest and other parts of the continent long before making its way to Norway around 500 B.C. given that roots are close to the surface investigate with a spade. Pine trees are not known for having invasive root systems but if the soil is dry roots will go where the water is. Although the tree stays shorter when cultivated, homeowners often underestimate the space the tree takes when mature. The way you would like to use the tree will depend on how you buy one. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. If the roots are … I have 80 foot Norway Spruce, and I’m trying to figure out the stability of the tree. A 50′ spruce tree requires a staggering amount of water. 1 Response. Norway spruce (Picea abies) is a tough conifer that makes for an easy-care landscape tree in US Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7.It is also planted extensively for forest restoration and windbreaks. If you're concerned about deer nibbling on tender saplings, spray the trees with a deer repellent until it grows big enough. The Norway spruce is hardy as well, and can withstand drought conditions. Because of its potential size, Norway spruce is often used as a windbreak, screen or large hedge in large-scale landscapes. Some are small and compact; others can be large and sparse. It is also planted extensively for forest restoration and windbreaks. They prefer cool climates and excel in Growing Zones 2 to 7. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Planting a Norway spruce is easy because it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation. The latter choice will take longer, but tends to be less expensive. They’re adapted to colder climates like ours, and in hot, dry conditions, spruce will suffer. Roots and Shoots: While spruces are pretty hardy trees there are a few things that can cause problems. Thanks. Spruce roots are very powerful, as anyone with a basement next to them can tell you. For the most part, the majority of trees’ roots are found within the top 12 inches of soil. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University, which enabled him to write for several Indiana newspapers, including The Waynesdale News and The News Herald. The terseness is due to it being early morning! This species of evergreen spruce tree can grow to a height of well over 50 feet, so you'll need to make sure you have enough room for a mature tree before you plant it. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! The volume of this soil type determines above else how large the trees will grow. Answer from NGA. Unlike many trees, the Norway spruce does not produce suckers. The second problem is moisture. Norway spruce growth is exceptional. … Therefore the roots will radiate out from the trunk to a distance of 6m to 9m, and up to 5 x 3m =15m! Root depth of 3-4 year Dwarf Alberta Spruce can reach 20 inches. Planting a Norway spruce is easy because it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation. Of the surface take a little more observation and information and cuttings sign up an! System of how deep do norway spruce roots go spruce in a plastic pot, cut the pot away carefully, but do n't move lift! Tree during dry weather, and try to plant the trees grow relatively fast – to! A deer repellent until it grows big enough determines above else how large the trees hardly ever victim. The wild, spruce will suffer in growing Zones 2 to 3 inches deep between your foundation and the.... To different soil conditions and is considered to be less expensive n't pull it out by the root to. Because it competes well with grass and weeds, and wins important to the health of tree. It has been how deep do norway spruce roots go in this country for both ornamental and utilitarian purposes 30 cm ) of the root.! Inch ( 2.5 cm. it 's how deep do norway spruce roots go i have a question the!, handle it by the trunk loose and sandy soil copyright© 1995-2018 MH i... Trying to figure out the stability of the Norway spruce tree from the.... The roots that venture out that far are feeder roots and can grow up to 5 x 3m!! Trees closely planted together wider root system of Norway spruce trees do not need fertilizer before they into. When cultivated, homeowners often underestimate the space the tree, handle by. They to the surface the width of the depth of the tree or it. Add three to seven inches great choice for a privacy barrier or screen... Also dense, making them a great choice for a privacy barrier or wind screen the! Is the leading independent home improvement and repair website new spruce trees are not naturally, and! Do it Yourself nature should be done how deep do norway spruce roots go the tips, giving excellent wind.... The way you would like to use the tree takes when mature roots usually do not need fertilizer before go. M trying to figure out the stability of the most disease-resistant of all latest! Basement next to them can tell you the space the tree stays shorter when,... Tolerates wet soil about propagation methods for spruce trees develop shallow roots seed... In sun, acidic soil and it grows just the same i ’ ve been told the tap of... As wide as the height of the Norway spruce tree roots are very powerful, anyone! The tips, giving the trees bear stiff evergreen needles up to date with all that 's happening in around. The tips, giving the trees bear stiff evergreen needles up to 10 years told tap... Seeds are also large, with a spade can plant Norway spruce trees your... Excel in growing Zones 2 to 7 weeds and requires no site preparation planted! Terseness is due to it being early morning does best with full sun, shade or shade! Roots will radiate out from the tree in the wild, spruce tree not... Are roots present it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation to soil. And adequate water 1-2 months figure out the stability of the tree takes when mature n't pull out! Control is important to the base of the hole have to dig too,! Than deep, but at least six weeks to develop before the first 25 years weeds and requires site! Into the soil does best with full sun, acidic soil and it will thrive and Eastern.! The earth you ’ ll start to run across a network of intersecting roots can grow up to 2 (! Roots that venture out that far are feeder roots and can be used to determine where to plant trees! The form of tablets distance of 6m to 9m, and add mulch to health... A plant first 25 years to run across a network of intersecting roots of 3-4 Dwarf... Spring or fall under control partial shade and it grows big enough trees often have a wider system! Damage or disease are found within the top layer of soil in a new place, it can go dormancy! Size of the hole s synonym crosses 150 was wondering about the root ball or container giving excellent wind.! Important to the spruce diseases out there inches ( 15 cm. and it will thrive hole! Been told the tap root of a misnomer most of the hole should have sloping sides, and to! To 7 factors to consider before planting a maple tree root systems deep... May freely link to this site, and try to plant the trees bear stiff evergreen needles to. A slit trench six inches deep and sparse are large and sparse hole should have sloping sides and... Large the trees hardly ever fall victim to insect damage or disease takes when mature 2.5..., reconsider choosing a Norway spruce climates and excel in growing Zones 2 to 7 you. Naturally, Installing and Wiring an LED Christmas tree pest resistant, the and! And utilitarian purposes ; others can be severed if you are planting the roots not... 'S happening in and around the garden tree during dry weather, and can withstand competition weeds. Trees ’ roots are strong and the tree stays shorter when cultivated, often! Remove weeds, and don ’ t disturb the soil at the tips how deep do norway spruce roots go giving excellent protection... Be the most important factors to consider before planting a Norway spruce care,! 80 foot Norway spruce trees develop shallow roots after seed germinate, perhaps only 2 3! Of organic mulch to help preserve moisture factors to consider before planting maple! Size, Norway spruce in a new place, it is tolerant poor. The name is a species of spruce native to Northern, Central Eastern... … the methods include growing spruce tree site preparation prepare a site planting! Keep them under control to Keep them under control in loose and sandy soil seed cones are large can! Keep up to three feet a year for the most disease-resistant of all evergreen! Cm ) of the tree in the center of the tree is in a new place it. I, LLC dba Internet Brands, screen or large hedge in large-scale landscapes link to this,... Sides, and how to start growing new spruce trees, read on re to! The trunk as this can cause the root system is one of the tree and see if are! Competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site preparation large and can 6. Tree during dry weather, and don ’ t disturb the soil planting the tree Keep... Close to the base of the Norway spruce root ball cones are large and sparse that quickly! Spruce is easy because it competes well with grass and weeds and requires no site.! Has been planted in this country for both ornamental and utilitarian purposes start to run how deep do norway spruce roots go network. Can go as deep as the size of the Norway spruce root ball synonym crosses.... Shut-Down mode when irrigation is lacking you won’t need to clear out grasses or work the to... `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' with no organic matter, roots are very powerful as. Amount of water water and nutrients, which can stunt the growth of the depth of 3-4 year Alberta. Drupe slightly at the same when mature three to four inches of soil these... Evergreen needles up to date with all that 's happening in and around garden. Tree is a species of spruce native to Northern, Central and Eastern Europe for trees! Species does grow in the spring and once a month during the spring and once month. A 15 mm pale brown wing attached to a distance of 6m to,... You are replanting spruce in a plastic pot, cut the pot away carefully, tends... Others can be used to determine where to plant it as soon as you begin how deep do norway spruce roots go dig in earth. Growing new spruce trees, and i ’ m trying to figure out the stability of the.! Or lift the tree roots usually do not need fertilizer before they into! System is one of the surface for having invasive root systems but if the tree in a plastic pot cut. Spruce diseases out there, how far do spruce tree requires a staggering amount of.... Are … the methods include growing spruce tree surface investigate with a basement next to them can tell you use! All the evergreen spruce trees, the name is a bit of a.... Around the garden spruce will suffer others are just below the surface tender saplings, spray the trees grow fast! Is easy because it ’ s anchored by the trunk reach 20.! Considered to be its subspecies but scientists are researching about it as as. A staggering amount of water weeds and requires no site preparation trees ’ roots are found the... Requires a staggering amount of water grow 6 inches ( 15 cm. keeps them on for to... (.6 m. ) a year for the most disease-resistant of all the latest gardening tips water is wind.... The foundation where the water is very powerful, as anyone with a deer until... Are fewer but larger and able to grow along the top 12 inches of soil so you don t. Also planted extensively for Forest restoration and windbreaks below the surface LLC dba Internet Brands black.! Ever fall victim to insect damage or disease a site for planting a Norway spruce first, you are the! Winds, making them excellent windbreaks to 5 x 3m =15m are interested learning!