Norway spruce (Picea abies) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

Norway spruce grows in well-drained and moist soils. Gardeners should water both regularly and evenly to promote its growth. Once established, the norway spruce has some moderate resistance to dry soils, but should be kept moist as the norway spruce detests the heat.

Fertilization

Norway spruce's growth can be supported by acidic and high nitrogen fertilizers. This may include formulas of 12-6-4 and 10-8-6. They may also gain their nutrients from well-rotted compost and mulch.

Pruning

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.

Soil

Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalky, Acidic, Neutral, Slightly alkaline

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

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Norway spruce

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

2 to 7

Planting Time

Spring, Early summer, Fall, Early winter

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Questions About Norway spruce

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Norway spruce?

If you decide to water your Norway spruce, you will be happy to find that it is a straightforward task. One of the easiest ways to water this tree is by simply turning on your garden hose and using it to soak the soil slowly. Your garden hose is the ideal watering tool to use for mature Norway spruce trees, as large specimens may need a high volume of water during each watering. However, for smaller trees, you may get by by using a watering can or some other smaller watering tool. Also, you should try to avoid overhead watering as excessive moisture on this plant’s leaves can lead to disease, especially when the tree is young.

What should I do if I water my Norway spruce too much or too little?

At times, overwatering can be the result of poor soils. Mainly, if the soil in which your Norway spruce grows does not allow water to drain effectively, the plant will likely begin to decline. If this is the case, you should either amend the soil to improve its drainage characteristics or transplant your Norway spruce to a more favorable growing location. If you grow your Norway spruce in a pot, this can also mean you may need to repot your plant with looser soils in a container that allows for better drainage. An overwatered plant may also contract diseases, which you should try to treat immediately. For an underwatered Norway spruce, the remedy is quite simple. Begin watering more often, and soon your plant will bounce back and return to full health.

The easiest way to tell if you have overwatered your Norway spruce is to observe the plant’s foliage. Specifically, looking at the new growth will give the clearest sign of whether this plant suffers from too much moisture. An overwatered Norway spruce may produce new growth, but that new growth may be discolored or prone to easy breakage. Another sign that the soil for your Norway spruce is too moist is if you notice standing water or that water is not draining quickly in your plant’s growing area. Underwatered Norway spruce trees will also have symptoms present in the foliage. In this case, the leaves may become sparse, brown. Usually, Norway spruce can grow well with rainfulls. If you see such symptoms on your plant, you should consider if there has been too much rain recently or constantly high temperatures, which will help you to make the correct judgment.

How often should I water my Norway spruce?

A mature Norway spruce does not need much water at all. In most instances, this tree will become drought tolerant and survive off of nothing more than rainfall. At most, you’ll need to water this plant about once per week during the hottest months of the year, but during other seasons, you probably won’t need to water it at all. The exception to that rule is if you are dealing with a plant that has been newly planted. If that is the case, you should water regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture and help the roots establish themselves. With that said, the most important thing to remember when watering Norway spruce is that this species does not tolerate standing water. As such, when in doubt, you should err on the side of not watering your Norway spruce rather than risking watering it too much.

How much water does my Norway spruce need?

The height of summer is one of the few times that you’ll need to water your Norway spruce. At that time of year, it is typical to give this plant about one inch of water per week. However, that amount can change depending on how much it has rained. If it has rained one inch or more that week, you won’t need to give any water to your Norway spruce.newly planted Norway spruce will need more water during the establishment period. Typically, this amounts to watering about once every one to two weeks for the first few growing seasons.

How should I water my Norway spruce through the seasons?

The Norway spruce tree will need the most water during the summer months when the weather is the hottest. At that time, you should give this plant water about once per week in the absence of rainfall. During other times of the year, this plant will often survive with no water at all. In spring and fall, you might need to provide some water if the weather is exceptionally hot, but this is rare. Unlike many other plants, the Norway spruce does not enter full dormancy in winter, which means that it will continue growing, during the coldest months. Still, the water needs during winter will remain quite low as the cool temperatures will not cause the soil to dry out quickly..

How should I water my Norway spruce at different growth stages?

Young Norway spruce trees need significantly more water than those that are established. A newly planted tree should receive water at least weekly to ensure that the soil remains moist to facilitate root development. After the first growing season, your Norway spruce should be well-adapted to its new growing location and should need much less water. At this time, you can begin following the standard instructions for watering this species, providing supplemental water about once per week during summer when it does not rain. Beyond that, there is no other time at which you’ll need to alter your watering habits based on the growth stages of the Norway spruce tree.

What's the difference between watering Norway spruce indoors and outdoors?

It is far more common to grow the Norway spruce in an outdoor growing location. However, it is also possible to grow this plant indoors in a container. In that scenario, one gardener often raise the Norway spruce as the bonsai plant. Whether you grow this plant indoors or outdoors, you can expect its water needs to remain relatively similar. The one difference is that you may need to water an indoor Norway spruce tree a bit more. Indoor plants won’t have access to rainfall during the summer. Also, indoor areas are often much drier than outdoor growing locations, and the size of the pots limits the water-retainability, which can lead to higher water needs.

Do I need to prune my Norway spruce?

Norway spruce, like most other evergreen trees, absolutely need to be pruned in order for them to grow as happy, healthy trees. Of course, there are lots of reasons that pruning is important, so we’ll talk about those in greater detail. Pruning opens up the inner canopy to airflow and sunlight. Without keeping these pathways open, the inner canopy will be starved of sunlight and air. Therefore, pruning your Norway spruce is not only advantageous, but it also weakens the impact of pests and infections by separating branches from one another. These benefits are far too easy to reap with Norway spruce to neglect them. Aside from keeping your Norway spruce happier and healthier, pruning just makes things look nice and tidy. Who doesn’t love a well-kept tree, anyway?

When is the best time to prune my Norway spruce?

Norway spruce can be pruned at different times depending on whether they’re grown indoors or outdoors. For outdoor trees, pruning and trimming should be done when the tree is not actively growing; this generally falls under the colder months of winter, but can vary depending on where you live. However, if you’re growing your Norway spruce indoors, there are lots of different times of the year when it’s okay to trim lightly. For example, if you’re planning on trimming a bit off the top of just one or two smaller branches, then you can trim nearly anytime. For heavier pruning on indoor Norway spruce, it’s best to wait until those same colder months when outdoor Norway spruce wouldn’t normally be actively growing. Norway spruce should be pruned as needed. Typically, these trees should be pruned to remove any damaged, yellowing, dying, or dead foliage. It is also necessary to prune this plant to remove any shoots that are congested or are crossing.

What should I do after pruning my Norway spruce?

In order to keep your Norway spruce growing strong, remove any branches or debris that landed at the base of the tree. Keeping the area clear can prevent weeds and underbrush from crowding out the tree, especially if it’s young. Another great tip is to use raw, organic honey to treat large open wounds on the Norway spruce where branches were trimmed. The use of honey prevents any pathogens or potential pests from making their way in. It’s also a good idea to water a little extra after pruning for a week or two. Providing them with a little extra water helps them build natural calluses over the exposed core faster, so they can get back to growing into large, Norway spruce!

How can I prune my Norway spruce: tips and techniques?

While most of the Norway spruce won’t need to be pruned until they develop some substantial height, sometimes their branches get a little carried away in the wrong direction. This is why this part of the Norway spruce needs to be pruned in good time. Tools In order to prune your Norway spruce properly, you’ll need the proper pruning tools. While smaller plant shears and garden scissors may not cut it (pun intended), handheld clippers, pruners and loppers will certainly help out. For very tall branches that are out of safe reach, use a pole saw with the necessary safety equipment. It’s also a good idea to wear gloves while pruning to avoid any splinters or cuts in general. How to Prune To prune your Norway spruce, first cut away any dead, dying or diseased branches. Look for pests, irregular growth patterns, and brittle branches or leaves. Snip these off at the branch collar, where the branch intersection is, without scoring the main branch. Next, be on the lookout for extra long branches or leaves that may not be able to support a lot of weight. These branches or leaves will be too heavy and grow downwards, so this can be trimmed back if necessary. Try to find all of the branches that grow either directly up (that are not the primary trunk) and those that grow directly downward. These branches will become an issue because they can effectively block out light and air from inner branches. Trim these back to the branches they stem from as well. If there’s not much space within the canopy for light to reach the center of the tree, you can trim away some excess foliage to make windows for light to shine in.

How much/long should Norway spruce get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

For healthy growth, make sure that Norway spruce receives at least 3–6 hours of sun each day. This is actually a minimum requirement—most plants that can handle part sun can also thrive in full sun, but because they require less light for photosynthesis, they are more flexible than plants that require full sun or part shade.

What type of sunlight does Norway spruce need?

Norway spruce does best with exposure to full or part sun. They will perform best with direct morning light, but in summer they need protection from the strong afternoon sun. In temperate environments, too much hot afternoon sun can burn the leaves, damaging the plant's appearance and health.

Can sunlight damage Norway spruce? How to protect Norway spruce from the sun and heat damage?

Norway spruce planted indoors can easily be damaged by direct sunlight when it's moved outdoors. The best way to prevent sunburns from overexposure is to move pots gradually from a shaded area to a brighter spot, gradually. But even plants that are acclimated to the summer sun can be damaged by extreme heat. In a heatwave, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist so that plants can cope with excessive levels of heat. Moving plants in containers to areas with afternoon shade or erecting a shade cloth over them can protect sensitive Norway spruce during extreme weather events.

Does Norway spruce need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Norway spruce from the sun?

While bright morning sun and some full sun exposure can be highly beneficial for Norway spruce, the harsh, hot midday sun of summer can be too much to handle.

If planted in the ground, the summer sun will usually ramp up slowly enough through the season for Norway spruce to gradually adapt to its intensity. But a potted plant that has been indoors or in a protected location will often suffer injury when placed suddenly into a location where the direct summer sun reaches it in the hottest part of the day.

To protect this plant from the brutal afternoon summer sun, plant or place it in an understory location where it is shaded at midday by taller trees and plants or by a building or landscape feature.

What will happen if Norway spruce gets inadequate sunlight?

When Norway spruce receives too little sun, they may become pale green or display drooping, yellow leaves. While some leaf drop is normal, if leaves are dropping but no new ones are growing in to replace them, it is a sign that something is wrong. If Norway spruce receiving inadequate light does manage to grow, the new growth is often spindly, pale, and prone to insect infestation. Paying attention to these signs and changing the lighting conditions of the plant will make a significant difference.

Does Norway spruce need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Tender, new leaves are especially sensitive to sunburn. Bearing this in mind, very young Norway spruce and when it's in a strong growth phase, such as in late spring and early summer, will be more sensitive to harsh sun and heat than the mature one or those in a more dormant fall growth stage. Norway spruce fresh from a nursery is also usually not prepared for strong full sunlight and must be introduced to it slowly.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Norway spruce?

Recently transplanted Norway spruce will often experience a bit of shock and will need to be cared for carefully, either shaded from bright afternoon sun or placed in a protected area. On very hot days, you may see the leaves of Norway spruce drooping—this is usually nothing to worry about. Plants will send the water in their leaves down into their roots to protect them from burning. However, if the leaves are still drooping in the evening or the next morning, the plant needs water. Always avoid watering during the hottest times of day, as sunlight can hit wet leaves and scorch them easily.

Norway spruce that has been underwatered will be weaker than that with consistently moist soil. This can leave it with weak roots that are unable to protect the leaves on hot, sunny summer days by diverting water away from the leaves. Care for an underwatered plant by giving it a long, deep watering and then allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out before the next watering. Even if it loses its leaves, if cared for properly it will grow new ones.

What is the optimal temperature for Norway spruce?

As a cool-weather plant, Norway spruce has a specific temperature range you can keep it in to thrive. For Norway spruce to grow as well as possible, you can keep them between 65-75℉(18-25℃). Norway spruce can handle temperatures outside of this range, but whenever possible, try to keep the area you grow them in within several degrees of these temperature limits.

As for the upper and lower limits of what Norway spruce can withstand, that would fall between 75-85℉(25-30℃) on the higher end and 5℉(-15℃) on the lower end. As Norway spruce prefers cooler temperatures, the higher temperature range is more important to avoid. Going into the higher end temperatures can restrict growth, and having Norway spruce above 85℉(30℃) for long periods of time can result in damage and eventually death.

Does Norway spruce require different temperatures for different growing phases?

For each growing phase of Norway spruce, temperatures should be kept within the optimal range of 65-75℉(18-25℃). Norway spruce can tolerate lower temperatures better than high ones, so it won’t particularly hinder growth if your growing area gets as cold as 5℉(-15℃). Below that, however, can start to slow down Norway spruce growth, so if you continue to grow your plants into winter, make sure to keep the room above that temperature.

Three tips for keeping Norway spruce temperature under control

Tip #1: Watch for the Signs of Heat Damage

If Norway spruce overheats, there may be warning signs before it begins to die off. First, the leaves may begin to brown, then branches could begin to fall off. This is because the branches themselves are dying as the tree pulls moisture back towards its center of mass. Make sure to keep temperatures lower, and water your Norway spruce more frequently if they are exposed to heat.

Tip #2: Don’t Let Norway spruce Get Too Cold

While Norway spruce does prefer cooler environments, letting the temperatures drop too fast can begin to cause freeze damage. If your growing area dips fast below 5℉(-15℃), the water in your Norway spruce can begin to freeze. This causes the cell walls to burst and the bark to crack. This could slow growth significantly, and if temperatures don’t increase, may begin to cause parts of Norway spruce to die.

Tip #3: Use Shade and Ventilation to Help Keep Temperatures at the Right Level

If you find that Norway spruce is starting to overheat, you can use a combination of shade and ventilation to help bring temperatures back down. If you don’t have access to an air conditioning unit or fans, shade and ventilation are a good cost effective way to bring temperatures back into the optimal range. Once temperatures are corrected, though, make sure to let your plants get sunlight. Norway spruce needs a lot of sun to grow properly, so while shade could work in the short term for temperature correction, Norway spruce should not be left in the shade for too long.

Does Norway spruce need different temperatures for different seasons?

The only time you need to worry about different temperatures in different seasons is if you intend to grow Norway spruce outside. In that case, you’ll want to watch your outdoor thermometer during the prime growing seasons, spring and early summer. It's especially important that the temperatures do not exceed 85℉(30℃), as this can damage and eventually kill Norway spruce.

If you do plant them inside to help maintain the best temperature, make sure that the space has ample sunlight. Norway spruce needs a lot of sun to grow, preferring full sun to partial shade levels of sun exposure. Be careful that the level of sunlight doesn’t raise the temperature as well. Direct sunlight is important, but too much combined with high heat will begin to damage Norway spruce.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for Norway spruce?

The best way to maintain the right temperature for Norway spruce is to grow them within a climate-controlled environment. Because Norway spruce prefers cooler conditions, you’ll want to make sure the room you choose has air conditioning or fans, as well as a way to monitor the temperature. Check the temperature once or twice a day, making sure that it is between 65-75℉(18-25℃). If it isn’t, adjust your climate control settings to make sure that the temperatures sit within that range.

If you intend to grow Norway spruce outdoors, you’ll want to do it in the spring and early summer. It can be much harder to maintain that optimal temperature range outside, so if you want to facilitate maximum growth for Norway spruce, it's usually best to have them outdoors.

Why do I need to fertilize my Norway spruce?

Fertilizing Norway spruce in the spring encourages healthy growth. Remember, the plant has a long lifespan, and it needs to be supported. Adding nutrients to the soil can also improve the plant’s health, making it better able to resist common pests and diseases that can stunt growth or shorten its lifespan.

When is the best time to fertilize my Norway spruce?

The growing medium doesn’t always supply enough nutrients to support healthy growth. However, Norway spruce is a little different from your garden annuals and perennials. It doesn’t require a lot of extra nutrients. The best time to fertilize Norway spruce is in the spring before new growth appears.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Norway spruce?

Some plants thrive with monthly or weekly fertilization, but not Norway spruce. It does not require a lot of extra nutrients. Too much fertilizer can cause it to start dying back. Only apply fertilizer in the spring, skipping the other seasons. In the summer, fall, and winter, do not add fertilizer or organic matter to the soil.

What type of fertilizer does my Norway spruce need?

The age of your plant plays a role in the type of fertilizer but remember Norway spruce does not require a lot of extra nutrients. Look for a balanced plant food, it will help support healthy root development and growth but stay away from fertilizers with high nitrogen contents.

How do I fertilize my Norway spruce?

How you fertilize Norway spruce is as important as when you add the extra nutrients. Apply the fertilizer once in the spring, around the base of the plant. Try to avoid getting any fertilizer on the trunk. If you are using a granulated fertilizer, cover the pellets with a light layer of soil. It helps ensure the fertilizer is absorbed into the soil.

What happens if I fertilize my Norway spruce too much?

It can be tempting to keep feeding Norway spruce throughout the spring and summer. You want to encourage healthy growth, but too much fertilizer can have disastrous consequences. All types of fertilizers contain nitrogen, and the nutrient does support healthy growth. However, too much nitrogen can result in root burn.

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More About How-Tos

Explore 5 of plant how-tos on Feng shui direction, Water, Lighting, Temperature, Transplant spacing, etc.

Feng shui direction

East

Norway spruce is regarded as a favorable addition to enhance the Feng Shui of an area. When placed in the East direction, it can promote growth, harmony and nourishment, naturally resonating with the Wood element associated with the East. Its evergreen nature symbolizes resilience and steadfastness, qualities that are highly regarded in Feng Shui practice.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Norway spruce originates from environments with varying moisture levels, often preferring well-drained soil. Water only when the soil starts to feel dry, ensuring the plant's roots don't remain wet for extended periods.

Lighting

Full sun

Norway spruce thrives best when exposed to a generous amount of light, but can also endure locations with moderate light levels. In its natural setting, it progresses healthily where there's abundant light. Too much or too little light exposure can impact its growth, causing it to be stunted or sparse.

Temperature

-15 to 30 ℃

The norway spruce is native to regions of Europe with cool to cold climates. It prefers a temperature range of 32 to 90 ℉ (0 to 32 ℃) and can withstand temperatures as low as -40 ℉ (-40 ℃). In the summer, it benefits from cooler temperatures and moderate humidity. In the winter, it can tolerate frost and snow as long as it is not exposed to extreme freezing temperatures for extended periods.

Transplant spacing

40-60 feet

The best time to transplant norway spruce is during late spring to mid-summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a location that meets its environmental needs, such as well-drained soil and partial shade. Be gentle when handling roots to minimize stress on your norway spruce.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Norway spruce based on 10 million real cases

Longhorn beetles

The longhorn beetle is a medium- to large-sized insect with very long antennae and strong jaws. Both its adult and larval stages gnaw on tree trunks, leaving small, round holes.

Solutions: Some longhorn beetles species are native insects, and they cause little damage. Therefore, these don't warrant control. Other longhorn beetles species are invasive pests that were recently introduced from other areas. These species can cause a great deal of damage to hardwood trees. Apply an insecticide containing imidacloprid as a soil injection or trunk injection following product instructions. This will enter into new grow and kill adults who feed on foliage. This will not help save trees that are already infested with large amounts of larvae, but it will save trees located near an infested tree. Contact an arborist for best control practices regarding infected trees. To properly control longhorn beetles, all host plants in a given area must be treated. Contact a local extension agent or state agency. Tracking the spread of longhorn beetles is a key component of their control.

Branch blight

Branch blight can cause lignified branches to dry up entirely and die.

Solutions: Inspect trees frequently, and remove any infected branches as soon as possible. Branch blight cannot be cured, so the only treatment is to prune the tree and monitor it carefully for signs of the disease. All affected parts of the tree should be removed, since blight can survive over the winter inside the plant’s tissues. Blight can become systemic in the tree, in which case the entire plant should be removed so it does not remain a host for the pathogen and allow it to spread.

Dieback

There are several possible causes for dieback.

Solutions: There are a few things to try when dieback becomes apparent: Fertilize and water the plants - these two steps, along with judicious pruning, can help reduce the stress on the root system and encourage renewed vigor Have an arborist check to see if plant roots are girdling Test soil pH and adjust accordingly Remove and destroy infected twigs and branches

Fruit withering

Fungal infection or normal ripening can cause the fruit to dry out.

Solutions: There are a number of appropriate solutions to control fruit withering: Remove any fruit as soon as it shows any signs of infection. Do not compost. Use a fungicide prior to leaf bud and then as per manufacturers instructions throughout the season.

Crown gall

Bacterial infections can cause abnormal brown or black growths on the trunk of the tree. These are also called crown galls.

Solutions: Remove infected tissue. Established trees can survive a crown gall infection, but the galls should be removed to improve the plant's appearance. Use pruning shears to remove the gall, then treat the wound with a pruning sealer. Discard pruned material by putting it in the trash or burning it to avoid infecting other plants. Sterilize the pruning shears after removing the galls. Remove the entire plant. If a small plant is infected with a serious case of crown gall, the best option is to remove the entire plant and burn it. This will prevent bacteria from spreading to other plants. Sterilize the soil. After removing infected tissue, sterilize the soil using heat. Alternatively, plant a gall-resistant plant in the same spot.

Fire ants

Fire ants gnaw on the roots of plants and are aggressive toward people.

Solutions: Caution: fire ants are venomous and cause painful bites which can be fatal in the case of a rare but significant allergy. Fire ants can be a painful pest to have around for you and your plants. Keeping them under control will ensure comfortable gardening for all. For less severe cases: Physically remove mounds. Dig out and remove entire mounds (remember, they go deeper than they seem). Use citrus oil. Pour citrus oil, which is toxic to fire ants, down their holes. For severe cases: Use ant bait. For a chemical solution, broadcast insecticide bait formulated for fire ants in the area around a mound. Apply the bait during a dry evening so the ants can forage for it at night. Look for products that contain Indoxacarb. Release phorid flies. Introduce or promote beneficial phorid flies to gardens. These parasitic flies attack invasive fire ants. Hire a professional. Some ant baits are only available to professional exterminators. For serious cases of fire ants, consider hiring a professional.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Woods

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Tree

Flower Color

Red

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Norway spruce

The plant is an evergreen conifer that spreads throughout most parts of the United States and Canada and is probably the most common spruce. Also, it is native to central and northern Europe, including Norway, so it is called Norway spruce.

Christmas tree

Its shape is conical, so it is also widely used as a Christmas tree. Every Christmas, the Norwegian capital provides Picea abies for London, Edinburgh and Washington. Basically, the Christmas tree in the most central square of each city is Picea abies. Hence, it is also called the Christmas tree.

Symbolism

Endurance, courage, protection, optimism, longevity

Usages

Garden Use

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is an ornamental evergreen tree that grows well in well-drained acid or neutral soils. This tree is best suited to large gardens and landscapes because it grows up to 50 m and has quite a wide-spreading profile. It is a low-maintenance tree that gives year-round garden interest. For a great mix of colors and textures grow this tree with spirea, stonecrops, and butterfly bush.

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Conifers

Order

Pines and allies

Family

Pine

Genus

Spruces

Species

Norway spruce

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Norway spruce's growth can be supported by acidic and high nitrogen fertilizers. This may include formulas of 12-6-4 and 10-8-6. They may also gain their nutrients from well-rotted compost and mulch.

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Norway spruce

Picea abies

Also known as: Common spruce

The fastest-growing of all spruces, the norway spruce (Picea abies) makes for a good roosting spot for owls and hawks. Its wood is used for paper, construction lumber, and musical instruments, and its needles can be used to brew spruce beer. It is also a popular choice for Christmas trees.

Water

Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight

Full sun

Care Guide for Norway spruce

Water

Fertilization

Pruning

Trim the diseased, withered leaves once a month.

Soil

Sand, Loam, Clay, Chalky, Acidic, Neutral, Slightly alkaline

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial sun

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Questions About Norway spruce

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Temperature

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Norway spruce?

What should I do if I water my Norway spruce too much or too little?

How often should I water my Norway spruce?

How much water does my Norway spruce need?

How should I water my Norway spruce through the seasons?

How should I water my Norway spruce at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Norway spruce indoors and outdoors?

Do I need to prune my Norway spruce?

When is the best time to prune my Norway spruce?

What should I do after pruning my Norway spruce?

How can I prune my Norway spruce: tips and techniques?

How much/long should Norway spruce get sunlight per day for healthy growth?

What type of sunlight does Norway spruce need?

Can sunlight damage Norway spruce? How to protect Norway spruce from the sun and heat damage?

Does Norway spruce need to avoid sun exposure? / Should I protect Norway spruce from the sun?

What will happen if Norway spruce gets inadequate sunlight?

Does Norway spruce need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Norway spruce?

What is the optimal temperature for Norway spruce?

Does Norway spruce require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Three tips for keeping Norway spruce temperature under control

Does Norway spruce need different temperatures for different seasons?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for Norway spruce?

Why do I need to fertilize my Norway spruce?

When is the best time to fertilize my Norway spruce?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Norway spruce?

What type of fertilizer does my Norway spruce need?

How do I fertilize my Norway spruce?

What happens if I fertilize my Norway spruce too much?

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More About How-Tos

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Norway spruce based on 10 million real cases

Longhorn beetles

The longhorn beetle is a medium- to large-sized insect with very long antennae and strong jaws. Both its adult and larval stages gnaw on tree trunks, leaving small, round holes.

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Branch blight

Branch blight can cause lignified branches to dry up entirely and die.

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Dieback

There are several possible causes for dieback.

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Fruit withering

Fungal infection or normal ripening can cause the fruit to dry out.

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Crown gall

Bacterial infections can cause abnormal brown or black growths on the trunk of the tree. These are also called crown galls.

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Fire ants

Fire ants gnaw on the roots of plants and are aggressive toward people.

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Distribution Map

Habitat

Woods

Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Plant Type

Tree

Flower Color

Red

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Name story

Norway spruce

Christmas tree

Symbolism

Endurance, courage, protection, optimism, longevity

Usages

Garden Use

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Conifers

Order

Pines and allies

Family

Pine

Genus

Spruces

Species

Norway spruce

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