Maintenance Landscaping Design

Black hills spruce is a slow-growing, densely pyramidal evergreen tree that is typically found in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It is the state tree of South Dakota. This tree is known for its ability to tolerate harsh conditions, including extended droughts, cold temperatures, and high winds. It is also relatively resistant to deer browse.

Alternative name

• Blue Spruce
  
• Colorado Spruce
  
• Engelmann Spruce
  
• Rocky Mountain Spruce
  
• White Spruce

Basic info

• The black hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densata) is a dense, slow-growing variety of spruce tree that is native to the Black Hills region of South Dakota.
  
• It is the state tree of South Dakota.
  
• The black hills spruce typically reaches a height of 20-40 feet (6-12 meters) and a diameter of 6-12 inches (15-30 centimeters).
  
• The tree's needles are dark green and measure 1-2 inches (5-5 centimeters) in length.
  
• The black hills spruce produces small, brownish cones that measure 1-2 inches (5-5 centimeters) in length.
  
• The tree grows best in well-drained, sandy soils and full sun.
  
• The black hills spruce is widely used as an ornamental tree in landscaping.
  
• It is also used for windbreaks and in Christmas tree plantations.
  
• The wood of the black hills spruce is soft and light, making it unsuitable for lumber but ideal for pulpwood and paper production.
  
• The tree is susceptible to damage from bark beetles and other insects.

Related plant:
Buddleja Black Knight

Growing Steps

1. For black hills spruce, first step is to find a good location. It is best to grow them in an area that gets full sun.
   
2. Next, you will need to prepare the soil. This can be done by mixing in some organic matter, such as compost or manure.
   
3. Once the soil is prepared, you can then plant your black hills spruce. It is best to plant them in the spring or fall.
   
4. Water your black hills spruce regularly, especially during the first growing season.
   
5. Fertilize your black hills spruce once a year, using a balanced fertilizer.
   
6. Prune your black hills spruce as needed to maintain its shape.
   
7. Protect your black hills spruce from winter damage by wrapping it with burlap or another type of fabric.
   
8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them accordingly.
   
9. Enjoy your black hills spruce for many years to come!

Related plant:
Black Chokeberry

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Black Hills spruce grows in a wide range of soil conditions, from very sandy to very clayey, and from very acidic to very alkaline soils. It also tolerates a wide range of soil moisture conditions, from very dry to very wet soils.

Light condition

Similar to other evergreens, the Black Hills spruce does best in full sun. It will also tolerate some shade, although it may not grow as dense in shady areas. This spruce is a slow grower, so it doesn't need a lot of extra fertilizer.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions in the Black Hills spruce are very cool and moist. The average temperature in the summer is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the average winter temperature is around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainfall is also very heavy in the Black Hills spruce, with an average of around 80 inches per year.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 and 60 percents. The Black Hills spruce can tolerate lower humidity for short periods of time, but long-term exposure to dry air will cause the needles to turn brown and eventually drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant is known to be heavy feeders. Because of this, it is important to fertilize your Black Hills Spruce on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize three times a year- once in the spring, once in the summer, and once in the fall. When applying fertilizer, make sure to focus on the root area and avoid getting any on the needles or trunk of the tree.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your Black Hills Spruce healthy and looking its best. Pruning encourages new growth and helps to prevent disease and pests. When pruning your Black Hills Spruce, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears. Make sure to prune in the early spring, before new growth begins.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of black hills spruce is typically done by seed. The cones of the tree are collected in the fall and the seeds are extracted. The seeds are then planted in a well-drained seed bed and kept moist until they germinate. It can take up to two years for the trees to reach transplant size.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to medium. They grow about 13–24 inches (33–61 cm) per year. The black hills spruce (Picea glauca var. densa) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree. It is native to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming in the United States. The tree is an important source of timber in the region. It is also widely used as a Christmas tree.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are canker, root rot, and bagworms. Canker is a fungal disease that attacks the tree's bark and can cause the tree to die. Root rot is a fungal disease that attacks the tree's roots and can cause the tree to die. Bagworms are caterpillars that live in the tree's needles and can cause the tree to become defoliated.

Basics of Growing

• Do not forget to water your black hills spruce regularly. They are drought tolerant but still need water to stay healthy.
  
• Place your black hills spruce in an area with full sun for best growth.
  
• Fertilize your black hills spruce once a year with a slow release fertilizer.
  
• Prune your black hills spruce as needed to maintain the desired shape.
  
• Protect your black hills spruce from winter winds by planting them in a sheltered location.
  
• Check for pests and diseases regularly and take action as needed.
  
• Mulch your black hills spruce to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
  
• Provide additional support if needed for large or heavy branches.
  
• Keep the area around your black hills spruce free from weeds and other competing plants.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful color and texture of your black hills spruce in your landscape!

Similar Plants

• Sprengel's spruce (Picea abies ssp. sprengelii)
  
• Rocky Mountain white spruce (Picea engelmannii ssp. engelmannii)
  
• Kenai white spruce (Picea glauca ssp. albertiana)
  
• Asian black spruce (Picea mariana)
  
• Brewer's black spruce (Picea breweriana)
  
• Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis)
  
• Variety of black spruce (Picea mariana var. mariana)
  
• Variegated black spruce (Picea mariana f. inermis)
  
• Mugho spruce (Picea mugo)
  
• Spruce white pine (Pinus strobus)

Source:
Black Hills Spruce - Picea glauca | North Carolina Extension …
Picea mariana (Black Hills Spruce, Black Spruce) | North Carolina ...
Black Spruce | Geophysical Institute