Information About Alberta Spruce Trees

Alberta spruce trees (Picea glauca Conica) are small dwarf trees that are characterized by their vibrant green, tight, dense foliage, which gives the trees a slightly "fuzzy" appearance. They are evergreen conifers that grow to a maximum of 4 to 6 feet in height. Alberta spruce trees can be grown in many regions of the United States (between USDA hardiness zones 2 and 8). They are very popular landscape trees.

Cultivation

Alberta spruce trees thrive on full sun and acid soil that is well-drained. Due to the fact that Alberta spruce trees grow very slowly, they do not require any pruning, which makes them low maintenance and easy to keep. They are tolerant of drought and resistant to deer.

Appearance

These evergreen trees tend to have a bright green color. They tend to grow to be between 4 and 6 feet tall, but in areas where they thrive the best (such as northern regions), they can grow to be up to 15 feet. Their needles have a light green color, and are about 1/2 inch in length.

History

Alberta spruce trees were first discovered in 1904 by two botanists in the Northern Rockies of Canada, in the Alberta province, close to Lake Laggan. The botanists brought the trees back to Boston, Massachusetts, where it was discovered that they were easy to propagate.

Temperatures

Alberta spruce trees can be grown from USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7. Since the trees are capable of growing in zone 2, it means that they can tolerate temperatures that are as cold as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity

Alberta spruce trees can be cultivated in warm regions of the United States, as far down as Little Rock, Arkansas. However, the trees do not manage humidity or hot weather well, so it is crucial that they are placed in an area that receives both afternoon shade and strong light. The trees must be planted in soil that is both well-drained and fertile. It is vital to make sure that, during the summer, they do not get too dry.