did you know?

A quick way to tell the difference between a fir and a spruce is to to grab a branch as if shaking a hand. If the leaves are sharp, stiff, and somewhat painful to the touch, it is a spruce. If the leaves are soft, it is a fir.

general maintenance:

Prune damaged and weak stems or branches, or prune to shape for desired habit.

pests/diseases:

Serbian spruce is relatively carefree.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for tree to reach its mature size. In early spring, dig a hole twice as wide as container or root ball. Set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot, or if balled, level with top of root ball. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, remove carefully before backfilling. Natural-fiber burlap may be peeled back and left in ground once plant is set in hole. Fill hole around plant with soil. Mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of hole to act as a catchbasin. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture for the first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once tree is established, usually by the third year, water only during drought.

features:

• Attractive Cones
• Evergreen
• Fragrant
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

other uses: