Norway Spruce Tree

Picea abies

Nature Hills Nursery

Iconic Norway Spruce Tree with Graceful Weeping Branches and Rapid Growth for Stunning Windbreaks
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 2-8
Grows 50-70 ft Tall, 25-35 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Pollution Tolerant

$47²⁹

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Plant Size

#1 Container | 1-2 ft #2 Container | 2-3 ft

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Give this tree at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure it grows a dense, symmetrical canopy. While it can tolerate very light shade, insufficient light will cause the inner branches to thin out and lose their rich green color.
Soil: Plant in soil that drains well, as this spruce hates having "wet feet" and will struggle in standing water. It adapts well to various textures including clay or sand, but amending poor soil with organic compost helps the roots establish faster.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy during the first year to help the root system establish deep into the ground. Once established, Norway Spruce is moderately drought tolerant, though deep watering during extended dry spells prevents needle drop and stress. Applying a layer of mulch around the base helps retain necessary moisture and keeps the roots cool.

Pruning Tips

This tree generally requires very little maintenance, but if you need to shape it or remove damaged limbs, do so in late winter while the tree is dormant. To control size or increase density, you can trim the new spring growth—often called "candles"—by cutting them back by half before they harden off. Avoid cutting back into old wood that has no green needles, as spruces will not regrow from bare branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreens in early spring just as new growth begins to appear. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this pushes tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before winter freezes.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Evergreen, Hedge/Screen, Drought resistant, Deer-resistant, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	50-70 ft
Width	25-35 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Spruce
Botanical Name	Picea abies
Species	abies
Class	Pinopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Strong and Attractive Norway Spruce Tree

Large Scale Conifer
Hardy & Easy-Care
Deer Resistant
Large, Impressive Specimen
Wild Bird Interest
Graceful Strength
Magnificent Wind Break
Tolerant & Resilient
Boughs For Floral Design
Historical Uses

For a graceful accent in your yard or a rugged member of an effective windbreak, try Norway Spruce (Picea abies). Perfect for use in cold weather zones, this superior choice of evergreen makes an easy-care accent in the landscape.

Even as a young tree, this evergreen conifer has a characteristic pyramidal outline with a beautiful, noteworthy feature. Upright main branches are liberally covered with pendulous secondary branches that have a touch of pleasing "droop" to them. The overall look is one of graceful strength!

Additional classic, identifying features are the long, cylindrical spruce seed cones that hang from those drooping branches, almost like ornaments that were specially placed there. This is a fabulous accent tree for your landscape.

Norway Spruce trees will grow fast (up to 2 feet a year) and provide a large, attractive evergreen presence in your yard. Wild songbirds will appreciate the cover and a food source.

This is a long-lived, elegant, and hardy tree with a graceful form, and Norway Spruce will provide you with beauty and interest. Found in the Black Forests of southwest Germany, this mighty specimen stands tall and strong throughout a wide range of climates, conditions, and weather without faltering!

How to Use Norway Spruce Tree in the Landscape

Because the tree root ball system is strong, it can withstand high winds. The Norway, like all Spruce, makes an excellent windbreak. Plant 8-10 feet apart (measuring from trunk to trunk) for a solid dark green privacy screen. Plant on the north or northwest side of your property to create a wind barrier and lower your heating bills.

Norway Spruce is a sun lover and care should be taken when situating the tree. Give it plenty of room to reach its full 100 feet of height and spread as listed in the Plant Highlights.

These large-scale trees are wonderful on properties with a lot of open ground to fill. Use them in windbreaks and shelterbelts as very effective screening hedges. You'll make an enormous statement with a single specimen planted by itself.

The short needles are dark forest green needles and soft with sharp tips. The new growth of Norway Spruce has been used to make medicinal teas in Europe for millennia. The tree is also highly valued by the wildlife who use it for shelter, from the furrowed red bark to the leaves and seed

Cold weather regions could plant them as crop trees for valuable timber, used for furniture and musical instruments, as well as in construction. Many Christmas trees are Norway Spruce.

Cut some of the pendulous branches to use in winter container gardens. They can anchor an arrangement for winter. Simply place cut branches in your large pots, leaving some of the secondary branches drooping over the edges. Add Holly, Red Twig Dogwood, Curly Willow, and other seasonal decorations, and then enjoy!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Norway Spruce is a bit more resilient to some of the problems that can plague other Spruce in some areas of the country, and it's generally carefree. It tolerates a variety of soils and conditions, including pollution.

It will not tolerate soils that do not drain well and are not drought tolerant very well, so in those drier years be sure to drop the hose beneath when it does get really dry. Instead, plant Spruce trees where they will enjoy moisture access and well-drained soil.

Norway Spruce is somewhat shallow-rooted and will greatly appreciate a few inches of mulch over its root zone to help hold the moisture and keep the mowers away from the lower branches. Always remember to keep all mulches away from the trunks and branches of your trees and plants but start with the mulch 6 inches or so away from the main stem.

Rutgers University tests plants for deer resistance and lists this plant as seldom severely damaged by deer. If a high deer population lives in your area, be sure to spray your new plants with deer repellent as you plant your trees. This will "train" the deer that they will not like this plant. It is always good to remind them right from the start.

Be sure to protect all of your new plants, no matter what the deer resistance rating is!

Norway Spruce is an easy-care landscape tree with so many wonderful features. If you have room for a large evergreen tree, this is one of the best. Especially useful in cold winter zones, it will grow to create a dense, full screen to block unsightly views and bitter winds.

Order this bird-friendly tree today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Norway Spruce is an excellent choice among privacy trees and fast growing trees, making it perfect for creating natural screens in cold climates alongside other hardy zone 3 plants, trees & shrubs. For successful planting, check out our guide on Transplanting Spruce Trees - Do it in the Fall! and learn more about spruce identification with How To Identify Evergreen Trees Part 6: The Spruce Tree!. Browse our complete selection of trees to find the perfect companions for your landscape project.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure I'm getting an appropriate strain when buying a Norway spruce?

Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the standard species sold by most nurseries, with consistent cold hardiness and growth characteristics. Unlike some trees with multiple cultivars, Norway spruce maintains reliable traits: pyramidal form, 2-foot annual growth, and 100+ foot mature height. Choose based on your space and intended use rather than strain variations.

How tall do Norway spruce trees grow at maturity?

Norway Spruce trees reach an impressive mature height of 40-60 feet, with some specimens growing up to 100 feet tall. These fast-growing conifers add 1-2 feet per year, making them excellent choices for windbreaks or large property accents. Give them plenty of space to reach their full potential when you shop at Nature Hills.

How much sunlight does a Norway spruce need?

Norway spruce requires full sun for optimal growth and development. This sun-loving evergreen performs best when planted in locations that receive direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Choose a planting site with plenty of space and full sun exposure for healthy growth.

What type of soil do Norway spruce trees prefer?

Norway spruce trees are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions and aren't particularly fussy about soil type. They tolerate various pH levels and drainage conditions, which contributes to their reputation as hardy, resilient specimens. Ensure adequate drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

How often do established Norway spruce trees need pruning or maintenance?

Norway spruce trees require minimal pruning once established, thanks to their naturally graceful pyramidal form. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter. Light shaping can be done in early spring if needed. Find quality Norway spruce trees at naturehills.com.

How far should Norway spruce trees be planted from structures and utilities?

Plant Norway Spruce trees at least 25-30 feet from structures and utilities, as they can reach 100 feet tall with a wide spread. Their strong root systems and fast growth (up to 2 feet annually) require ample space. Position them where they won't interfere with power lines or damage foundations as they mature.

How much water and mulching do newly planted Norway spruce trees need?

Newly planted Norway Spruce needs deep weekly watering for the first year to establish its strong root system. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. Water slowly and deeply rather than frequent shallow watering to encourage deep root growth.

Norway Spruce Tree

Picea abies