Black Hills Spruce Tree

Picea glauca 'Densata' var. densata

Nature Hills Nursery

Native Cold-Hardy Spruce with Dense, Compact Form Perfect for Smaller Yards
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 2-8
Grows 40-60 ft Tall, 15-25 ft Wide
Evergreen Year-Round Color and Privacy
Deer Resistant, Heat Tolerant

$42¹²

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Plant Size

Eco Pot | 1-2 ft

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily to maintain its signature dense, conical shape. While it can tolerate very light afternoon shade, too much shade will cause the needles to thin out and the branches to become leggy.
Soil: It prefers moist, well drained soils but is famous for its ability to handle tough conditions like heavy clay or alkaline dirt. If you have "pancake batter" clay that holds too much water, mix in some organic compost or plant the root ball slightly above the soil line to ensure the roots can breathe.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, give your tree a deep soak once a week by running a hose at the base for 15 to 20 minutes to ensure the root ball establishes deep into the ground. Once mature, the Black Hills Spruce is remarkably drought tolerant, though a lack of water during extreme summer heat can lead to shorter needle growth and a duller blue green color. Consistently moist soil is the secret to keeping that lush, "Christmas tree" look year round.

Pruning Tips

Because this spruce grows in a naturally symmetrical "A" shape, it rarely needs a haircut. If you must prune to manage size or density, do so in late winter or very early spring before the new "candles" or soft growth tips begin to expand. Pruning during this dormant window allows the tree to hide the cuts with fresh spring growth, ensuring you do not lose the natural tiered look of the branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first freeze. This "soft" growth is easily damaged by winter burn, which can turn your beautiful green needles a crispy brown by spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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.

Hardy, Carefree Privacy - Black Hills Spruce Tree

Long-Lived Native Evergreen
Smaller Scale for Smaller Yards
Almost Zero Maintenance
Extremely Cold Hardy
Excellent Natural Pyramidal Form
Dark Green Needles with a Bluish-Gray Overcast
Deer Don't Like the Taste

This delightful, easy-care evergreen is native to some of the coldest regions of North America. Given well-drained soil and a spot in full sun, the Black Hills Spruce Tree (Picea glauca 'Densata' var. densata) provides a low-maintenance privacy screen. It works to give structure to your landscape design all year long.

Black Hills Spruce evergreen tree grows into a natural cone shape. It's absolutely charming with an attractive compact habit and vibrant, dark green foliage with a bluish-gray overcast. Create a cool summer retreat in the shade of green to blue-green needles.

You'll never have to prune it! It develops into a wonderful pyramidal accent for either front or backyard landscaping. Decorate this living Christmas Tree for the holidays every year. Wildlife and Birds love to roost in the Black Hills Spruce for winter cover. You'll also appreciate how it lends life to your dull, winter landscape.

A truly cold-hardy tree, Black Hills Spruce is resistant to winter injury and performs well, regardless of harsh winter conditions. As well, this tree is very long-lived. In fact, some Black Hills Spruce have lived 150 to 350 years!

The Black Hills is an excellent variety of White Spruce found in the rugged Black Hills of South Dakota, featuring short, pointed needles. Planting one today is not only a terrific choice for high-quality landscape planting. You'll also feel good about it as an investment in the future. Order today!

How to Use Black Hills Spruce in the Landscape

Black Hills Spruce makes fantastic specimen plants in a lawn or anchoring a foundation planting. A refined, pyramidal form and uniform shape give it a very formal character in any garden design application.

Black Hills is quite versatile. It tolerates road salt and drought, once established. It is a great evergreen for windbreaks and helps absorb sound. Black Hills Spruce are often used in mixed plantings with taller trees in the background.

Include other evergreen shrubs in front and be sure to use deciduous trees and shrubs in the planting design. The Black Hills Spruce acts as a perfect supporting actor for just about any partner plant.

Always leave the bottom branches on your evergreens on your plants to screen out and block the wind and snow right down to the ground. People have a tendency to want to cut off the bottom branches as they get larger, but you should do just the opposite! For the best results, leave the branches sweeping the ground for the best visual effect. Simply remove more lawn area and mulch beneath the plants. With dense foliage, this tree is great for privacy.

Black Hills Spruce trees are popular, ornamental evergreen conifers. They are ideal for use as windbreaks, privacy screens, and accent plantings in your yard. Keeping those lower branches provides you with the maximum amount of coverage and privacy!

We recommend a planting design that gives a more natural look to this beautiful tree. To achieve this, you'll avoid planting them in straight rows that are evenly spaced.

Instead, use a freeform pattern. Vary the spacing between each one between 15 feet apart, all the way down to 6 feet apart if you want them to touch. Measure the trees from trunk to trunk.

Stagger the rows to help them look like nature put them there and not you. You'll be glad you left the room to include a pathway, bench, or hammock.

For a fantastic informal drift, use a long irregular planting design with varied spacing and occasional groupings for wildlife. This makes a wonderful viewpoint near the perimeter of your property. Add Chickasaw Plum or Nanking Cherry trees in front to give a welcome layer of gorgeous spring bloom.

#ProPlantTips for Care

For the best performance, plant your Spruce in full sun, and ensure your soil is well-drained. If you see puddles that remain after a rainfall in your selected spot, you'll need to mound up.

Why not create a raised soil berm and plant Black Hills Spruce directly into it? You'll gain an instant head start on height, and privacy and create visual interest very easily.

To establish young trees, plan to give an even amount of moderate water. Once the trees age and establish in your soil, they will be tolerant to all but the most extended droughts.

In times of extreme summer heat, or if the fall doesn't receive rainfall - you'll want to provide supplemental water for these lovely workhorses.

Usually, no pruning is necessary. If a second leader develops, or you want to shorten up the growth, prune in spring. You'll want to finish any minor pruning task before new growth starts.

Deer seldom damage the Black Hills Spruce. If you live in deer country, be sure to spray all new plants with repellent the first day you plant anything. That will remind the deer that they will not like your plants.

Full Sun
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Prune In Spring If Needed
Extremely Hardy & Adaptable

We are big fans of the lovely Black Hills Spruce Trees here at Nature Hills! Order today, our growers take pride in the health and vitality of this special variety.

Explore More from Nature Hills

The Black Hills Spruce makes an excellent addition to your landscape alongside other hardy trees and drought tolerant options, particularly for gardeners working with zone 3 plants, trees & shrubs or as part of your privacy trees collection. For best results with your spruce, check out our guide on Transplanting Spruce Trees - Do it in the Fall! and learn more about distinguishing different evergreen varieties in How To Identify Evergreen Trees Part 6: The Spruce Tree!

Botanical Name

Picea glauca 'Densata' var. densata
Class

Pinopsida
Species

glauca
Cultivar

Densata
Growing Zones

2-8
Height

40-60 ft
Width

15-25 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

White
Leaf Color

Blue, Green
Fall Color

Evergreen
Bloom Period

Late Spring
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 2-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the growth rate of Black Hills Spruce after planting?

Black Hills Spruce grows at a slow to moderate rate of 12-24 inches per year once established. This steady growth contributes to its dense, compact habit and naturally pyramidal form. Expect several years of slower growth after planting as the tree establishes its root system.

Does the Black Hills Spruce require full sun or can it handle partial shade?

Black Hills Spruce performs best in full sun conditions. While it may tolerate some light shade, you'll get the densest growth and best pyramidal form with 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. Plant in a sunny location for optimal privacy screening results.

What type of soil does Black Hills Spruce prefer, and can it grow in clay or sandy soil?

Black Hills Spruce requires well-drained soil and performs best when excess water can move away from the roots. It tolerates various soil types including clay and sandy conditions as long as drainage is adequate. Avoid planting in consistently wet or waterlogged areas for optimal health.

How often should I water a newly planted Black Hills Spruce?

Water newly planted Black Hills Spruce deeply once or twice weekly for the first growing season. This cold-hardy native needs consistent moisture to establish its root system in well-drained soil. Reduce watering frequency once established, as mature trees are extremely low-maintenance.

Does Black Hills Spruce need fertilizer, and when should I apply it?

Black Hills Spruce rarely needs fertilizer once established, thanks to its extremely hardy nature. If your soil is poor, apply a balanced evergreen fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. This low-maintenance native thrives in most soils without extra feeding - available at naturehills.com.

How much pruning does the Black Hills Spruce require?

The Black Hills Spruce requires zero pruning thanks to its natural pyramidal growth habit. This low-maintenance evergreen develops its perfect cone shape without any intervention. Simply plant it in well-drained soil and full sun, then enjoy years of carefree growth.

How is Black Hills Spruce shipped, and what care is needed upon arrival?

Black Hills Spruce ships as a live tree in a container or with burlapped roots. Upon arrival, water thoroughly and plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Keep soil consistently moist for the first growing season to establish strong roots.

Is the Black Hills Spruce cold hardy enough for zone 2 or 3 winters?

Black Hills Spruce is extremely cold hardy and thrives in zones 2-7, making it perfect for the harshest northern winters. This native evergreen is naturally resistant to winter injury and performs reliably in brutal cold conditions. Plant in well-drained soil and full sun for best cold tolerance.