They should be planted only on well-drained soils. Young trees are attractive with their dense foliage and symmetrical growth habit. The four spruces described in the following section are the ones most commonly available in the nursery trade. Norway spruce is one of the fastest growing of all the spruces. As the tree grows older, the side branches become horizontal with a slight upturn at the tip.
Secondary branches hang downward from the main branches, giving the tree a graceful appearance.
Black Hills spruce, a slow-growing, compact variety, is one of the hardiest of the spruces. Its dense green to bluish green foliage is its most ornamental character. The dwarf Alberta spruce is a miniature conical shaped tree. It grows very slowly and seldom needs pruning. The bright green, dense foliage makes it attractive.