Black hill spruce - Ask Extension
Hi, I purchased 30 black hill spruce from the farm bureau which came with no instructions. HELP! I'm trying to start a wind break because the old on...
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Black hill spruce #395884
Asked April 25, 2017, 12:45 PM EDT
Hi, I purchased 30 black hill spruce from the farm bureau which came with no instructions. HELP! I'm trying to start a wind break because the old one is dying out. I planted 5 so far at 20 feet apart but the more I read the confusser I get. I put the remaining 25 trees that are about 1 to 1/2 ' tall in buckets of water and I'm not sure that is a good idea, should I just wrap them in wet paper till I find out the best way to plant the? Once planted what are the care instructions? Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Dodge County Minnesota
Expert Response
Generally speaking, it's best to plant multiple rows of trees and shrubs to create a windbreak.
Recommended spacing for windbreak plantings of Black Hills spruce is 12-20 feet. Trees planted 12 feet apart will provide protection sooner than those planted at 20 feet, but thinning may eventually be needed to maintain the trees' health as they mature and need more space.
You can protect the transplants' roots until you are ready to plant by heeling them in. Go here to learn about that (see page 9).
https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/168553/mn_2000_eb_196-10.pdf?sequence=1&isAll...
Learn more here:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/nursery/layout.html
https://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/agroforestry/selecting-trees-shrubs-windbreaks/docs/windbr..
Recommended spacing for windbreak plantings of Black Hills spruce is 12-20 feet. Trees planted 12 feet apart will provide protection sooner than those planted at 20 feet, but thinning may eventually be needed to maintain the trees' health as they mature and need more space.
You can protect the transplants' roots until you are ready to plant by heeling them in. Go here to learn about that (see page 9).
https://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/handle/11299/168553/mn_2000_eb_196-10.pdf?sequence=1&isAll...
Learn more here:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/nursery/layout.html
https://www.extension.umn.edu/environment/agroforestry/selecting-trees-shrubs-windbreaks/docs/windbr..
Watering may be needed during dry spells until the transplants are well established. Be especially sure they are well watered in the fall before the ground freezes.
