Need help selecting the correct spruces for us to plant.

Larry Caryl · #1 December 2nd, 2011, 08:21 AM

Hello everyone. My wife and I are stuck on trying to figure out which kind of spruce trees to plant. We just moved to our new house in June. We are located in Brooklyn, MI. We are planning on landscaping an enclosed fire pit in the backyard. We have just over 2 acres. We were wanting to place spruce trees around the pit. At a safe distance of course, as to avoid catching them on fire. I would think that would be a given, but some people dont always think logically. Our problem is this. We need spruce trees that have a smaller diameter. Almost like a dwarf spruce. Something that is around 15' wide at maturity. The problem is that we've found one place that sells dwarf and they're over $100 each! It would take us forever to afford the trees we'd need. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much,
Larry & Tina

**Ron B** · #2 December 2nd, 2011, 09:21 AM

Maybe there is a kind of spruce on display at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that would show you a way to go.

**Michael F** · #3 December 2nd, 2011, 10:32 AM

Check out Serbian Spruce Picea omorika. They may eventually get too large, but will take many decades to do so.

Larry Caryl · #4 December 2nd, 2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron B

Maybe there is a kind of spruce on display at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that would show you a way to go.

Ron-
Thats a great idea. I forgot about that. It's about 1/2 hr away but probably worth going.
Thanks for the idea.

Larry Caryl · #5 December 2nd, 2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael F

Check out Serbian Spruce Picea omorika. They may eventually get too large, but will take many decades to do so.

Michael-
Thanks. We'll research that one. But I thought that one got a diameter of 40' or more.

**Ron B** · #6 December 2nd, 2011, 05:20 PM

Widest I know of personally half that spread. Narrow spire shape typical, but it is a tall-growing tree so will still achieve some basal spread in time, even when that is a fraction of the height.

Assuming site and climate suitable, 'Nana' version probably perfect for your purposes. When bought a blunt-tipped bush but production of leader, eventual conical shape typical. Quite a nice specimen in time.

**Michael F** · #7 December 2nd, 2011, 05:58 PM

Black Spruce Picea mariana is also worth checking - similar shape to Serbian Spruce, but smaller. Down-sides are that it is slow-growing, and also (being a subarctic species) doesn't like warm dry conditions, you may be a bit too far south for it to do well.