Red Spruce

Red spruce (Picea rubens) is an enduring evergreen tree of cool eastern forests, with a narrow, conical crown and dense, sharp needles. Its deep green canopy supplies year-round structure and a strong vertical accent in large gardens or naturalistic plantings. [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/picrub) describes its cool, moist native climate and acidic forest soils. ## Form and siting Allow room for a tall tree and its broad lower branches, and use it as a specimen or in a woodland edge or windbreak. Red spruce grows in full sun to partial shade; open light supports stronger growth, while it can persist under shade. It is best suited to regions with cool summers and cold winters rather than hot, dry sites. ## Soil and water Choose moist, well-drained, acidic soil. In its native range, it also occupies thin or rocky mountain soils, but poor aeration limits growth in saturated ground. Keep young trees watered while establishing and protect shallow roots from drying. ## Maintenance Maintain a broad, undisturbed root zone and mulch lightly without piling material against the trunk. Remove dead or damaged branches when needed; avoid topping or shearing the natural crown.