Spruce Trees (Picea)

Spruces are evergreen conifers in the accepted genus Picea, native across temperate parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Their mature sizes and growing requirements vary substantially by species and cultivar; Kew recognizes 37 accepted Picea species, including Norway spruce ([Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30005648-2)). ## Garden use Choose a spruce by its exact species or named cultivar, then check its mature height, spread and climate fit before selecting a site. Norway spruce illustrates the range of landscape uses within the genus: NC State describes it as a large tree that can serve as a windbreak or screen in colder climates ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/picea-abies/common-name/norway-spruce/)). Smaller cultivars of that species may fit specimen or foundation roles, but those dimensions do not apply to every Picea. ## Maintenance Match sun, soil drainage, moisture and spacing to the selected spruce rather than relying on a genus-wide schedule. Keep the root zone from remaining waterlogged and allow room for the mature form; compact cultivars and full-sized forest trees need very different placement. Check the plant’s species or cultivar profile for local climate limits before planting. The 2025 Yavapai County guide lists Picea at genus scope among fire-prone plants. This is a fire-hazard warning, not an individual assessment of every species or cultivar. Follow the guide's placement and maintenance guidance. ## FireSmart BC hazard warning [FireSmart BC](https://firesmartbc.ca/landscaping-hub/fire-resistant-plants/#fire-hazards) lists Picea as Highest Risk in its fire hazard table. This is a broad genus-level warning, not an individual assessment of every species or cultivar; follow local placement and maintenance guidance. ## Yavapai County — 2025 source scope and care The [University of Arizona Yavapai County bulletin](https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2025-03/FirewisePlants3-14-2025.pdf), page 3, lists Spruce with the botanical cell Picea sp. and form T. It places this entry in its fire-prone list. The matched catalog name is Picea. Source form codes: C=groundcover, G=grass, P=perennial, S=shrub, T=tree and V=vine. Printed names and form codes can include source spelling errors or historical taxonomic treatments; the source wording is retained separately from the catalog name and plant-specific habit. The bulletin warns that fire-prone plants can ignite readily and burn intensely, and should be removed or aggressively maintained when near a home, road or driveway. For native trees it calls for removing dead material, keeping limbs out of the lower 6–10 feet and clearing shrubs beneath the canopy. For other fire-prone natives it calls for isolated stands more than 30 feet from structures. Apply current local requirements and pruning suited to the identified plant. No plant is fireproof. Keep this Yavapai classification separate from Arizona UA, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Colorado and other source ratings and their placement, moisture and maintenance conditions.