Which spruce tree should I plant?
Where Should I Plant Alberta Spruce Trees?
- Climate Preferences. Climate is the first consideration when selecting the perfect planting site for dwarf Alberta spruce.
- Room for Growth. Dwarf Alberta spruce doesn't come close to its 100-foot-plus parent, but it has the potential to grow to a height of 10 to 13 feet with a ...
- Sun, Soil and Shelter. ...
- Cultivars' Similarities and Differences. ...
Do spruce trees grow faster in shade?
Plant it in marshy soil and it will thrive. You can plant Norway spruce in sun, shade or partial shade and it grows just the same. It is tolerant of poor soil but also grows in rich, fertile soils. Click to see full answer.
Do spruce trees have needles?
The needles of the Spruce tree are short and stiff. It has a maximum length of 1 ½ inch. The Spruce needle being square in cross-section, it is possible to roll the needle between the fingers. The stem grows individual needles. Pine tree needles grow in clusters. Unlike the Spruce tree needles, they are very long, growing up to 16 inches in length.
Do spruce trees grow from spores?
Though growing spruce seedlings is a more straightforward method, growing spruce tree seeds is also possible. Here is the best method for growing a spruce tree from seeds. You can purchase seeds or you can gather your own. If you plan to gather them, collect several spruce cones in early September.
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Should I remove cones from spruce tree?
Removing the young seed cones should not be a problem and as you mentioned, it may just help the tree with growth. Some Christmas tree farms will use that method to decrease the energy from seed production and into branch and tree development. Caution when removing the cones as not to damage any branches.
Why are there so many spruce cones this year?
For spruces and firs, it is similar phenomenon: Tree stress in 2020 resulted in increased production of cone buds that emerged and developed in 2021.
What is the purpose of cones in Evergreen?
The main function of a pine cone is to keep a pine tree's seeds safe. Pine cones close their scales to protect the seeds from cold temperatures, wind and even animals that might try to eat them. Pine cones open up and release their seeds when it is warm and it is easier for the seed to germinate.
Should you remove pine cones from trees?
Christmas tree growers want maximum new growth to help develop tree shape and density. These fir cones are a detriment. The other concern is that fir cones disintegrate in the fall; if they are not removed, large holes or gaps are left where the cones were growing.
Do more pine cones mean a bad winter?
KAYSVILLE, Utah (ABC4 UTAH) – The change of season is coming and some people believe excess pine cones means trees are preparing for a rough winter ahead. It's a popular myth, but it's just that, a myth.
Do lots of pine cones mean a bad winter?
Much like the predictions that rely on an overabundance of fruit or nuts to predict what winter weather will bring, it is said that numerous pine cones in the fall foretell a long, cold winter.
Why are there so many pine cones at the top of my tree?
It means the tree is normal. Conifers have separate female and male cones. This is an evolutionary trait to reduce self pollination. Male pollen cones are typically on the lower part of the tree and female cones are on the upper 1/3 of the trees.
What are spruce cones?
Each spruce tree carries male and female cones. The larger female cones contain ovules, which develop into egg cells, or female gametophytes. To reproduce, the smaller male cones let loose grains of pollen, which are the male gametophytes. The pollen travels on the breeze to fertilize the egg cells in the female cones.
Why do pine cones only grow at the top of trees?
Winged seeds are dispersed primarily by wind. If the cones grow high up in the tree, the seeds have a greater chance of spreading farther. Species whose seeds spread over a wider area have a greater chance of success.
Is it OK to mow over pine cones?
Sure, mowing over pine cones is sloppy. And it's probably not great for the mower blades. Still, sometimes the choice seems clear: You can either keep up with collecting the pine cones falling into the yard, or you can lead a productive life. You cannot hope to do both.
Why are there so many pine cones this year 2022?
Aside from weather-related stresses, botanists have speculated that heavy pinecone production may also be a defense mechanism that the tree uses to prevent insect infestations. Insects prey on the seeds dropped by trees and will “camp out” beside a dubious source of sustenance.
How long do pine cones stay on a tree?
2 to 10 yearsPine cones stay on a tree until the seeds are mature, which can be anywhere from 2 to 10 years. Typically, pine cones open and release their seeds and fall to the ground in warm weather, when there is a better chance for the seeds to germinate.
Where do spruce cones grow?
Spruce seed cones typically occur on the upper third of the tree , while pollen buds, which are fairly inconspicuous, occur on the lower third to reduce self-pollination (Photo 3). Some trees may produce enough cones to become somewhat unsightly and reduce this year’s shoot and needle growth.
How long do conifers produce cones?
Many conifers, including spruces, firs and Douglas-fir, produce cones in a two-year cycle. Cone buds are produced in the first year and then cones develop and mature in the second year. Accordingly, cones we are seeing on spruces in September 2013 are the result of buds that were formed during the summer of 2012 when many trees were stressed due ...
What caused the 2012 cone crop?
Heat and drought from 2012 contribute to this year’s copious crop of cones.
Do white spruce trees have cones?
White spruce trees, in particular, are producing large amounts of cones this year, although Serbian spruce and Norway spruce trees also appear to have higher than normal amounts of cones. In addition to the influence of tree stress on coning, many conifers also exhibit a pattern of biennial bearing that may also contribute to this year’s ...
Where do spruce cones grow?
Spruce seed cones typically occur on the upper third of the tree , while pollen buds, which are fairly inconspicuous, occur on the lower third to reduce self-pollination (Photo 3). Some trees may produce enough cones to become somewhat unsightly and reduce this year's shoot and needle growth.
How to identify a spruce tree?
The cones of a spruce tree are also a good way to identify the tree. Cones grow from tree branches and contain the seeds of a tree. Spruces, pines and firs all contain cones, as do other conifers like cedars and hemlock trees. Pine cones have scales that are thick, rough and woody, which makes the cones inflexible.
What are cones made of?
Cones are made up of scales attached to a center stalk. In between the overlapping scales the seeds can be found.
How do spruce trees reproduce?
Spruce Tree Reproduction. Each spruce tree carries male and female cones. The larger female cones contain ovules, which develop into egg cells, or female gametophytes. To reproduce, the smaller male cones let loose grains of pollen, which are the male gametophytes. The pollen travels on the breeze to fertilize the egg cells in the female cones.
When do spruce cones ripen?
Picking Cones and Seeds. Seed-bearing spruce tree cones ripen from late August to early September, which is the proper time to pick them. You'll know that a cone has seeds if it is closed; once the cone flares open, its seeds are lost.
How long does it take for a pollen cone to ripen?
This produces an embryo protected by a seed coating, but the process of ripening takes about three years. After that, the cone opens up to release the seeds -- if a savvy gardener hasn't already snatched them for planting.
What is the color of spruce trees?
Spruce Tree Reproduction & Seeds. With their gray-green foliage and purple to brown cones, spruce trees are elegant additions to a garden. These conifers have thick needles that are easy to roll between your fingers -- a smart way to differentiate them from fir trees.
How to grow a cone from seed?
Preparing Seeds for Planting. After you pick ripe cones, place them in direct sunlight to dry them until the scales flare open. You can then shake the seeds from the cones. Store the seeds in moist sand until planting time in spring; the ratio of sand to seed should be 3:1.
Can spruce trees grow in Zone 8?
Though typically hardy to colder climates, spruce trees can also grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 8. You can pluck cones from spruce trees to find seeds for planting new spruces.
Why do trees have cones?
Most trees concentrate male cones on their lower branches and female cones on their higher branches. This serves an evolutionary role: it prevents self-fertilization. With male cones down low and female cones up high, pollen from male cones must get blown by the wind to get high enough to reach a female cone.
How to identify Norway spruce?
Norway spruce may be the tree most easily identified from a distance. Once you get the search-image, you will be able to recognize it while driving 60 miles an hour on the highway. An evergreen, Norway spruce has short, dark needles.
How many cones did squirrels drop?
Over the course of the last week, the squirrel dropped about 200 cones into our yard and driveway, by my estimate. The cones were coming off a Norway spruce ( Picea abies) tree in our backyard. Native to Europe, Norway spruce is one of the main trees in the forests of Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Russia.
How long do male cones last?
Separate structures from female cones, male cones tend to be small (1/2 inch or less in length) and not as long lasting (they often disappear in days or weeks). They produce pollen for a short time in the spring then, having fertilized female seeds, their job is done, and. they die back.
Do squirrels eat cones?
They are usually between 1 inch and 6 inches long depending on the species and produce seed s under their scales. Squirrels eat the seeds , explaining why our squirrel was amassing a collection of female cones. Lesser known are male cones.
Why are spruce cones at the top of the tree?
Why is this? Actually, there is a really good reason. They are there so the tree won't self-pollinate its own cones . Pollen from spruce comes not from cones, but from tiny buds you probably never gave much notice ...
How to grow spruce cones outdoors?
Baby your seedlings. They will need feeding with a bit of organic fertilizer, perhaps. The needles will tell you if they yellow. Keep the soil slightly moist. Give them light; you can grow them outdoors. Transplant them up and, finally, plant them where you want them for the next 40 years. Then remember how many cones there were this spring and ask yourself why you needed to start some more spruce.
How to germinate spruce seeds?
If you put a fall cone that is just opening up (it is too late for this batch) in an unlidded jar, it will dry and the seeds will fall out. You can plant these seeds outdoors in the fall with limited success or increase your chances of having a tree farm by soaking the seeds in warm water (use a thermos bottle) for a day. Then put them in layers of vermiculite in a closed Ball jar or plastic tub. Keep this in the refrigerator for three months.
How to grow a tree from seed in the fall?
You can plant these seeds outdoors in the fall with limited success or increase your chances of having a tree farm by soaking the seeds in warm water (use a thermos bottle) for a day. Then put them in layers of vermiculite in a closed Ball jar or plastic tub. Keep this in the refrigerator for three months.
What are the worms on gooseberries?
Sawflies: The worms on your gooseberries are sawfly larvae and not caterpillars. Bt won't kill them. Spray with a soapy water. Shake the bushes. Squish by hand.
Where does spruce pollen come from?
Pollen from spruce comes not from cones, but from tiny buds you probably never gave much notice unless you hit one when it was laden with the stuff. These are located in a zone distinctly below the cones so the pollen will blow to the neighbor trees and not mix as much with its own cones, which it would if the buds were located above the cones.
Where should I plant spruce seeds?
Seeds should be germinated in native soil, with some from the root area of an existing spruce tree to give it the right microflora. A large Styrofoam cup with a drainage hole poked in the bottom is a great starting container. Roll seeds in ectomycorrhizal fungi from a commercial mix before planting, of course.