It’s only fitting that our Tree of the Month for December should be one synonymous with winter and the holiday season. And of course, it should be a beautiful tree, one that’s also hardy and flourishes in our region.

Our Tree of the Month for December checks all those boxes:  meet the Blue Spruce.

The Blue Spruce Is An Eye-Catching Tree

The blue spruce is easily recognizable due to its blue-green needles, which in certain light and weather conditions can have a nearly silvery appearance. The blue spruce has a strong tendency to naturally grow into an almost perfectly symmetrical, pyramid shape, often doing so with little or even no trimming or pruning. Blue spruces feature somewhat long needles, usually one to one and-a-half inches long. A conifer, its cones are light brown, with a cylindrical shape and measure up to four inches in length.

In addition to their beautiful coloring and dense branches, blue spruces can mature into impressive specimens, reaching 30 to 60 feet in height and covering 10 to 20 feet in width. Blue spruces are unquestionable magnificent trees. 

Blue Spruces Can Be Tough Trees

Blue spruces are hardy trees, thriving in cold, northern climates, mountainous regions and in the comparatively flat terrain of much of the Midwest. While they’re not found in desert climates, they prefer full sun and thrive in well-drained soil.

The blue spruce is a low-maintenance species, requiring little pruning. They also require only moderate water and are somewhat drought resistant. They’re also disease and deer resistant. As evergreens, they can be susceptible to damage from winter burn, and benefit from proper preventive care in late fall and before extremely cold and windy weather strike.

Still, it’s important to remember that in areas – such as St. Louis – with weather that features the extremes of heat, cold, drought and floods, the blue spruce may require extra care. The blue spruce is not native to the area and introducing trees not naturally found in the St. Louis area can be risky and demand extra vigilance on the part of homeowners. Evergreens that require little or no maintenance in areas such as St. Louis may be a better choice for many homeowners.

Blue Spruces Are Both Beautiful And Practical

In addition to their striking color, the blue spruce’s dense branches and heavy needles make it an excellent choice for landscaping, particularly in areas where a natural visual screen or windbreak are needed.

They also offer shelter for a variety of wildlife, ranging from several species of birds to squirrels and chipmunks. These qualities make the blue spruce ideal for buffering sound from nearby streets, creating a natural “privacy fence” along the edge of a property, or next to a pool or backyard. Of course, the blue spruce is also an ideal ornamental tree, whether planted as a single tree or as part of a row or stand of trees.

Is The Blue Spruce Right For Your Landscaping Needs? Consult With The Experts At Hansen’s Tree Service Today!

Our certified arborists are experts at selecting the trees, shrubs and plants that best meet your landscaping objectives. They have a combined decades of experience in helping home and business owners select species that will thrive on their property, adding functional beauty at every turn.

Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!