Before planting a spruce tree in your garden, it might be useful to know how old or how big these trees can get. Removing a large tree is not an easy task.
How old does a spruce tree get?
Spruce trees can reach an age of 80 to 100 years in the forest, and under ideal conditions can even reach around 600 years old. The probably oldest spruce tree, in central Sweden, is almost 10,000 years old.
In the forest you will hardly come across a spruce tree that is older than 80 to 100 years, because it is felled in time for use as timber. However, if you leave it standing, a spruce can live to be around 600 years old. In central Sweden there is even said to be a spruce tree that is almost 10,000 years old.
How big does a spruce tree get?
Under normal conditions, a spruce tree grows to around 40 meters high, which makes it too big for a small garden. Under special circumstances, a spruce tree can grow up to 50 meters tall, and even 62 meters have already been measured.
The Serbian spruce has a narrower crown than the common spruce and usually remains slightly smaller. But there are also dwarf spruces, such as the sugarloaf spruce, which are ideal for small gardens.
How does my spruce stay he althy for a long time?
Spruce trees are not considered to require any special care, but there are a few things to consider to ensure that they stay he althy for a long time. On the one hand, the location should be chosen carefully. The spruce prefers a light to partially shaded place and rather moist soil. If this is also permeable and not too heavy, then the spruce forms deep sinking roots, which are important for its stability.
What care does a spruce need?
In order for a spruce to stay he althy for a long time, it absolutely needs enough water. Long periods of drought combined with extreme heat make the spruce susceptible to bark beetles. This pest is one of the biggest enemies of the spruce and has cost the lives of many trees.
The most important things in brief:
- Average maximum age of a spruce tree in the forest: 80 to 100 years
- maximum age of a common spruce: approx. 600 years
- Probably the oldest spruce: supposedly around 10,000 years old (in central Sweden)
Tip
Under good conditions, your spruce will grow old enough for your grandchildren to still enjoy.
