Black Hills Spruce Tree

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Regular price $148.00 Sale price$168.00you save $20.00

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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Black Hills Spruce Tree is a rugged, cold-hardy evergreen known for its dense branching and classic pyramidal shape. With rich green needles held tightly along its branches, this spruce provides year-round structure, privacy, and wind protection in demanding climates. Often chosen for northern landscapes, the Black Hills Spruce is valued for its durability, symmetry, and long-term performance where other evergreens may struggle.

  • Botanical name: Picea glauca var. densata
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Full sun

WATER:
Water deeply once per week during the first growing season. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks depending on heat, rainfall, and soil conditions. More drought tolerant once mature, but benefits from deep watering during extended dry periods.

LEVEL OF CARE: EASY
Extremely hardy and low maintenance once established

PET-FRIENDLY?:
Generally safe around pets

Note: The Black Hills Spruce is especially well-suited for cold, windy regions and holds up better to harsh winters than many other evergreen varieties.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Black Hills Spruce Tree is a dense, cold-hardy evergreen prized for its rich green needles and naturally tight, pyramidal form. Often considered a tougher, more compact alternative to White Spruce, this tree provides year-round structure, privacy, and wind protection in harsh climates. With excellent tolerance to cold, wind, and snow, the Black Hills Spruce is a dependable choice for landscapes that demand durability and long-term performance.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate growth rate; reaches a mature height of 30–60 ft and mature width of 15–25 ft.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply once per week during the first growing season to establish strong roots. After establishment, water every 2–3 weeks depending on heat and rainfall. While drought tolerant once mature, consistent moisture during prolonged dry periods supports healthy growth. Plant Black Hills Spruce in full sun for best density and growth. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight encourages strong branching and rich green foliage.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Avoid heavy pruning, as the tree naturally maintains a dense, symmetrical shape.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring if soil is poor. In most landscapes, fertilization is minimal once the tree is established.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Extremely winter hardy and does not require protection. Mulching the base helps regulate soil temperature and retain moisture, especially for young trees.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the soil line. Place the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil, loosen any compacted roots, and backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets and apply mulch in a wide ring around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Continue deep watering during the first growing season to encourage strong root establishment.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 2-6

The Black Hills Spruce thrives in cold northern climates and is exceptionally tolerant of severe winters, heavy snow, and strong winds. It performs best in areas with cool summers, low to moderate humidity, and well-draining soil. This spruce is widely planted in the Upper Midwest, Great Plains, and mountain regions where other evergreens struggle. In warmer or humid areas near its upper zone limit, good airflow and proper spacing help maintain long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Black Hills Spruce typically reaches 30–60 feet tall and 15–25 feet wide at maturity, forming a dense, pyramidal shape. With its slow to moderate growth rate, it generally takes 20–30 years to reach full mature height, though it will provide noticeable structure and screening much earlier as it steadily fills in over time.

This tree has a slow to moderate growth rate, usually adding about 8–12 inches of growth per year once established.

In its first 5–10 years, a Black Hills Spruce typically reaches about 8–15 feet tall, depending on growing conditions and care. While it grows steadily rather than quickly, it begins providing noticeable height, structure, and screening well before reaching full maturity.

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and plenty of open space. It performs best in cooler climates and areas exposed to wind or snow.

Plant at least 10–15 feet away from buildings, fences, or driveways to allow for mature width and airflow.

For individual trees, space 15–20 feet apart. For a windbreak or privacy planting, spacing can be reduced to about 10–12 feet apart.

Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance. Occasional deep watering during long dry periods helps maintain healthy growth.

It is considered moderately deer resistant. Deer may browse occasionally, especially in winter, but the tree typically recovers well.

Yes — its dense branching, upright growth, and cold tolerance make it an excellent choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, and shelterbelts.

The Black Hills Spruce is one of the most reliable evergreens for cold and windy climates. It offers a dense, symmetrical shape without frequent pruning, strong tolerance to snow and harsh winters, and long-term durability where other evergreens may struggle. For homeowners looking for a low-maintenance tree that provides structure, privacy, and year-round greenery for decades, this spruce is a dependable choice.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.