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Black Hills Spruce Tree
Black Hills Spruce Tree
Black Hills Spruce Tree
Black Hills Spruce Tree
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Evergreen Tree

Black Hills Spruce Tree

5.0/5 2 reviews
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 2-6

Size: 5 gallon
$140 $175

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Evergreen: keeps its leaves all year
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Slow to moderate growth rate; reaches a mature height of 30–60 ft and mature width of 15–25 ft.
Botanical name
Picea glauca var. densata
Hardiness
Zones 2-6
Tolerates
Cold hardyWind tolerantHigh elevation tolerant
USDA zone map for Black Hills Spruce Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

5.0
out of 5 · 2 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Goodbye, noisy neighbors

A living screen that blocks the view, softens the sound and looks better than a fence.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 2-6

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

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.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

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.
Care guide

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. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

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

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
How big does the Black Hills Spruce Tree get?
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.
How fast does the Black Hills Spruce grow?
This tree has a slow to moderate growth rate, usually adding about 8–12 inches of growth per year once established.
How big will a Black Hills Spruce be in 5–10 years?
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.
Where is the best place to plant the Black Hills Spruce Tree?
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.
How far should I plant a Black Hills Spruce from my house or structures?
Plant at least 10–15 feet away from buildings, fences, or driveways to allow for mature width and airflow.
How far apart should Black Hills Spruce Trees be spaced?
For individual trees, space 15–20 feet apart. For a windbreak or privacy planting, spacing can be reduced to about 10–12 feet apart.
Is the Black Hills Spruce drought tolerant?
Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance. Occasional deep watering during long dry periods helps maintain healthy growth.
Is the Black Hills Spruce deer resistant?
It is considered moderately deer resistant. Deer may browse occasionally, especially in winter, but the tree typically recovers well.
Is the Black Hills Spruce a good choice for windbreaks or privacy?
Yes — its dense branching, upright growth, and cold tolerance make it an excellent choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, and shelterbelts.
Why should I choose a Black Hills Spruce over other evergreen trees?
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.
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