Norway spruce

One of the most important aspects of caring for Norway spruce is watering. This species prefers consistently moist soil, but does not like to be overly saturated. Therefore, it is important to allow the soil to reach a dry state before watering again. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil 1 to 2 inches below the surface every few days. If the soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water the Norway spruce. Water at the base of the tree deeply and thoroughly, and ensure that the entire root zone is moistened. Watering once a week is usually sufficient in most soils, but it may be necessary to water more or less often depending on soil type, temperature, and weather.

Norway spruce (Picea abies ‘Hillside Upright’) thrives best in full sun, meaning it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. This amount of sunlight will allow the tree to produce adequate amounts of chlorophyll, allowing it to photosynthesize and grow. If planted in a shady location, the Norway spruce will still grow, however, it will not reach its full potential due to lack of sunlight. Additionally, the tree may become susceptible to disease and pest infestation since they both thrive in darker, more humid, and lower-light areas. Therefore, it is best to plant the Norway spruce in an area that is exposed to the most amount of sunlight.

Norway spruce (Picea abies 'Hillside Upright') should be pruned in early summer or late spring each year. This should be done before the end of June when new growth begins. Make sure to not prune too much in 1 year, as this can kill the tree. Start with removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Then, selectively prune branches to give the tree a better shape and light penetration. Remove no more than about 10-15% of the branches in 1 season. A cutting back of up to 2-thirds of the length of branches is usually safe.