38 Alberta Spruce Tree Facts: Height, Width, Science & Much More!

Aashita Dhingra
Oct 13, 2023 By Aashita Dhingra
Originally Published on Jan 06, 2022
Learn about the qualities and features of the Alberta Spruce Trees.
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 7.3 Min

The dwarf Alberta spruce is also known as the dwarf white spruce and is one of the most popular and slow-growing dense conifer trees that is found in various regions of the US.

According to experts, dwarf Alberta spruce does extremely well away from urban environments as they require cool summers and colder winters to thrive. It is important to continue watering the dwarf Alberta spruce until the snow in the ground has frozen entirely during winters.

Are you a naturist? Do you like to read about natural fascinations?

If the answer to the above question is yes, then this article will be something you will not like to miss. Here there is a detailed description of the qualities of this tree, ornamental value, seasonal behavior, how to take care of these plants, how to introduce them in the yard, and many more interesting facts about this plant.

While these spruce trees can be called small trees, they can also be termed large shrubs.

They are best suited for the festive lights to decorate your front yard with a dense, conical canopy. As they are widespread in America, getting them planted is not a very difficult task, and the same goes for nurturing.

Dwarf Alberta can grow 8-10 ft (2-3 m) tall, with a rare crossing of 13 ft (4 m), and grows as wide as 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m).

You can grow groundcover junipers along with this plant. So, if you are interested to know more about it, you will have to read this article; even a few frequently asked questions are also answered throughout the piece.

Alberta spruce tree is a dwarf conifer that does not or very rarely exceeds the height of 13 ft (4 m).

This tree is quite famous in America, given to it being a significantly large shrub or small tree that can be used as foundation plantings. This evergreen Alberta spruce tree has a conical canopy with a slow growth rate and is perfect for festival lights in the front yard.

This plant is often referred to as the small Christmas tree and can be found almost all around the American subcontinent.

There are many qualities of the entire tree, and it is a valuable ornamental plant. Apart from this, there is some excellent scientific significance of this Alberta spruce, along with some enthralling facts that you would be amazed to know. Picea glauca is the scientific name for white spruce Alberta and it grows 50-100 ft (15-30.5 m) tall.

Qualities Of Alberta Spruce Tree

Everything born in nature has its qualities and characteristics that make it different from other plants. Some basic specifications are required for the plant to grow healthy. When it becomes advantageous for the gardener, these specifications are termed as qualities.

There are many qualities, like growth specific, medicinal qualities, ornamental qualities, and many such categories. Under this section, the rates of spruce trees that we will discuss total all these qualities. So, let us dive in.

  • The soil requirements of these spruce trees are not very complex, and they can grow in soggy soil.
  • The plant does not need extensive watering, weekly, or it can be watered regularly depending on the temperature. During the late summer season, it requires more water.
  • Talking about the sunlight, this plant does not need a lot of sun; instead, full sun and even partial sun work well. It’s a moderate sunlight plant.
  • This plant can take up to 8 ft (2 m) height and 2-5 ft (0.6-1.5 m) width and have a conical-dense canopy. It can be a good idea during the festive season or grow in woodland, garden, or behind water features.
  • Do not need intensive pruning, and the growth rate is slow, so one can enjoy growing these trees.
  • While the other species of this plant, or as many liked to call its cousins, can take some humongous height, Alberta spruce is far better to be grown around a house.
  • Alberta spruce trees grow well in well-drained soil.
  • They need very little care, thus, are not a big trouble causer when planted in a busy household.

Ornamental Usage Of Alberta Spruce Tree

Alberta spruce trees are used widely by people all over the country for their incredible and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The ornamental usage of the Alberta spruce trees is growing rapidly. Here are some interesting facts about the ornamental usage of the dwarf Alberta spruce trees.

  • Dwarf Alberta spruce trees can be used as container plants and grown in a planting hole at different places to give it a spruced-up look like a garden, verandah, or a hallway. They can be propagated using their softwood cuttings.
  • As they are the miniature form of a Christmas tree, they can be intensive during the festive season, which is around the corner. Now, let us look at how they can be used in and around the yard.
  • Spiral cutting: This is a famous and readily available form and can be used in the garden or backyard.
  • Dynamic duo: This is the best type of plant at the entrance and is usually surrounded by smaller shrubs or herbs.
  • Spruce for pots: These Alberta plants can be potted, hence, even smaller varieties are available so that they could be planted in a pot as well.
  • Front door: One can also add it next to the front door for the straight, spiral shape to give a more aesthetically pleasing look.
  • Blobs on blobs: The typical conical shape can be switched with that of a ball shape to give an appearance of a ball on top of another.
  • Vertical elements: This means that if a garden requires some steep part, then it can be perfect for the cause.
  • Big bushy: As these spruce trees are dense plants, they can be used in big bushes and trimmed to give a pleasant look. Trimming can be done in different shapes and sizes.
Alberta Spruce trees generally found in cold climates of North America.

The Scientific Significance Of Alberta Spruce Tree

These trees are not only pleasing to the eyes, but they also have a lot of scientific importance as well. If we consider the scientific significance of these spruce trees, then the following information is a must and can't be skipped.

  • It belongs to Pinaceae and is of the genus Picea.
  • This plant is a native of cold winters and temperate regions, specifically in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • The wood pulp extracted from these trees is a significant supplier in the paper industry, and the resonant wood can be used in the making of pianos.
  • While most species serve an ornamental purpose, some species are used as Christmas trees.
  • While there are other significant species like the black and white spruce, Alberta is the dwarf spruce of this family.
  • New growth for dwarf Alberta spruce will start normally and later it won't grow as tall as other species.

Must-Know Facts About Alberta Spruce Tree

After talking about the qualities, scientific significance, and ornamental value, let us look at some enthralling facts associated with dwarf Alberta spruce. Here are some of the most well-researched facts regarding the Alberta spruce tree that you will surely enjoy.

  • While they add significant beauty to the landscape, all they need is some space, well-drained soil, partial or full sun, and regular irrigation. The growth rate is slow and saves a lot of trimming and pruning time, so don't worry if it takes a while.
  • Dwarf Alberta spruce grows 2-4 in (5-10 cm) every year. If an Alberta starts to turn brown in the trunk’s direction from the branch tips, that signals water scarcity.
  • These dwarf Alberta spruce trees have a fresh and earthy scent, smelled when the needles are crushed. Their roots can grow as long as 20 in (51 cm) given that they are at least three to four years old.
  • The other companions of this tree can be dragon fireball, April blush, and many other flowering plants. They together can add a lot of beauty and grace to the garden or yard.
  • The best time to plant this tree is during early spring. This is because the growth period is late spring and early summer. The growing season during early spring gives enough time to develop a root system of the new plants to hold the ground firmly.
  • Even falls can be considered for planting this tree but remembering that planting during this season will mean a new root ball but nominal growth on the top.
  • The Alberta spruce plants can survive in the cold winter season with the sun, dense foliage, and firm root ball. You must be careful about winter burn due to extremely cold temperatures, especially for a tree outdoors.
  • The new growth plants of the Picea glauca variety need some special care during the initial days after which they are pretty sturdy plants to take care of themselves.
  • One of the biggest threats to the Alberta spruce tree is spider mites. It is therefore extremely important to opt for spider mite treatment to protect these trees from damages.

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Written by Aashita Dhingra

Bachelors in Business Administration

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Aashita DhingraBachelors in Business Administration

Based in Lucknow, India, Aashita is a skilled content creator with experience crafting study guides for high school-aged kids. Her education includes a degree in Business Administration from St. Mary's Convent Inter College, which she leverages to bring a unique perspective to her work. Aashita's passion for writing and education is evident in her ability to craft engaging content.

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