Growth Habits of Serbian Spruce

Size and Shape

• The Serbian spruce tree can eventually reach a height of 40 to 60 feet when mature. Its branches spread to cover about 15 to 20 feet, giving it a narrow, conical shape that's attractive but doesn't cover an especially large area. Its branches are short and graceful, and those near the ground help to fill in the entire shape with greenery. Older branches on mature specimens tend to droop a bit, and this feature combined with the narrow upper portion of the tree can produce an overall shape resembling a church spire.

Growth Rate

• The Serbian spruce has a moderate growth rate and usually adds about 12 inches to its height each year until it nears maturity, when growth slows. It has scaly, dark brown bark; small purple- or cinnamon-colored cones; and shiny, 1-inch-long needles that are flat and quite different from those on most spruce trees, which generally are four-sided and angular. The tree's needles also have silvery bands on their undersides, giving a shimmering effect to the entire tree.

Location

• The Serbian spruce grows best in a site that's in full sun to partial shade for most of the day. In regions with hot summer sun, a spot that gets morning sun and light shade in the afternoon is a good location for this tree. It's not a good choice for a fully shaded spot, because it tends to become thin and leggy without good light. The tree also needs protection from strong winter winds, which can damage or break its branches. The Serbian spruce does especially well in urban settings, because it's quite tolerant of urban pollution.

Other Needs

• This tree tolerates all types of garden soil that are well-drained, but grows best in a rich loam. Adding compost to your soil at planting can help boost its fertility, while adding some fine sand can improve its drainage. The Serbian spruce is quite hardy and tolerates winter cold well, although it benefits from addition of a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch in fall to protect its roots from heaving of soil during freeze-thaw cycles in winter. It has no serious pest or disease problems, but can attract spider mites, aphids and other small insects. You can control these by spraying the tree as needed with insecticidal soap, diluted at a rate of 5 tablespoons per gallon. For best results, wet the tree's foliage and branches thoroughly and spray in the morning on a sunny day, when moisture dries quickly.