DESCRIPTION

The Latvian (Norway) spruce is an easily transplanted tree. The intended planting hole should be as deep as the spruce's root system, but wider. The excavated soil can be mixed with compost or peat to provide better drainage around the root system. Place the tree in the hole, fill it halfway with the prepared soil, and add water. Allow the water to soak into the surrounding soil, then fill the hole with the remaining soil.

Latvian spruce grows best in acidic, moist, sandy, well-drained and loamy soils. At the same time, it is one of the hardiest spruces in less favorable conditions, including poor, stony, alkaline, neutral and dry soils. The only condition that must be taken into account is that it should not be planted in wet soils, where it is more likely to die.

Latvian spruce likes a sunny location and needs at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.

The root system of the Latvian spruce is not deep, but it is very extensive. It should be covered with a layer of mulch ~7.5-10 cm thick to regulate soil moisture and temperature.

After transplanting, the spruce should be watered immediately and watered daily for the next two weeks to keep the top ~25-35cm of soil moist.

After that, the Latvian spruce requires very little care. The only thing that needs to be done is to water it during dry periods. It can be pruned in the spring to form a thick, symmetrical shape.

There are also some golden rules to remember when planting a tree.

• * The smaller the tree, the more likely it is to grow. Very often, large, mature trees are chosen for planting, but they already have a large, extensive root system. It is also difficult for a large tree to establish itself in a new location. It is best to choose a spruce seedling or, if you want a larger tree, to go no larger than ~1m. Spruce is a relatively fast growing tree. Depending on the variety and location, they can grow up to ~25cm per year. So you won't have to wait that long for a spruce to grow from small to large in the space you want it to occupy.
• * Don't plant in the summer!
• * Be aware that a spruce will grow into a large tree over time. Choose an appropriate location for it, taking into account the size of a large spruce and the shade it will provide.

As it gets older, the smaller branches of the spruce will droop and it may start to look unkempt.