{"product_id":"black-hills-spruce","title":"Black Hills Spruce","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlack Hills Spruce is a dense, slow-growing form of the native white spruce — the workhorse windbreak and screening evergreen for Twin Cities properties in Stillwater, Woodbury, and Hudson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Black Hills Spruce\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:600px;margin:16px 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;width:40%;\"\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePicea glauca 'Densata'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eMature Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e30-50ft tall × 15-25ft wide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eBloom \/ Foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eEvergreen needled spruce; no flowers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSun Requirements\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eFull sun (6+ hrs) for best form and color.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eModerate. Drought-tolerant once established.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eTolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Prefers well-drained soils.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eHardiness Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003e2-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a). Reliable to -50°F.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eRarely browsed — spruces are deer-resistant evergreens\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eEvergreen — needles in green, blue-green, or silver-blue. Holds color year-round.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n  \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;font-weight:600;background:#f4f7ec;\"\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px 12px;border:1px solid #d4dcc8;\"\u003eSlow to moderate — 6-12 inches per year for dwarf cultivars\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love Black Hills Spruce\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecimen evergreen\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eDwarf spruces work as low-maintenance focal points in foundation beds, rock gardens, and entry plantings. Year-round structure and color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFoundation plantings\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eCompact growth fits residential foundation beds without outgrowing the space — typical of Twin Cities suburban yards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWinter interest\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlue-foliage cultivars (Deja Blue, Pumila Dwarf Norway) particularly striking against snow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTough native-type spruce for Minnesota windbreaks\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe classic Minnesota windbreak and screen — proven for generations. That's why Black Hills Spruce has earned a spot in our Minnesota launch catalog — it's a spruce we're confident will thrive in your Twin Cities landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting Black Hills Spruce in the Twin Cities\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest planting window:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spring (mid-April through early June) or early fall (late August through late September). Avoid planting during peak summer heat — Twin Cities heat waves can stress newly installed root balls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSite selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Full sun (6+ hrs) for best form and color. Choose a location with the mature size of 30-50ft tall × 15-25ft wide in mind — give Black Hills Spruce room to fill out without crowding fences, sidewalks, or neighboring plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam. Prefers well-drained soils. If your Twin Cities yard has heavy clay (common in Plymouth, Eden Prairie, and Wayzata), amend the planting hole with 25-30% compost to improve drainage. For sandy soils in parts of Anoka and Washington counties, mix in compost to improve water retention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDig a hole 2× the width of the root ball and the same depth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLoosen the sides of the hole — slick clay walls block root expansion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSet Black Hills Spruce so the top of the root ball is 1-2\" above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBackfill with native soil mixed 25% with compost. Tamp gently.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eWater deeply (5+ gallons) immediately after planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMulch 2-3\" deep, keeping mulch 2\" away from the stem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering \u0026amp; Care\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFirst year (establishment):\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply 1-2× per week from April through October. Black Hills Spruce needs consistent moisture to develop a strong root system for its first Minnesota winter. Check soil moisture 4-6\" deep — water when the top 2-3\" feels dry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished (year 2+):\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate. Drought-tolerant once established. During typical Twin Cities summers, supplemental water during 2+ week dry spells is enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWinter prep:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water deeply in late October before ground freeze — this protects Black Hills Spruce through dry winter winds. Apply a fresh 2-3\" layer of mulch in November to insulate the root zone through deep freezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light shearing in late spring after new growth flushes. Don't cut back into bare wood — spruce doesn't regrow from old wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Black Hills Spruce hardy in Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nYes. Black Hills Spruce is rated for zones 2-7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — the Twin Cities metro is zone 4b–5a, well within its hardiness range. The classic Minnesota windbreak and screen — proven for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does Black Hills Spruce grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nSlow to moderate — 6-12 inches per year for dwarf cultivars. Expect mature size (30-50ft tall × 15-25ft wide) within 5-8 years depending on site conditions and care.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat Black Hills Spruce?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nRarely browsed — spruces are deer-resistant evergreens. In high-deer-pressure suburbs (Wayzata, Stillwater, Hudson), supplemental fencing or repellents may help young plants establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I plant Black Hills Spruce in part shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nFull sun (6+ hrs) for best form and color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size gallon should I buy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nWe typically offer Black Hills Spruce in #2, #5, #10, and sometimes larger gallon sizes. Smaller sizes establish faster and cost less; larger sizes give instant impact. For most Twin Cities residential landscapes, #5 or #10 gallon is the sweet spot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhere We Deliver\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree Timbers Minnesota delivers and installs Black Hills Spruce across the Twin Cities metro — Minneapolis, St. Paul, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Edina, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Bloomington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Lakeville, Eagan, Roseville, Shoreview, Stillwater, Woodbury, Hudson, Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Chanhassen, Excelsior, Victoria, Chaska, and surrounding communities. Live Black Hills Spruce grown for our climate and delivered fresh from our Waconia, MN nursery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many Black Hills Spruce Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWindbreak \/ screen length\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTrees needed (12–15 ft spacing)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2–3 trees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e60 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e4–5 trees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7–8 trees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e150 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–12 trees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a serious rural windbreak, plant two staggered rows 16–20 feet apart. For a single specimen, allow 12–15 feet from buildings and property lines — Black Hills Spruce matures 15–25 feet wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBlack Hills Spruce Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft, bright green new growth tips the dense branches, slowly extending the tight pyramid.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e A thick wall of green to blue-green needles — nesting cover for songbirds and a solid privacy backdrop.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Color holds dark and steady while hardwoods turn; small cones dot mature trees.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The job it was born for — a dense, snow-catching windbreak that blocks northwest winds and shelters wildlife at -30°F and beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Deer-Resistant   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Four-Season Interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/white-spruce\"\u003eWhite Spruce\u003c\/a\u003e — the faster-growing native parent species; mix the two in long shelterbelts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/norway-spruce\"\u003eNorway Spruce\u003c\/a\u003e — a quick-establishing partner row that fills the screen while Black Hills densifies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/baby-blue-colorado-spruce\"\u003eBaby Blue Colorado Spruce\u003c\/a\u003e — powder-blue contrast dotted through a green spruce run.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/techny-arborvitae\"\u003eTechny Arborvitae\u003c\/a\u003e — a lower evergreen layer for the front of a two-tier windbreak.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Black Hills Spruce Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose Black Hills Spruce if you want the most dependable, deer-resistant evergreen windbreak or privacy screen Minnesota offers — it thrives in full sun, tolerates clay-loam, and shrugs off -40°F winters and drought once established. It's not a fit if you need fast privacy or have a shady, cramped site: it grows slowly and eventually needs room for a 15–25-foot spread.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"10' BB","offer_id":54169961169201,"sku":"E1572","price":795.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"9' BB","offer_id":54179723411761,"sku":"E1571.5","price":713.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"8' BB","offer_id":54179723444529,"sku":"E1571","price":603.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"7' BB","offer_id":54179723477297,"sku":"E1570","price":493.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6' BB","offer_id":54179723510065,"sku":"E1560","price":397.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5' BB","offer_id":54179723542833,"sku":"E1550","price":301.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#20 Gallon","offer_id":54179723575601,"sku":"E1525","price":260.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#15 Gallon","offer_id":54179723608369,"sku":"E1522","price":229.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#10 Gallon","offer_id":54179723641137,"sku":"E1520","price":164.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#6 Gallon","offer_id":54179723673905,"sku":"E1512","price":82.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#5 Gallon","offer_id":54179723706673,"sku":"E1510","price":58.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"#3 Gallon","offer_id":54179723739441,"sku":"E1506AP","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/Picea_denseta_black_hills_spruce_10_f32958a2-834d-46c5-b464-4c9ad9ba5afb.jpg?v=1778451971","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/black-hills-spruce","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}