white spruce trees?

Question

a neighbor has asked me to help find a spot for a small white spruce she bought. we're near chicago il. u.s. they aren't native around here so i don't know much about them. we live in a well and septic area with a semi high water table. i've read these trees don't do well in this type of soil. she'll only be out $10 if it doesn't grow but i'd like to give it a shot. anyone out there have experience with these? is there anything specific i should know? i've tried some websites but they really don't give much info beside the growing habits.

Answer 1

I always mix pine bark mulch on with my planting soil mixture when planting evergreens as this will help to recreate the loamy well draining soil that the trees are accustomed to,it will allow the new roots to spread faster and deeper easier, and it will keep the soil sour.For a handy root covering I collect spruce/pine/fir cones and place them around it to help keep the roots from being to weedy or getting too hot,plus its free and looks unique.

Answer 2

"White, black and Norway spruce are well suited to fairly acid clay loam soils. Do not plant them on dryupland soils, especially in the southern part of the state. Black spruce is preferred for planting on poorly drained or wet soils, particularly in the northern part of the state. White and Norway spruce can be planted for Christmas tree production on cooler, more moist north and northeast facing slopes with fine to moderately coarse textured soils."

"Site and Culture:
"Norway spruce grow well and maintain good form on a wide variety of sites. White spruce is among Minnesota's hardiest conifers. They grow well under a variety of climatic conditions and soil types. Spruce prefer loamy soils and will tolerate sand with adequate rain, and clay with adequate drainage. Colorado spruce do best on moist, fertile soils."

So there you have the desired location (north and northeast facing) and soil preferences of the white spruce (a variety is fine).

These excerpts are from Minnesota and Michigan websites, both fairly equal to you in locale. It doesn't seem that a fairly high water table will be any problem I hope the tree does well!

Happy Gardening!