Isolated bacteria were then used to address plant growth promoting abilities, which included production of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (performed by 74% of the bacterial isolates), siderophores (22%), and phosphate mobilization (23%). The community structure was shown to yield a high diversity in ECM forming basidiomycetes of Thelephorales and Agaricales associated with a rich bacterial diversity dominated by Rhizobiales with the most abundant Nitrobacter winogradski (3.9%). The protective role of the mycorrhizal fungus with respect to pathogen attack could be validated against Botrytis cinerea and Heterobasidion annosum in co-cultures revealing reduced pathogen growth, higher survival rate of the spruce trees and reduced symptoms on needles upon symbiosis with T. The contribution of the mycorrhizospheric microbes in a stand of ectomycorrhizal Norway spruce ( Picea abies) featuring mycorrhiza with the basidiomycete Tricholoma vaccinum was addressed by microbiome analysis and in vitro reconstruction of microbial as well as plant-microbe interactions. 2Terrestrial Biofilms Group, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.1Microbial Communication, Institute of Microbiology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany.Visit: for more pictures and information.Katharina Wagner 1†‡, Katrin Krause 1*‡, Ramses Gallegos-Monterrosa 2, Dominik Sammer 1†, Ákos T. Here in Iowa and in most of the eastern 2/3 of the US it is a superior windbreak tree and I highly recommend it. Spacing- single row 20’ apart, double row 20’ by 20′ apart, multiple rows 25 ‘or more apart with the trees staggered from the other row. Fungal diseases that effect other spruces do not effect it, and insect pests occur rarely except on older or stressed trees.Ī 2’ tall potted tree can be over 10 ft tall in 5 years, in good soil, with adequate moisture and weed and grass control around the base.

They Norway Spruce have few disease problems unless stressed. In areas where the summer can be hot and dry (Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming) they will not do well unless they have adequate moisture, for best growth rates they should have 25” of rain per year or more. Does not do well where the soil is constantly wet or swampy. It is able to take more moisture than other species and should be considered where soils can stay moist and where the land is level and does not drain as well. They will grow in a soil PH of up to 9 but does prefer a 7.5 and lower for best growth rates. I have seen them growing in a variety of soils, even rocky, and sandy soils that hold moisture, and does well in clay soils where pine and fir would not do well. It will grow well in hardiness zones from 2-7 with some sites in the southern areas being too warm for this spruce as they enjoy colder climates better.

Deer will not normally eat this species unless there is nothing else available. Due to its shape, heavy snow and ice storms cause little damage. It can live a very long life in windbreaks of over 100 years in most soils, and is the most common old windbreak tree in the midwest. It will grow to 100+ ft tall and 25+ ft wide, it is very wind firm due to its large spreading root system, and tough flexible wood. In Europe it is commonly called the Mountain Spruce and can be seen growing everywhere. It is a native of Europe where it grows throughout the region and is the most common evergreen in the Alps area in Europe, the Black Forest of Germany, and the Carpathian mountains of Romania and Ukraine. Its branches extend to the ground, giving excellent wind protection. It never drops its needles but keeps them on for up to 10 years. The Norway Spruce is a fast growing (2-3’ per year) evergreen that has dark green needles that are 1 inch long, and can grow up to 5 ft a year in a good weather year.

The Norway Spruce is our favorite and best large evergreen for windbreaks in the eastern 2/3 of America.

Norway spruce seedlings