Good Day,
I am in the midst of researching trees for a large landscape project and am finding either conflicting and/or minimal information. I am h...
Knowledgebase
Conifer selection #866084
Asked April 27, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
Good Day,
I am in the midst of researching trees for a large landscape project and am finding either conflicting and/or minimal information. I am hoping you can help with clarification, research information, and reputable tree farms to search out healthy specimens.
For reference, I live in Shoreview with property adjacent to a pond that borders a large undeveloped area of North Oaks. To be expected, we have a huge population of deer. Our soil is predominatly sandy loam with a clay layer approximately one foot down in part of the property. The sites are mostly full sun with the exception of one part sun area that I was planning on putting an accent evergreen in. We had Colorado spruce that grew well until they were infected with needle cast disease and were removed.
I am searching for evergreens with strong disease resistance, pyramid form, in sizes varying from large to dwarf. Can you provide comment and information on the following choices I have narrowed down? I am trying to do my research so I don’t end up with trees that do not thrive or are not recommended for my area.
-Black Hills Spruce
-Abies koreana ‘Horstmann’s Silberlocke’ (and other Korean varieties).
-Concolor Fir
-Balsam Fir
-Frasier Fir
-False Cypress cultivars (I would like to have a different texture/look to contrast but, admittedly I noted they weren’t listed on any MN U of M info I looked at, although they are being marketed as deer/disease resistant).
Of note, I did have an arborist come out but his answers didn’t seem to jive with the research I was coming up with so I am at a loss with moving forward. I would really appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Vickie Winslow
Ramsey CountyMinnesota
Expert Response
Black Hills spruce is a variety of white spruce. It's recommended for growing in Minnesota, and is considered more disease resistant than Colorado blue spruce. However, although resistant, it is not immune to needle cast disease. Generally speaking, Norway spruce is more resistant than either white or blue spruce, but it also is not immune.
The Norway spruce variety Royal Splendor might be immune to needle cast. See the disease management section at the following website:
Balsam fir and Frazier fir are closely related species, so closely related that Frazier has been considered a subspecies of Abies balsamea. Their appearance is similar and they will probably be subject to the same pests and disease.
Experts believe Balsam fir will be less likely to adapt to climate change than many other Minnesota conifers, something to consider when making planting decisions.
Concolor fir grows well in Minnesota and is considered disease resistant. Many cultivars including some with weeping forms are available. Avoid wet planting sites.
According to the following publication, which you may have seen, Korean fir is suitable for growing in the Twin Cities area, however the hardiness zone 5 rating suggests it might be subject to winter damage.
Some Chamaecyparis species are suitable for growing here. Cool, moist planting sites are best. Information at the following website may be of interest, especially the video:
Thank you for your thorough reply with the excellent information.
Could you also provide disease resistance and MN hardiness comments on the following:
1) Picea meyeri, Blue Meyer
2) Picea Abies “Acrocona’
3) Hemlock
4) Junipers
The assistance that the extension service offers, as well as the willingness of its master gardener volunteer program and the associates that assist them is invaluable. I cannot thank you enough for this guidance in helping me make choices that are as informed as possible.
Best regards,
Vickie Winslow
You have provided with me with wonderful guidance.On Apr 29, 2024, at 12:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
With regard to Meyer Blue Spruce disease resistance, see the Disease Management section of the following publication. Meyer needle cast disease resistance is apparently comparable to Norway spruce.
Picea abies 'Acrocona' is a dwarf, ornamental form of Norway spruce. It is considered hardy in Minnesota. The following publication describes it and notes problems which are typical of the species as a whole.
Eastern hemlock is a beautiful tree, but it hasn't been faring well in Minnesota recently. Climate change may compound the problem. A cool, sheltered growing site is best. Go here to learn more about this tree and its liabilities:
Several juniper species and many varieties grow well in Minnesota. However, they seem to be more prone to winter burn than most other conifers. Go here for a lovely review of what junipers have to offer in the landscape: Junipers host cedar apple rust which can be a problem for anyone growing apples nearby.
I presume you have seen this publication. If not, it should be of interest:
Again, awesome information. You have helped me immeasurably with this information and I am so appreciative of the articles you referenced. I now feel capable of making a much more informed decision.
I apologize to come back to you with more questions. I have a large area I am doing and am 70 years old so would prefer not to have more problems than I need:) Also, I’ve made a lot of mistakes in the past and think taking time to do my due diligence is essential. So, I thank you in advance for your efforts to help with these choices.
I had made a decision to go with three Meyer’s Spruce for the primary area I was inquiring about. The designer had originally listed the Meyers to go in that area but I had initially commented to the designer that the stated mature width of the Meyer’s trees was too wide for the bed. Her response was that it would be a long time before that would occur. The stated size of the Meyer on Gertens website is H: 35-45' x W: 20-25’. Can you please comment if that is considered the mature size according to your sources? (I know that site placement is a factor in size, as well as the rate of growth). The trees will be on the southeast side of our home.
If I deem I have to go with a narrower tree would you please comment on the below for disease resistance for Rhizosphaera and Stigmina needle cast disease and general deer resistance?
Can I assume that Norway spruce cultivars (such as the Royal Splendor cultivar you noted) are good choices?
-Picea abies ‘Cupressina’ (zone 4)
-Picea abies ‘Hillside Upright’ (zone 3)
Picea glauca cultivars similar to black hills spruce. Clarifying if these cultivars are vulnerable as the black hills spruce is?
-Picea glauca ‘Pendula’ weeping white spruce (zone 2)
-Picea glauca var. densata ‘Charlie J. Nickel’ Blue Thunderbolt (zone 2)
-Picea glauca var. densata ‘Westervelt’ Skinny Blue Jeans (zone 2)
Picea mariana
-Picea mariana ‘Aurea’ golden black spruce (zone 3)
-Picea mariana ‘Wellspire’ wellspire black spruce (zone 4)
Picea omorika
-Picea omorika ‘Bruns’ bruns serbian spruce (zone 4)
-Picea omorika ’Sky Trials’ sky trails Serbian spruce (zone 4)
-Picea omorika ’Silberblue’ silver blue Serbian spruce (zone 4)
-Picea omorika ‘Pendula’ weeping Serbian spruce (zone 4)
Estimates of species' and their cultivar's (including conifers) likely mature height and width vary considerably depending upon growing conditions and other factors affecting growth in particular regions and locales. Trust a source (local is best) or calculate an average to proceed. According to the following University of Minnesota publication, Meyer spruce matures here at 40' x 30'. U of MN considers Meyer disease resistant.
Unless otherwise stated, consider cultivars' disease resistance comparable to the species. As previously noted, some authorities consider Royal Splendor Norway spruce immune to needle cast. The species is generally considered resistant, but not immune.
Like hemlock, black spruce may not adapt readily to climate change, especially in the Twin Cities area south of its native growing range.
Spruce species are less likely to be severely damaged by deer than conifers such as arborvitae, yew and hemlock.
In the long run the time you have invested in careful plant selection will pay off for you as well as those who enjoy and care for the trees in the future.
