Norway Spruce
Hardiness zone: 2
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Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Fast-Growing Evergreen Privacy Tree for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The Norway Spruce (Picea abies) is a fast-growing, extremely cold-hardy evergreen tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7). It typically grows 2–3 ft per year (60–90 cm) and reaches 115–180 ft (35–55 m) at maturity. Best for privacy screens, windbreaks, and large landscape planting, it offers dense year-round evergreen coverage and excellent adaptability to a wide range of soils in cold climates.
Why Choose Norway Spruce for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
A reliable, fast-growing evergreen that provides immediate privacy and thrives in harsh Canadian winters.
- Hardiness: Zone 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7)
- Growth Rate: Fast
- Best For: Privacy, windbreak, shade
- Maintenance: Low once established
- Key Feature: Evergreen screen
- Native / Non-native: Native to Europe, widely planted in Canada
It adapts well to:
- Sandy soils
- Loamy or clay soils (with drainage)
- Acidic to neutral soils, moderate moisture
- Rural and urban environments
- Wind, snow load, and cold climates
Tree Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 115–180 ft (35–55 m) |
| Mature Spread | 40–60 ft (12–18 m) |
| Growth Rate | 2–3 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Preference | Moist, well-drained, adaptable |
| Water Needs | Moderate (regular first year) |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate once established |
| Deer Resistance | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 80–150+ years |
Is Norway Spruce Right for Your Yard?
Choose Norway Spruce if:
- You want privacy within 3–5 years
- You have a medium to large yard
- You live in Zone 2–7
- You want year-round screening + wind protection
- You need a tree for hedges, windbreaks, or large-scale planting
Not ideal if:
- Your yard is very small (large mature size)
- You need a compact ornamental tree
- You are planting too close to buildings or power lines
Best Uses
- Privacy hedge or screen
- Windbreak planting
- Backyard shade
- Large property landscaping
- Wildlife shelter
Why it works: Dense evergreen foliage, rapid growth, and strong branching structure provide excellent year-round coverage and protection.
What Makes Norway Spruce Special?
A classic evergreen known for its graceful form and dependable performance in cold climates.
- Spring: Bright green new growth appears at branch tips
- Summer: Dense, deep green foliage provides shade and privacy
- Fall: Retains rich green colour (no leaf drop)
- Winter: Strong evergreen structure with drooping branches adds visual interest
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, Norway Spruce is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7 and tolerates heavy snow, wind, and freezing temperatures.
First-year tip:
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before the first hard frost
- Protect from strong drying winds in exposed areas
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 20–30 ft from foundations
- 15–25 ft between trees (10–15 ft for hedging)
Watering (first year):
- Water deeply once per week during establishment
- Adjust based on rainfall and soil drainage
Quick Answers (FAQ)
How fast does Norway Spruce grow in Ontario?
Typically 2–3 ft per year in good conditions.
Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 2 and performs well across Ontario and Eastern Canada.
Does it need another tree for pollination?
No—self-pollinating (wind-pollinated conifer).
Are the roots invasive?
No, but allow adequate spacing (20+ ft) for mature growth.
Is it messy?
Low—drops needles gradually, typical of evergreen trees.
Compare With Similar Trees
| Tree | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norway Spruce | Fast | Dense evergreen screen | Privacy & windbreak |
| White Spruce | Moderate | Native adaptability | Cold climates |
| Colorado Spruce | Slow–Moderate | Blue foliage | Ornamental use |
Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Nursery-grown
- Carefully packaged
- Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Healthy root system guarantee (when applicable)
Explore Related Collections
Related articles:
- Why Choose Native Plants in Your Landscape Design
- Best Evergreen Trees for Privacy in Canada
- How to Create a Windbreak with Trees in Cold Climates
Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At TreesOnline.ca, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
From $200.00 to $299.99 = 5% discount
$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants in Spring 2026.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $23, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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