I've got a hundred seeds of each tree—Norway spruce and Red cedar—and I'm planning to create a privacy wall between my house and the road. I'm wondering which type will provide better density and can be planted closer together. The area gets a good amount of sunlight but is on the north side of the mountain, where strong winds blow in the fall. Which option do you think is better for this project?
3 Answers
Honestly, I've never been a fan of Norway spruce; they just don't look great to me. They are tough, no doubt, but if you're looking for aesthetics and strength, I'd recommend going with Red cedar (assuming you mean Eastern Red cedar). Just make sure not to plant them too closely together. It's best to give them some space so they can grow properly—maybe thin them out after a few years to maintain good structure as they mature.
How old are you? Starting from seeds gives you a long wait! I love the look of Norway spruce, but if you're starting from seed, it could take a while to establish a proper wall. In my last place, it took over ten years for a few I planted to really grow in. I just planted a few seedlings for my son at a new place, and it's fun but I honestly won’t see them grow tall, hopefully he will!
Why not do a mix of both? That way you'll have a variety of trees, which can be beneficial in the long run. You'll have more flexibility with your landscaping, plus it's more resilient to pests and diseases!
Yeah, I'm fine with waiting it out! I just want to leave a nice wall for the future!