The Value of Trees

Considering the valuable work that trees do for this planet, every one of them should get a medal. Aside from providing shelter and food for all sorts of wildlife, from fungus and beetles to mice and moose, trees contribute to a clean, healthy environment.

Once you have chosen your tree or trees, the next step is planting. Trees will be a focal point in your garden for decades to come, so it is worth paying a little extra attention to make sure they make it through that first period of adaptation. Once well established, your trees should be able to take care of themselves.

Spruce trees are sometimes confused with other evergreens like pine and fir trees. Pine needles are longer, even those of the Jack pine, and both pine and fir needles tend to be gentler on your fingers than spruce needles when you approach from the tips. The needles of a spruce tree are arranged all around the twig. Spruce needles are four-sided except for the flattened Sitka needles, which have a little dip at the bottom, like the keel of a boat. Another clue that you’re looking at a spruce is if there are little pegs protruding from the twig at the point where the needle attaches.