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How much does a spruce tree branch grow annually? It #935298

Asked June 12, 2026, 5:51 PM EDT

I am trying to determine the health of spruce trees based on the length of a branch and how much new needle grow is added annually. This was common information 20+ years ago (in the old paper print outs) when I worked with Extension. I am trying to explain this method of determining tree health to our condo grounds committee.

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning, 

Thanks for your question. 

We have lots of information on spruce trees on the U of M Extension Yard and Garden website. Here is a link about fertilizing evergreens that talks about the health of the trees based on soil, mulch and water: https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/fertilizing-evergreens  New growth would depend on the care and conditions the tree is growing in. 

Here is another link about trees, with information about various spruces as you scroll through the information: https://trees.umn.edu/woody-plants-catalog

Hopefully the above links will help you search for the particular information you are looking for. 

Good Luck!


Maureen Graber Replied June 13, 2026, 9:16 AM EDT

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