Just like any other spruce variety, the Serbian Spruce generally doesn’t need a regular haircut. It naturally grows in a lovely, narrow, and compact shape. However, there are a few specific situations where a light trim might be a good idea.
No Pruning Necessary
For the most part, you can just let your Serbian Spruce do its thing. In fact, taking the shears to it often does more harm than good, potentially messing up its natural growth habit and unique look. Compared to other evergreens, the Serbian Spruce stays relatively slim on its own.
Even when fully grown, the trunk and canopy don’t get nearly as massive as the Common Spruce. A big thing to remember: if you cut off a branch, it won’t grow back, which can leave a permanent “hole” in the tree’s silhouette. Most importantly, never chop off the top leader (the main vertical tip). Doing that will permanently stunt and disfigure your tree for the rest of its life.
When You Might Need to Prune
That being said, there are a few times when you might need to reach for the garden shears. Just remember to keep it light so you don’t end up with bare spots. The main reasons to prune are:
- If the tree develops two “leaders” (tops),
- If you’re shaping it into a hedge,
- Or if you’re taking cuttings for propagation.
Dealing with Double Tops
Sometimes a young spruce gets a little confused and tries to grow two main tops instead of one. If you see this happening, snip one of them off right at the base as soon as possible. If you catch it early, the side branches will eventually fill in the gap, and you’ll never even know it was there.
Privacy Hedges
The Serbian Spruce is actually a fantastic choice for privacy hedges. It grows about 15 inches (40 cm) per year and keeps its branches all the way down to the ground. This makes for a much denser screen than many other spruce types.
To keep your hedge looking sharp, you can give it a light trim to tidy up any stray branches. It’s also a good idea to clear out any dead or dried-up wood. Just be careful not to go overboard—keep the pruning minimal!
Propagating with Cuttings
If you want to grow more trees, you can propagate the Serbian Spruce using cuttings. Simply snip off a 4-inch (10 cm) tip that has started to turn slightly woody. Pop it into a starter pot with some good soil, and with a little patience, it’ll start to root!
