Gardening Methods

Are dwarf alberta spruce trees suitable for creating a hedge?

I’ve been trying to find a good windbreak/hedge for my northern Michigan garden. On a recent foray to a nursery, I noticed the dwarf alberta spruce trees and immediately fell in love. However, I was doing a bit of research and found that they are almost always treated as specimen plants. Would it be okay to grow them as a hedge, or should I look elsewhere?

You should look elsewhere. In the first place they are quite expensive. They also grow very slowly. Neither of these attributes is desirable in a hedge.

Try some of the hardier (and cheaper) firs. Drive around your area and when you see something you like, stop and ask the people at the property if they’re out. That’s a great way to find out exactly what grows in your specific area.

Giant Model Train Garden near Calgary, Alberta, Canada.