Planting Norway Spruce Trees in the Wild

I was becoming attached to these Norway spruce (Picea abies) cuttings that had been lying around in the corner of my garden for over a year.

Originally, I had 10 of these amazing Norway spruce cuttings. One died during the winter, but the rest are thriving well; however, they all need transplanting.

After learning about all the health benefits of this tree, I wanted to plant a few of them. They helped me during the COVID times when "stay-at-home" rules were in place, effectively easing chest congestion with their richness in lignans, flavonoids, tannins, potent antioxidants, terpenes, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory effects. They're also rich in Vitamin C and minerals.

I love its aroma and I even add its scent to a cake!

So, I decided to work on them today. I transplanted 5 into a larger pot to keep their size manageable until I decided what to do with them.

If they grow well, I will have a live Christmas tree this Christmas.

Two of these are for friends, and as they can grow into very large trees, I decided to plant a couple in the wild.

The sun beaming bright, pretty warm, and went for a mission.

With my little trees to the nearest woodland.

I spotted an area where a big tree had just died. It has a lot of sunshine in there.

I cleared up the branches where I was planting them.

I dug up the soil.

Sorry earthworm, I will put you back.

Then, I planted them there.

I found a sleeve lying around; I put it on to protect one.

For the other, I placed a branch nearby so it wouldn't get stepped on.

They are about 10 meters apart so they can greet each other.

I planted them near the stream, so when I visit, I can easily water them.

I fetched some water in the nearby stream.

There you go, they seem happy. I watered them to give them a good start.

I think they are thankful to be in such a nice place.

In the future, they will offer recreational opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and nature photography. Animals will benefit from them as well, along with people who are keen to harvest for culinary or medicinal use.

They will also serve as shelter and food for mammals, contributing to the overall health and resilience of forest ecosystems.