I am looking to replace my Austrian Pines (which I removed 3+ years ago). I am wondering what is the best evergreen tree to plant. I'm looking for the fullest, fastest growing and, disease and insect resistant kind. I can get Black Hills Spruce or Norway Spruce easily. What do you recommend.

Thanks!!!!

John 847-922-8801

Hi John:

Unfortunately, there are no disease or insect resistant conifer species. Many conifer species struggle here in Illinois, especially spruce (Picea spp.). Having said that, certain spruce species tend to fair better than others here in Illinois' hot, humid summers:

Norway spruce (P. abies) Siberian spruce (P. omorika)

In stark contrast, blue spruce (P. pungens) and white spruce (P. glauca) tend to struggle.

Thanks for the answer. I planted Black Hills Spruce trees last year. How should I feed them and what type of fertilizer/food should I use?

Thanks!!!

Hi John:

Here are several Extension publications on the subject of fertilizing landscape/yard trees:

https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP548.pdf

https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/Pub/pdf/agguides/hort/g06865.pdf

Best of luck!