Spruce identification help

fatdaddycoe

The following pictures are from a stand of woods which appear to have been planted long ago on my property in upstate New York in the United States. The trees are growing quite tall and straight. The maximum trunk circumference is around 48 inches at a few feet off the ground. The area where they are growing is not mountainous, but hilly. The soil is pretty wet.

I have been told they are a spruce, but I'd like to know what variety. Any information about this variety's possible uses would be appreciated too. Thanks.

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cte539

Looks like Serbian Spruce
Picea abies
How far up-state?
I own a home in Ulster County
Paul

fatdaddycoe

Hey Paul- Thanks for the reply. The property is in Cortland county.

Willard Holmen

These trees appear to be Sitka spruce, a native western coastal North American tree. Which have been sucessfully grown on the east coast and in Europe.
Willard.

fatdaddycoe

Willard-
Thanks so much for your reply. That's a really unexpected possibility. As an amateur guitar builder, it's a pretty exciting one too. These trees are very tall, but not especially heavy. I get the feeling they may have been planted a bit close together. I'm not sure I could ever use them for soundboards, but the idea is certainly intriguing. I had no idea Sitkas could grow on the east coast. Any ideas about how I could confirm your guess? -Aaron

Willard Holmen

Aaron I just googled Sitka spruce, the cones seem to match along with the needles and bark. Reports are Sitka took very well in Ireland and parts of Europe also.
If the cones on these trees stand upright [not hang] there is a possibility they are mature balsam fir. I noticed the tell tale white sap streak on one of the trees trunk. Also balsam fir gets a rougher bark as it matures. But balsam fir grows native in your area so why would someone plant balsam fir. They are a weak ,poor lumber tree.
Here in Manitoba Canada, white and black spruce are native along with balsam fir. But tree species are funny in a way that their characteristics can vary in different parts of the country, thats why I had a problem with those 5" cones you were showing there.
I'm certain they are Sitka spruce.
Willard.