Spruce Tree (Picea glauca) Tips Reflect Long Growing Season

Observation: This is the second year we have noticed that the spruce tips are very long, in fact longer than I have ever seen. I suspect that this is a reflection of another long growing season. I wonder if our tree are going to look different in the future, with longer branches and more space between branch layers. I also wonder how this might effect the vulnerability of the white spruce to wind and snow loading. Maybe some good effects as well, for animals that like to nibble on the spruce tips. These photos were taken on the Hillside in Anchorage.