A little Black Hills spruce update

We planted over 100 Black Hills spruce last spring and the deer have left them alone for the most part. Even though I ordered the 4-8 inch size, most of them were in the 8-12 inch range when we planted them on May 5th. Some have gained 5+ inches this year.

Here's one on October 19th:

And this past weekend (not the same seedling):

After the snow on the 5th/6th of January, we see it has been avoided by deer and the rabbits (so far.)

We intend to thin out the row: some of these for Christmas trees, others for transplant sales and some will be transplanted after our house is built. That's the plan anyway.

We like the soft needles compared to the Colorado spruce and its density will make a good windbreak. I haven't decided if we will add another 100 this year or try the white spruce and plant those around the pond. Purchased from Chief River Nursery in Wisconsin, I like what I see so far and intend to be a customer again.