Generally speaking, yes conifers will flower and produce seed more
abundantly as a result of stress... that reaction though can be several
years after the predicating incident, be it drought, disease, damage, etc.

Frankly you might be coddling them too much... maintaining adequate moisture
levels and keeping an eye open for pests and diseases should be more than
adequate. The other poster is correct-- spruce lay down an abundance of fine
roots close to the surface and thus tilling would only serve to weaken the
trees.

Tangential: These shallow feeder roots make excellent makeshift ropier in
survival situations... you can pull up several dozen feet of pliable root
very easily. )

Dave

"J&L Morris" wrote in message
...
I fell a grove of poplar trees in my front yard in the spring of 1999.
I
had the stumps ground. I then deep tilled and bought in a guy with a tree
spade. I had him move about 22 Spruce trees (all approximately 10 ft high)
to replace the poplars. I trimmed off the lower branches up to about 1
foot
off the ground to allow clearance for tilling around. I drive in
fertilizer
stakes every year...They are doing fine to this day, but have I two
questions.
1) Last year we had somewhat of a drought. ....they show absolutely no
signs of turning brown (I kept them well watered during the drought) but,
they produced MANY pinecones.... My brother tells me a tree will do this
if
it is 'Stressed" and is a natural way to preserve its species....is this
true?

2) I literally want these trees to "Jump" (grow fast) because I want my
privacy. I presently till around the trees. Should I till around the trees
or put down sod ?...Which will make them grow faster?...Or maybe this has
nothing to do with the speed the trees grow.... any thoughts?...Thanks in
advance for any replies..... Jim/ Saskatchewan Canada