Norway spruce has been planted for windbreaks and shelterbelts in western prairies, although it grows better in more humid environments. It is recommended for shelterbelt plantings in humid, severe-winter regions. Norway spruce grows best in cool, humid climates on rich soils. Preferred soils include well-drained sandy loams. It also grows well on almost all other types of soils. Norway spruce provides important winter cover for a number of species of wildlife. Grouse eat spruce leaves and the seeds are consumed by a number of birds and small mammals.