Why do spruce trees survive periods of drought better than poplar trees?

Spruce trees are better adapted to survive periods of drought than poplar trees due to their deep root systems, which allow them to access moisture from deeper soil layers. Additionally, spruce trees have needle-like leaves with a waxy coating that reduce water loss through transpiration. In contrast, poplar trees have broader leaves and a shallower root system, making them more susceptible to drought stress. These adaptations enable spruce trees to thrive in harsher, drier conditions.