diff --git a/lib/spack/spack/environment/environment.py b/lib/spack/spack/environment/environment.py
index a3e35a234ad..a2f37c9e1ba 100644
--- a/lib/spack/spack/environment/environment.py
+++ b/lib/spack/spack/environment/environment.py
@@ -520,7 +520,8 @@ def regenerate(self, concretized_specs):
             return
 
         # construct view at new_root
-        tty.msg("Updating view at {0}".format(self.root))
+        if specs:
+            tty.msg("Updating view at {0}".format(self.root))
 
         view = self.view(new=new_root)
         fs.mkdirp(new_root)