Serbian spruce: how to grow on your plot

One of the best options for decorating your summer cottage is a Serbian spruce. It attracts buyers not only for its external characteristics, but also for its durability, as well as ease of care. But are these virtues enough to outperform all other candidates?

a brief description of

The Serbian spruce, whose scientific name is picea omorika, represents the Pine family. Serbia is considered the birthplace of the tree.

The height of such a plant on average is about 15-20 meters. There are exceptions when the spruce grows and 50 meters. The width of the evergreen - 3-4 meters, and the diameter of the trunk does not exceed the mark of 1 meter. The annual growth of the tree is up to 35 cm in height and up to 15 cm in width. Age - about 300 years. Cones are initially dark purple, but after maturation turn into dark brown 4-7 cm long. The period of ripening is August.This type of conifer is very resistant to frost, wind, shade, smoke, diseases and all sorts of pests. But its weak point is susceptibility to invasion of spider mites and aphids.

Species

In total, there are 16 species of Serbian spruce in nature. The most popular of them are "Karel", "Nana", "Pendula". About all in order.

Serbian spruce "Karel" differs from others in its tiny size and high level of frost resistance. The permissible temperature range is from -23 to -29 degrees Celsius. The height of an adult plant ranges from 60-80 cm. The diameter of the crown is up to 1.2 m. The annual growth rate is 7 cm. Description of the Serbian spruce "Nana" slightly different from the previous one. All the same dwarf sizes (100-120 cm), frost resistance (withstands temperatures from -34 to -40 degrees) and annual growth (7-10 cm). Cardinally, "Nana" differs from "Karela" in its adaptability to any type of soil and air. Therefore, it is this type of tree used in landscaping large cities. Serbian Pendula Spruce often used in the design of various parks, gardens, estates, etc. This demand for the "Pendulu" exists due to the twisted trunk, which gives the tree originality and elegance. Height can reach 10 meters. The krone is very dense, so its diameter is small - only 1.5 m. "Pendula", like the spruces described above, has a good level of frost resistance.

Location selection

Above the choice of a place you will not have to fool around for a long time, since the Serbian spruce adapts to almost any conditions. Exceptions include saline or marshy soils. They may cause yellowing of the needles. Absolutely unprincipled is the choice between shady and sunny terrain. As for watering, in the summer on one tree can take 20 liters of water per week.

Site preparation before planting

If the soil is acidic, before planting, it must be pro-lethal, and if it is too loose or too heavy, it should be diluted with clay or sand. Also, the soil should not contain debris or things that can hinder the growth of the tree.

Stepwise landing process

1. First you need to dig a landing hole about 60 centimeters deep. Its upper diameter should be 40-60 cm, and the lower diameter should be 30-50 cm. For group planting, the distance between dwarf spruces should be 0.5-1 m. If we are talking about medium-sized trees, then the interval is about 3-5 meters and if it’s big, it’s more than 5 meters. If the ground is heavy or its soil waters are high, drainage should be placed at the bottom of the pit. It consists of crushed stone or broken brick with a layer of sand 15-20 cm thick. Then, in order for the growth of the tree to be as productive and fast as possible, you need to prepare a soil mixture. For this you need peat, humus, sand and fertilizer "Nitroammofoska." This mixture is poured into a pit on top of the drainage layer and poured with 5 liters of water.
2. We turn directly to the planting of the seedling. The first thing you need to get the plant from the container. It is desirable that in the root system of the tree ate a lump of earth. Otherwise, the tree will often hurt or not take root at all. It is necessary to place the seedling in a hole in such a way that the trunk is exactly vertical and the root collar is not immersed in the ground.Ideally, it should be flush with the ground. By placing the plant according to the instructions, you can fill it with earth and lightly tamp.
3. Having done the main work, it remains only to water the tree. Water volumes depend on the size of the plant. If necessary, the seedling can be tied to two stakes. Do not forget that the best time for planting firs is autumn (early September) and spring (late April).

Further care tips

Caring for spruce is in several points, compliance with which will protect your plant from all sorts of ailments. Moreover, such prophylaxis will benefit and minimize the number of worries in the future.

Watering, loosening, mulching

In the summer, water should be watered once a week, while spending 10-20 liters of water, depending on the size.

If the plant is young, then it is necessary to loosen the soil no deeper than 7 cm.

Only young plants need mulching. 5 centimeters of peat or sawdust will replace mineral supplements for a whole year.

Pruning

There are 2 types of trimming: decorative and sanitary. In the first case, pruning should be carried out immediately after planting. Thus, you will be able to make the crowns and root system comparable to each other. This type of pruning is best done in the spring, because if you do it during the growing season (the period of the year when the spruce grows and develops), there is a big risk of exposing the plant to various diseases.

The second type of taming a coniferous tree is sanitary. Usually it is accessed if the branches:

• broken;
• dry;
• sick;
• hung down.

Sanitary pruning is allowed at any time of the year.

The most convenient way to carry out any type of pruning is with the help of special scissors or hand saw. These tools will help you to create the most thorough trim, because in the case of rough and careless cuts there is a big risk of getting infections.

Preventive measures against diseases and pests

As mentioned earlier, the main enemies of the Serbian spruce are aphids and spider mites.

For the prevention of the first pest, spraying with potash oil or infusions of insecticidal plants is recommended. One of these is onions.To prepare the infusion will need only 200 g of its husk. It should be placed in 10 liters of warm water and kept there for 4-5 days, and then filtered. Spray the plant with the liquid 3 times in 5 days.

Spider mites appear in case of non-compliance with the standards of grooming the spruce. The main way to protect against such a parasite is to avoid prolonged drought. Among other methods of prevention should be noted the most effective: spraying colloidal sulfur or infusion of garlic. Preparing this infusion is quite simple. Ingredients Required:

• liter jar of garlic teeth;
• 0.5 liters of purified vegetable oil;
• 30 ml of liquid soap.

We take out the teeth from the jar and grind them. Move this mixture back to the jar and pour it with vegetable oil. Leave to insist on one day. Before spraying, we dilute the tincture in water with the following proportions: 2 teaspoons of infusion per 0.5 l of water. It remains only to add liquid soap, shake - and you're done!

Wintering

In order for the plant to remain as it was after winter, you need to follow a number of rules.

First of all, you need to provide the tree with a large supply of moisture, which will help it to winter.This must be done before the start of severe frosts, namely at the end of November. If the spruce is small, then 2-3 buckets of water may be enough. In the opposite case, if your spruce reaches several meters / tens of meters in height, the volume of water should not be less than 5 buckets.

Secondly, after heavy snowfall, it is recommended to clear the branches from the snow.

As tools, you can use a broom or a special brush. It is necessary to clean in the direction from the tips of the branch to the trunk.

But there is another misfortune, similar to snowfall, - freezing rain. Since it is impossible to clear the branches from the stuck drops, they just need to be tied up. Over time, the ice will melt and the crowns will no longer need support.

Thirdly, even in winter you need to beware of burns. Often such a nuisance happens in February, during the thaw period. To avoid it, it is necessary to cover the spruce with sacking and wrap with a rope. Thus, the crowns will not overheat and, therefore, dry out. But you should not cover absolutely the entire surface of the tree: you must leave a few cracks, and if the spruce is large, then you just need to close only its southern part.

Use in landscape design

Spruce - a killer weapon in the arsenal of each landscape designer. A correctly selected and placed tree is able to transform a usual, mediocre section to complete unrecognizability! Successfully combine all the details can only be a professional, but the following tips will be interesting to everyone without exception.

1. Serbian spruce appears in its best light only as a tapeworm. To emphasize all its graceful forms the lawn of emerald shade perfectly works.

2. A hedge is the most suitable option for naturofiles and people who are tired of the conservatism and mediocrity of ordinary fences. We hope this article has helped you to uncover the subtleties of planting and leaving the Serbian spruce, to learn about all the pros and cons of this plant. Now you can confidently give yourself the answer to the question of whether it is worth being planted in your yard.