Serbian spruce Karel: description, planting and care, application in landscape design

In nature thickets of Serbian Karel spruce were found at the end of the nineteenth century. This culture has a lot of advantages. It is characterized by pronounced plasticity and rapid growth. It was this culture that served as the basis for obtaining many varieties of spruces that are found in different countries of the world. To grow a tree successfully, it is recommended to follow a number of rules.

Description of the tree

Spruce of this variety is sometimes called Karelian. This coniferous plant reaches a height of 80 centimeters and is distinguished by a rather thick and voluminous needles. As they develop, young trees are actively overgrown with shoots.In this case, the crown is formed gradually. As a result, the aboveground part resembles a thickened hemisphere in appearance.

This spruce is characterized by rather slow growth. Over the course of a year, it increases by about 3 centimeters in height and 5 centimeters in width. Pruning of culture begins to be carried out no earlier than 10 years of age.

The needles of this culture are characterized by a green color, which becomes silvery with age. Needles reach a length of 1.5 centimeters. Due to the rounding at the ends, the needles almost do not prick.

Trees over 15 years old have many small cones. They form after the completion of the flowering phase. With proper care of the culture, it can live up to 60 years.

How to plant correctly

Serbian Karel spruce is recommended to be planted in an open area or in partial shade. The tree is able to withstand strong winds and short periods of drought.

Preparation and selection of seedlings

When buying seedlings, it is recommended to focus on the visual features of the culture. A 5-year-old spruce is distinguished by a small number of branches that are directed in different directions. It is best to buy spruce in a local specialized nursery. Such a plant is more adapted to regional climatic conditions.

Don't buy a tree with bare roots. It is also important to consider that the needles darkened at the ends indicate the presence of pathologies. In addition, it is important to ensure that the needles do not break. It should be borne in mind that unscrupulous sellers are trying to hide tree diseases by pruning. To do this, they give spruce an ideal shape with clear contours.

Preparing the pit

To plant a spruce, you need to dig a hole. Hole parameters should be 70 × 50 × 50 centimeters.Equally important is the use of high-quality drainage. For this purpose, it is permissible to use crushed brick or sand. The interval between trees should be 4-5 meters.

Landing

Seedlings are recommended to be placed in planting recesses so that their root neck is at ground level. Before planting, soak the seedlings in water and keep for 1-2 hours. The landing recess must be sprinkled with soil and carefully compacted around the trunk. After that, the plants need to be watered. It is recommended to use 1 bucket of water per tree.

How to care

In order for the Serbian spruce to look decorative, it must be properly looked after. It is important to take into account a number of features.

Irrigation

In the summer, care includes the obligatory moistening of the soil. It is recommended to water the tree 1-2 times a week. For 1 plant, 10 liters of water are required. Best done in the evening.

Which fertilizer to use

The plant should be fed only when planting. At the bottom of the recess, it is worth placing compost and adding specialized fertilizer for conifers. For this, it is permissible to use Compo, Novofert, Stimovit.

Loosening

To avoid soil compaction, it needs to be loosened systematically. However, this is allowed to be done no deeper than 7 centimeters. The fact is that the root system of this species is close to the top layer of soil.

Preparing for cold weather

Young trees need to be prepared for winter. To do this, the spruce is wrapped in non-woven material and tied with twine. It is recommended to use acidic soil for mulching.

Methods of reproduction

Serbian spruce can be propagated by grafting or cuttings. The second method is considered to be simpler. To use it, you need to do the following:

• cut the stalk;
• remove lower needles from the branch;
• soak planting material in growth stimulant;
• plant the plant in clean coarse sand.

Threats to the tree

Of the pests, Serbian spruce can be affected by spider mites, different types of aphids, leafworms. She also suffers from mealybugs and hermes. At the first sign of damage, the tree must be treated with insecticides.

Also, Serbian spruce can suffer from pathologies - shutte, rust, rot, fusarium. Fungicides should be used to get rid of diseases.

Application in design

Karel spruce has excellent decorative properties, so it is often used in landscape design. Culture can be placed along paths and fences. This plant goes well with bright annual crops. It can be combined with boulders and cobblestones.

Growing Serbian Karel spruce has a number of features. In order for the culture to retain its decorative properties, it is important to provide it with proper care.

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