Coniferous trees are used in many fields of activity and make up a significant part of natural and artificial plantings. One of the most common species is spruce, which can be found in parks and forests throughout the country.
Norway spruce is an evergreen tree with recognizable “paws” of branches bent under the weight of needles. The cone of a tree is almost always regular and is especially characteristic of separately growing trees. The branches are mainly tiers, which is clearly expressed in young specimens. To find out the approximate age of the tree, you need to calculate the number of tiers and add to the obtained value 4-5 years necessary for the initial development of the tree (for specimens aged 10-15 years).
The height of the spruce rarely exceeds 30 m, and the thickness of its trunk is 0.5-1 m. Single giants reach 50 m in height and have a meter and a half trunk. The female fruits of the spruce develop in the form of cones, which begin to bear fruit when they reach the twenty-year milestone. Male spikelets appear at the ends of the shoots and provide the appearance of fertilized cones.
Seeding is repeated every 4-5 years and varies for different trees. This is important when picking fruits, since seeds from ripe fresh cones have the best germination.
The average lifespan of spruce is 120-150 years in a temperate climate of medium latitude. In the virgin forests you can find trees that have crossed the three-century boundary.
The green color of spruce needles is achieved by sawdust that does not lose color in the cold and changes on branches every 6-8 years. The valuable substances secreted by spruce and the year-round production of oxygen are its most important natural functions.
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Distribution area
Almost the entire territory of Russia is covered with forests in which you can find spruce. It is included in the composition of spruce forests - pure forests, and mixed stands. In all coniferous forests, which occupy 78% of the total area of all forests in Russia, spruce species can be found. In the northeastern regions there are hybrids of common and Siberian spruce, developing in more severe conditions of the taiga.
Spruce is resistant to shade and low temperatures, therefore, it actively reproduces in temperate and cold climates. If in our country dense plain spruce forests are widespread, then in Central Europe the tree grows better in mountainous regions.
Landing and care
Growing spruce is carried out by cuttings and seeds. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Cutting allows you to get a new tree that completely copies the maternal qualities. Getting plants from seeds leads to the growth of better and frost-resistant seedlings. Growing spruce on their own site is usually done by enthusiasts, since it is more convenient to buy ready-made trees.
Due to the excellent unpretentiousness and resistance to spruce to external stimuli, breeders have achieved success in the cultivation of decorative varieties. Their unusual appearance is successfully combined with frost resistance, although individual specimens are sensitive to soil composition, air and growth conditions.
Young shoots of spruce are the most vulnerable, so they need to be protected from frost, mulch the soil and fertilize it. In the dry period, the tree requires 10-12 liters of water per week, and the earth around the trunk must be covered with needles or sawdust.
The grown trees are pruned to maintain a decorative effect, and dried branches are removed. A change in the color of the bark or needles indicates the appearance of a disease or pests. To eliminate problems, drugs of a number of fungicides and insecticides help.
The root system of spruce is close to the surface, which leads to a fall during a hurricane. Try to plant the tree initially so as to protect it from the effects of strong winds.
Popular varieties
Most bred varieties of wood are ornamental plants. They serve as decoration of a personal plot and seldom land on open streets.
Cultivars require a more careful attitude to watering and compliance with the lighting regime. Infected parts of the trees should be removed on time by spraying healthy shoots with special solutions. It is advisable to fertilize all trees once a year, laying under the root of the fertilizer (100-120 g). Consider some decorative varieties of spruce.
- Little spruce jam (little gem)It is a dwarf form, reaching a height of not more than 50 cm and having a 2-fold large crown. The branches of the tree are not spread out to the sides, but are raised up and framed by small needles. The growth rate of the tree is 2-3 cm per year. Reproduction of this variety is carried out by cuttings, which allows you to save its unusual appearance. Planting a tree is best done in loose and not very dense soil, avoiding stagnation of water. The cost of a seedling is low and amounts to 600-800 rubles.
- Inversa spruce (inversa)refers to an interesting variation of the "weeping" spruce. The height of the tree reaches eight meters, and the diameter of the crown is 2-2.5 m. The tree grows quite quickly and annually gains 15-20 cm in height. Spruce is grown in nurseries with seeds. Ready seedling costs 7000-1000 rubles. This variety is unsurpassed for creating a composition of trees, and its high resistance to frost allows planting even in harsh mountainous areas.
- Maxwelli (maxvellii) It is a dwarf variety of spruce (almost a bush), having a height of 1-1.5 m. The greatest width of the tree is observed not in the crown, but in its lower part. The diameter of the tree is 1.5-2 m. The growth rate of Maxwelli spruce is 5 cm in height and 10 cm in width per year. Maxwell spruce is unpretentious and frost-resistant. Its reproduction is carried out not only by seeds and cuttings, but also by grafting the branches of healthy plants. The cost of a seedling is 1000-1500 rubles.
- Tompa (tompa) - Another representative of low spruce trees, with branches spread out to the sides by 1.5 m. The height of the plant is 1 m, and the growth rate does not exceed 5 cm / year. The variety is resistant to frost, grows successfully in dark places and in the sun, but does not tolerate urban gas pollution. Reproduction of spruce in a group planting is carried out by seeds, although cuttings are often used. Depending on age, the cost of seedlings varies from 2500 to 4000 rubles.
Pests and diseases
Changes in the appearance of the tree indicate the impact of pests or microorganisms (fungi) on it. The appearance of the latter can be identified by external mycelium, often associated with excessive soil moisture. Dealing with pests is somewhat more difficult than with mushrooms, although the methods of control are similar.
Insects depressing trees:
- spruce aphid - noticeable by the appearance of yellow spots on the needles and the general drying of the tree. Ants are actively accompanied by ant colonies;
- spruce tick - visible on brown spots on the needles on the sunny side;
- hermes - develops on branches in galls, which are seals that look like unopened cones;
- false shield - inhibits the growth of young shoots and causes their drilling; sawfly - similar to small caterpillars, the appearance of which is accompanied by a small web.
Insecticides acting selectively on one pathogen or on all in the complex allow getting rid of most pests. Spruce, affected by a false shields, must be processed strictly according to the schedule - at the beginning and end of summer. Fungi are eliminated by treatment with copper sulfate or special organic fungicides.
Secrets of caring for conifers in an informative video clip:
In order not to make a mistake with choosing a remedy for “treatment”, photograph the tree from afar and nearby, using several angles. This will help determine the disease and choose the right chemical in specialized sales points.
Spruce is widely used to strengthen the territory adjacent to the highway and decorates urban monuments. Decorative varieties of spruce are a spectacular addition to the design decision to arrange a summer house or apartment building. Their unpretentiousness makes it possible to arbitrarily choose a place for landing, avoiding wetlands. The relatively low cost of seedlings makes spruce affordable for any budget. The ability to purchase a variety with a high or low growth rate (from 2-5 to 15-20 cm / year) allows you to quickly get a full-fledged tree or its miniature analogue.