Watering the fir tree

Content:

• Fir origin
• Fir care and location
• Cutting fir
• Fertilizing fir trees
• Watering the fir tree

Fir origin

The fir (Abies) belongs to the pine family (Pinaceae) and is one of the most important evergreen tree species in temperate climates. There are around 50 different species of fir, mainly distributed in North America, Europe, and Asia. The silver fir (Abies alba) is native to Central Europe, while the Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and the noble fir (Abies procera), for example, originate from North America.

Fir trees are often confused with spruce trees – although they belong to different genera. The spruce, as the mainstay of forestry, has become the dominant conifer in our forests, while the fir, as a native tree, is now almost exclusively important for forestry in mountainous regions.

Fir care and location

Firs prefer cool, moist locations with deep, humus-rich soil. They grow best in slightly acidic to neutral soils. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal.

Firs are relatively easy to care for – if they find the right location conditions. In the first few years after planting, it is important to keep the soil moist. However, make sure to avoid waterlogging. Here, we recommend a mulch layer in the root area of ​​the fir tree. This particularly helps to retain soil moisture.

Young fir trees can be sensitive to pests such as weevils or aphids. We recommend checking young trees occasionally for pests.

If you haven't planted your fir tree yet, keep in mind that this tree can grow up to 50 meters tall.

Cutting fir

Fir trees usually do not need to be pruned. If a Video editing If pruning is necessary—for example, to remove dead branches or to limit growth—this should ideally be done in late winter or early spring, before the tree begins its growing season. Since firs often do not tolerate pruning well, only minor adjustments should be made.

Fertilizing fir trees

Fir trees usually do not require fertilizationOn poor or heavily used soils, targeted fertilization can be helpful. In spring, an application of organic fertilizer such as compost or horn shavings can support the fir's growth. If you wish to fertilize your fir, there are conifer fertilizers with a slow-release effect available. Make sure that, if possible, only organic ingredients are used.

Watering the fir tree

Fir trees are deep-rooted and can usually supply themselves with water. However, young fir trees, especially in their first few years, need regular watering. Even mature trees occasionally require additional watering, depending on their location and the degree of drought. If it is dry and hot for several weeks in the summer, all trees benefit from extra water.

Please note the following general principles for Watering trees: 

• To ensure that the water can actually reach the root area, a lot of water should be given at once, ideally 75 – 100 liters of water in one watering. 
• The water should be released slowly so that the soil can absorb it optimally. If water is applied too quickly, it will run off the surface, as dry soil can only absorb a small amount. Therefore, we recommend using tree watering bags. 
• The baumbad watering bags They release water drop by drop through small holes into the soil over a period of several hours. This allows for good moisture absorption in the root zone of the tree, where the roots can easily absorb the water. 
• The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and zipped shut. It is then filled with water, releasing the water drop by drop over the next few hours.