Fir is a coniferous tree with a pleasant aroma and many medicinal properties. It looks like a Christmas tree, but its needles are softer, and the cones grow not down, but up. Fir planting and caring for it requires some knowledge. Check out the tips below.
Choose a planting site carefully, as this tree cannot be transplanted. If you plan to plant several fir trees, make sure there is enough space for each of them.
Planting a fir tree will decorate your garden for all seasons
The optimum age of the seedling is 5 years. Plant it in April or September as follows:
- Two weeks before planting, dig a hole 80 cm deep. The diameter should correspond to the rootstock of the seedling.
- Prepare a nutrient mixture of fine sand, peat, humus and clay soil, mixed in proportions 1: 1: 3: 2. Add some sawdust and nitrogen fertilizer to the mixture.
- Lay a layer of broken brick for drainage at the bottom of the pit.
- Spread on a thin layer of formula.
- Place a seedling in the hole, spread its roots horizontally.
- Dig in the seedling with nutrient mixture.
Planting should be done on a cloudy day. It’s okay if it rains on the day of landing.
Water young seedlings every two weeks by sprinkling through a special nozzle. With age, the number of waterings can be reduced. Loosen the soil around the seedling regularly to a depth of 10 cm to prevent weeds from growing. Periodically cover the soil around the seedling or mature fir with sawdust, but make sure that the root collar receives air.
With proper care, fir lives for about 700 years, so it will be a good gift for future generations.
Fir should be fertilized at least once a year. In the spring, apply any mineral fertilizer to the ground around the tree. Repeat feeding in October if desired. Even if you have chosen a frost-resistant variety of fir, for the winter, the young tree still needs to be covered with polyethylene, spruce branches or a protective cloth.
Young fir seedlings are often attacked by pests – aphids, false scutes, spider mites and caterpillars. To protect the tree, use natural biological products as a prophylaxis, such as “ecosil” or “novosil”. Also, for the prevention of the appearance of pests, there are various folk remedies.
Growing fir is a laborious task, but the result is worth the effort. A small fir grove near the house will fill your yard with a charming aroma, make it fresh and green at any time of the year.