Watering silver fir

• Silver fir origin
• Silver fir care and location
• Pruning silver fir
• Watering silver fir
• Fertilizing silver fir

Silver fir origin

The silver fir (Abies alba) is a European coniferous tree species within the pine family. It grows to a height of up to 60 m and can live up to 600 years. It is known for its whitish, smooth bark and its elongated, soft, green needles, which grow in clusters on the branches.

In mythology, the silver fir was often considered a sacred tree and venerated in many cultures. Among the ancient Germanic peoples, it was a symbol of eternal life force, continuous growth, and inexhaustible fertility.

The silver fir is a monoecious conifer that produces both male and female flowers. The male flowers can be identified by their yellow, hanging inflorescences, while the female flowers are small and round. The needles of the silver fir are soft and grow in clusters on the branches. They are green and have a glossy surface. The cones of the silver fir are large and conical and contain the seeds of the tree. They ripen every year and open when dry, exposing the seeds.

The needles and resin of the silver fir are used medicinally. They contain essential oils and are used in teas, inhalations, and baths as natural remedies for respiratory diseases, inflammation, and pain. Due to its aromatic scent and resinous taste, silver fir wood is also popular for making incense sticks, perfumes, and aromatherapy.

Silver fir care and location

The silver fir prefers a location with plenty of sunlight and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. However, it can also thrive in partially shaded areas and in areas with poor soil quality as long as there is sufficient water and nutrients. In hot and dry regions, the silver fir prefers locations that are shaded and the soil does not dry out completely.

Pruning silver fir

To promote growth and improve its appearance, regular pruning of the silver fir is recommended. This should be done in spring, removing dead, diseased, and damaged branches.

Watering silver fir

As a result of climate change, hotter and drier periods are becoming more frequent, which has an impact on nature and especially on trees. Depending on its location and the climatic situation, the silver fir may need to be watered more frequently than before. The water requirements of the silver fir can vary depending on its size and location. In general, however, the silver fir has low water requirements and can thrive in areas with low rainfall. It is usually well adapted to dry soils and can tolerate dry periods. During the growing season, the silver fir should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. The next watering should not take place until the soil has become drier again. Conventional watering with a hosepipe can result in too much water landing on the ground at once and then evaporating or running off before it reaches the roots.

 
With tree bath watering bags Watering is more efficient and saves water. Drip irrigation continuously releases water into the soil, allowing the shallow roots to absorb it more effectively. The watering bag also covers the soil surface, preventing moisture from evaporating. The Baumbad watering bags hold 75 or 100 liters, which is sufficient for young and newly planted trees. 
Attaching and filling water bags for silver fir is simple and straightforward. The watering bag is placed around the tree trunk like a scarf. The next step is to fill the "watering donut" with enough water until the watering bag is full.

Fertilizing silver firs

The best time to Fertilize The best time to mow silver firs is in the fall and spring. Compost or manure is suitable for this. A layer of bark compost mulch around the roots helps retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.