Watering the service tree

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from team baumbad

18.04.2025

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Content:

Serviceberry origin
Serviceberry care and location
Cutting serviceberry
Fertilizing serviceberry
Watering the service tree

Serviceberry origin

The service tree (Sorbus torminalis), also known as the Swiss pear tree, belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and the genus Sorbus. It is native to large parts of Europe – from Central Europe through the Mediterranean to the Caucasus. In Germany, it is considered a rare tree species worthy of special protection.

In the past, its pear-like fruits were processed into cider or jam. Today, the service tree is also valued as an ecologically valuable, robust, and low-maintenance tree, ideally suited for sustainable gardens. Its special appeal also stems from its ability to be both native and exotic. The service tree is still unknown to many tree lovers.

Serviceberry care and location

The wild service tree prefers a sunny to partially shaded location. Calcareous and well-drained soils are ideal. It is considered an easy-care and robust tree, well-suited to natural gardens and also adapts well to urban climates. It is tolerant of heat and drought, but does not tolerate waterlogging.

Cutting serviceberry

Regular pruning isn't necessary for the service tree. As with most trees, dead or damaged shoots can be removed. If you do prune the service tree, the best time to do so is between February and March on frost-free days.

You can find further information in our Contribution to cutting.

Fertilizing serviceberry

The service tree is adapted to nutrient-poor soil and, in most cases, requires no fertilization. A thin layer of mulch can be helpful.

More information about the Fertilize of trees.

Watering the service tree

Young service trees should be watered regularly for the first five years, especially during hot and dry periods. Newly planted trees should be watered several times a week. This is important because young trees' root systems are not yet fully developed and therefore cannot yet access deeper soil layers.
Mature trees generally don't require additional watering, except during prolonged drought. Also, keep in mind that service trees don't tolerate waterlogging.

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 as slowly as possible so 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 of water. 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, slowly releasing the water over several hours.
If you're not using tree watering bags, you should water the tree either early in the morning or late in the evening. Otherwise, on hot days, the water can evaporate quickly. Root shock is also possible when cold tap water meets hot, overheated soil.

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