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 an important evergreen tree species in temperate climates. There are around 50 different species of fir, distributed primarily 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, are native to North America.

Firs are often confused with spruces, even though they are two different tree species. Spruce, as the breadfruit tree of forestry, has become the dominant conifer in our forests, while firs, as a native tree, are now important for forestry almost exclusively 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 yet, keep in mind that this tree can reach up to 50 meters.

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 fertilizationHowever, on poor or heavily used soils, targeted fertilization can be helpful. In spring, an application of organic fertilizer such as compost, horn shavings, or bark mulch can support fir growth. If you want to fertilize your fir, there are long-acting conifer fertilizers available. Make sure to use only organic ingredients, if possible.

Watering the fir tree

Firs are deep-rooted trees and can usually supply themselves with water. However, young firs, in particular, require regular watering in their first few years. Even mature trees occasionally need additional water, depending on their location and dryness. If it's dry and hot for several weeks in the summer, all trees appreciate additional 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 the soil can absorb it optimally. If water is released 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, releasing the water drop by drop over the next few hours.