The service tree is the tree of the year 2011 and not without good reason. The autumn colors make it an absolute eye-catcher in the garden. You don't even have to do much for that. Caring for the service tree is very easy.
The service tree (Sorbus torminalis) is a native deciduous tree. In the wild, however, you will often search in vain, because the stocks have declined significantly in recent decades. Completely wrong, because the "Swiss pear tree" is extremely attractive, enchants the landscape with its attractive autumn colors and even has edible fruits.
The tree of the year 2011 deserves our attention. Anyone who decides to grow these plants will create a robust and grateful house tree, which is already considered a rarity in many places. In the following, we will tell you how you can help this almost forgotten plant to make a comeback in your garden with the right care.
Water the checkerberry correctly
After planting out, the young plants need regular watering. Young trees have a high water requirement and the roots are not yet sufficiently developed so that nutrients can be supplied via the roots. Only older plants have stable taproots that reach far into the ground and ensure the supply of the plant. As a result, older trees no longer need to be watered regularly. They can usually take care of themselves from the ground. This means that the maintenance of the service tree is reduced over time.
Potted plants are an exception. Only a limited amount of substrate is available in a planter. This limits the plant. In addition, only young plants are kept in the tub, which, as already mentioned, have a high liquid requirement. Potted plants need to be watered regularly, even after strong roots have developed.
» Tip: The checkerberry should not be kept in a bucket for longer than three years. After this time the plants are sufficiently developed to be planted outdoors andto be cultivated.
Coming soon:
- Water young plants regularly
- Older plants get water from their roots
- Potted plants need to be watered continuously
Fertilize checkerberry correctly
If the service tree is planted in nutrient-rich soil, it will develop remarkably well and grow relatively quickly even when young. The substrate should be upgraded accordingly when planting.
» Tip: A loose soil is very important for the plants, which protects against waterlogging.
If you mix mature compost and horn shavings under the substrate, the plant receives a natural fertilizer that provides it with nutrients during the first growth phase. Fertilizer can be applied in spring and autumn. If the soil is particularly poor, green plant fertilizer can also be used during the growing season. This is added directly to the watering water of the young plants.
Coming soon:
- nutrient-rich substrate is preferred
- Upgrade soil with compost and horn shavings
- Foliage fertilizer can be added during the growth phase
Cut the serviceberry correctly
Pruning measures are not absolutely necessary with the service tree. Planted alone in the right location, the plants do not tend to bare or form long, thin shoots that spoil the overall appearance.
Pruning is well tolerated and if you find it necessary you can use scissors and help the tree develop a pretty spherical crown. Remove protruding side branches and ensure that the service tree receives enough light by removing branches that are too dense. The crown should give a light impression and not grow too dense.
Weak or diseased shoots should be removed regularly. This is to be carried out regardless of the season and ultimately serves to preserve the tree.
Coming soon:
- tolerates pruning
- Topiology promotes development of the crown
- regular removal of old and diseased branches
- Pruning if the crown is too dense
An overview of the most important care measures
| Care measure | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Casting | • Young plants must be watered regularly. • Once the older plants have developed enough roots, they no longer need to be watered. • As long as the plants are in theIrrigation is necessary if tubs are cultivated. |
| Fertilize | • Enhance the soil by adding compost and horn shavings. |
| Cut | • The service tree tolerates pruning well, but does not necessarily have to be pruned regularly. • Targeted pruning measures can promote the formation of the crown. • Branches that are too dense are removed. • Remove diseased or old branches immediately, regardless of the season. |
Why isn't my serviceberry blooming?
You planted a service tree and took the care instructions into account? Still waiting in vain for the blossom? This is not because of you, but because of the nature of the plant. It takes 20 to 25 years for the service tree to bloom. As a result, only older plants have a good chance of discovering the white umbels with up to 40 fragrant individual flowers in early summer.
If there are no blossoms on older trees either, this may be because the service tree is literally alone in the field. The plants do not pollinate themselves. The insects therefore still have to find a tree within reach for pollination to work. Unfortunately, the success rate for cross-pollination is not particularly high either, because up to 80 percent of the seeds die off.
So it will take patience and luck to see the service tree in bloom.
Propagating serviceberry
The service tree can be propagated by seeds. Due to the rarity of the tree, it will be difficult to gather the fruit and extract the seed. If you haven't found a wild tree, ask friends or neighbors who have already planted a service tree. The seeds of the service tree can also be purchased in well-stocked specialist seed shops.
It is a good idea to prefer the seeds in planters. For this purpose, suitable containers are filled with potting soil and the seeds are introduced and lightly covered with soil. Place the planter in a light and warm location. To speed up germination, you can put a plastic or glass cover over the planter.
» Tip: The cover should be aired daily to prevent mold from forming in the planter.
Once germination has taken place, the cover is removed. The plants continue to be watered and can be planted outdoors when they are about 50 centimeters tall.
Diseases and pests on the service treerecognize
The service tree is extremely robust and is rarely attacked by pests and diseases. Due to its rarity, no specific damage patterns are known. The serviceberries are regularly populated by beetles and butterflies. The plant is not very sensitive to pests. It is usually not necessary for the hobby gardener to intervene. Only voles can be dangerous to the service tree.
» Tip: There is a risk of wild browsing on serviceberries planted outdoors. Appropriate protection should be provided.