The service tree has become relatively unknown, but it is a real gem and conjures up a gigantic eye-catcher in the garden. Also, she doesn't have much of a requirement to thrive.
You may not know which trees we are talking about here, because it has become quiet around the service tree (Sorbus torminalis). The trees were once used as firewood and valued as an energy tree. Today, fossil fuels have eclipsed the service tree. Completely wrong, because the trees are definitely eye-catchers in parks and larger gardens, not least because of the fragrant blossoms in spring and the bright red autumn colour.
By planting the service tree in your garden, a stately and attractive deciduous tree with a long history will experience a renaissance.
Plant Description
The serviceberry belongs to the whitebeam family. The rose plant reaches stature heights of more than twenty meters. In the wild, the tree can grow over 30 meters in height. The trunk reaches a diameter of up to one meter over the years. Similarities to the pear tree become clear. The service tree owes its nickname “Swiss pear tree” to this fact. The broad, slightly ovate leaves are about five centimeters long. The bark, which is smooth and brownish on young trees, turns gray-black on older trees. The service tree can reach an impressive age of up to 300 years.
History of the service tree
The checkerberry still leads a rather shadowy existence today, in the past the pome fruit plant has seen better days. Until the end of the 19th century, many forests were used for firewood. The serviceberries were cut down for this. The stick was left in the ground and the plant sprouted again. This was known as coppice farming. The service tree was also valued for its hard wood. Since there is hardly any coppice farming today and the high forest generally predominates, the checkerberry as a light tree species was replaced by the shade tree species and has therefore become a rare sight in our forests today.
Whereis the serviceberry common?
The service tree has a wide distribution area and can be found from southern England to the Caucasus. The plants appear most widespread on the Balkan Peninsula and in France. In Germany, the occurrence is generally declining, but the service tree is available almost everywhere, with the exception of the north-west German lowlands.
» Tip: In the past, service berries only grew in warmer regions. In the course of climate change, service berries can now also be cultivated in northern Germany or in the low mountain ranges.
Optimum planting conditions for the service tree
Location:
You should initially be able to give the checkerberry plenty of room. When planting, remember that at some point your little tree will want to grow 25 meters in height and reach a considerable trunk diameter.
» Tip: Serviceberries grow slowly and will not outgrow you in the first few years.
Serviceberries prefer a sunny site. There, the trees grow quite quickly even when they are young and can grow up to half a meter in height every year. Older trees usually only grow about 15 centimeters per year. Trees tolerate heat well. The service tree also has no objection to direct sunlight. The plants do particularly well on south-facing steep slopes.
» Tip: Young plants also tolerate a rather shady location. Older trees need lots of light.
Coming soon:
- light
- sunny
- Unique Position
Substrate:
The serviceberry is a deep-rooted plant. So the trees want to stretch their roots deep into the earth. They do this best when the soil appears well drained. This is generally an advantage because the plants do not tolerate waterlogging. A permeable soil allows the irrigation water to drain off better and thus protects against waterlogging.
The plants need nutrient-rich soil, which should be rather dry. The substrate may be calcareous. Slightly acidic substrate is also tolerated. The plants usually do well even in heavier clay soils.
» Tip: The plants feel particularly at home in wine-growing regions. In Germany, the main deposits are on the Rhine, Neckar or Moselle.
The roots spread widely and usually reach a larger diameter than the tree crown. This means that the trees can withstand storms and are good againstprepared for longer periods of drought.
Coming soon:
- nutrient rich
- permeable
- tony
- slightly acidic
Planting Instructions:
❶ Select location
❷ Prepare soil
❸ Enhance soil
❹ Water plant
❺ Dig planting hole
❻ Insert plant❼ Close the planting hole
❽ Press down the soil well
❾ Water the plant
After choosing the location, you can start preparing the soil. The service tree needs a loose and well-drained soil. Therefore, remove all compaction and loosen the substrate down to its deeper layers. The service tree has a fairly high nutrient requirement. Barren soils can be upgraded with compost. Mature compost is a sustainable natural fertilizer that provides the young plants with all the nutrients they need.
So that the roots can soak up enough liquid, the serviceberry should be watered before planting. To do this, place the plant in a bucket of water and wait until no more air bubbles rise from the container. Then the plant is sufficiently supplied with liquid.
The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball. Plant the plant, being careful not to damage the roots. Now the substrate can be filled up and you can water the service tree. Young plants do less well with longer periods of drought than older trees.
» Tip: After rooting, the tree can obtain nutrients from the long taproots and watering can be stopped.
If the area is freely accessible, the service tree should be fenced in after planting. This protects the plant from deer browsing.
» By the way: The best time to plant deciduous trees is autumn. If you get container plants from the nursery, you can put them in the ground all year round.