Anyone who has a Douglas fir in their garden will enjoy the impressive tree. But the coniferous tree cannot do without care.
Douglas firs are stately trees and our forests would be unimaginable without them. The imposing conifers can grow up to 60 meters high. The trunk can reach a diameter of about four meters. The Douglas fir will therefore not find a place in every garden. A small consolation for the hobby gardener - the Douglas fir can also be cultivated as a bonsai. Douglas firs are very sensitive, especially when they are young, and there are a few things to keep in mind when caring for the trees. We have now put together some tips for he althy growth for you.Douglasien aim high
Douglasias (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are native to North America and were introduced to Europe in the 19th century. The tree has become well established in forests, such as in parks or larger gardens, and in many respects is even more robust and resilient than the native spruce. Overseas, the plant is a real giant and grows more than 100 meters high. In Europe, a growth height of 50 to 60 meters is the norm. In any case, these dimensions should be considered before you decide to plant a Douglas fir.
Douglas fir as a garden tree
The slender and slender appearance of the Douglas fir is sure to make it an eye-catcher in your home garden. Nevertheless, the evergreen trees are by no means typical garden plants. Due to the dimensions, a larger and spacious plot of land or an area that is already wooded should be available in any case. Although the Douglas fir is rather undemanding - also with regard to the soil conditions - care is still not child's play, because the plants need a humid and rainy climate and are particularly sensitive to prolonged drought.
Watering the Douglas fir correctly
When watering the trees, it depends on the right instinct. The Douglas fir tolerates neither waterlogging nor dry bales. If the irrigation water accumulates, the roots will rot. In the event of prolonged drought, the sensitive hairy roots of the Douglas fir are attacked and the plant can no longer obtain sufficient nutrients from the soil.
Note: The soil may dry out slightly on the surface, but the substrate should never dry out completely.
Watering the Douglas fir correctly in keywords:
- water moderately
- Substrate must not dry out
- Soil should not be too wet
Fertilize Douglas fir correctly
For outdoor plants, regular fertilization is not necessary unless the soil is noticeably poor. In this case, the soil can already be upgraded with compost during planting. Compost can be brought in as long-term fertilizer every year.
If the Douglas fir is cultivated as a bonsai, regular application of liquid fertilizer is recommended during the growth period. From September you should generally no longer fertilize.
Overview of important care tips
| Note | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Growth Form | • The Douglas fir can grow up to 60 meters high. This must be considered when choosing the location. • There should be no buildings within a radius corresponding to the height of the tree. • Before planting, check whether the tree is suitable for your own property. |
| Casting | • Douglas firs are particularly sensitive to drought. • The soil must not dry out completely • Nor does it tolerate waterlogging. • Watering requires a sure instinct |
| Young plants | • Young plants need a lot of care. • In the first few weeks after planting, watering has to be done daily. • The risk of pest and fungal infestation is in the first 15 years of life particularly high. |
Rotten Douglas firs - what to do?
Anyone who has planted a Douglas fir will initially have to be patient. It will take between 20 and 40 years for the tree to be able to produce flowers.The flowers appear in April and May. The Douglas fir is a monoecious plant. This means that male and female flowers are often on one plant. The male flowers can be recognized by the fact that cones form. Female flowers, on the other hand, are solitary.
Tip: Male and female flowers can also be distinguished by the fact that the male flower buds appear slightly redder and are slightly smaller than the female flowers.
Are there different types?
The Douglas fir can be roughly divided into two types. The coastal Douglas fir is often found in Germany as a forest tree.It is also called Green Douglas Fir. The mountain Douglas fir is also called Colorado Douglas fir and is less common in our latitudes.
Cutting Douglas fir correctly
Editing measures are not absolutely necessary. The trees also grow without regular pruning. However, if you want to keep the size of the Douglas fir under control and want to work out a certain growth habit, you can use scissors. Douglas firs usually tolerate pruning and topiary without any problems.
Anyone who would like the naturally slender crown of the tree to be more luxuriant should regularly remove the branches and shoots lying between the root trunk and the crown. Scissors should also be used when it comes to removing dead or diseased branches. A cut is always the better option here. If you don't act, you risk spreading the fungi and pests to the entire plant.
Tip: The needles release a pleasant, lemony aroma after cutting.
Detect diseases and pests
Douglas fir trees can be attacked by fungi. The rusty Douglas fir chute and the sooty Douglas fir chute play a particularly important role. These are sac fungi that spread through spores. A fungal infection can be recognized by the discolouration of the needles. The needles take on a yellowish to brownish colour.
Tip: Since the coastal Douglas fir is less susceptible to the rusty Douglas fir heap, the trees are widespread in Germany.
Pest infestation by Douglas fir seed wasps and Douglas fir mealybugs should also be mentioned. These pests can cause direct tree damage. The needles turn yellow and eventually fall off. The occurrence of mealybug can be recognized by white, powdery spots on the needles. Both pests were "imported" from the original distribution area of the Douglas fir. the Douglas fir cotton aphid has spread particularly rapidly in Europe and is now one of the most important forest pests.
Approved pesticides should be used for control. Home remedies have little effect and are rarely an option, if only because of the size of the plants. Younger plants can be sprayed with nettle manure or horsetail broth. This serves to strengthen the tree in general.
Wintering the Douglas Fir
The plants are hardy outdoors and do not require any special protection. To prevent the soil from drying out, it should be watered occasionally on frost-free days. For bonsai plants is aWinter protection from leaves or bark mulch necessary. In severe frosts, it is advisable to spend the winter in a frost-free, bright cellar or hallway.
Is the Douglas Fir poisonous?
The plants are not poisonous. There are no toxins in the needles, cones or seeds. Thus, the Douglas fir is a completely harmless plant for humans and animals.