Spruce Trees Are a Must-Have in Your Garden

Fir trees (lat. Abies) are conifers belonging to the pine family (lat. Pinaceae). The name is derived from the Latin abies translated as whiteness or from the Proto-Indo-European abiétis meaning fir-like. Most fir species are native to the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Firs are mighty trees with straight trunks and branches arranged in whorls. The crowns of these trees are conical in shape when young, later becoming cylindrical. In youth they grow more slowly than in older age. The needles are mostly two-ranked, arranged in a comb-like pattern and notched at the tip. On the underside of each needle are two whitish stripes.

The cones, unlike many other conifers, do not hang down but are upright. They disintegrate while still on the tree, which is why you won't find fir cones on the ground. Fir wood is classified among softwoods. The genus includes around 40-55 fir species, which are grouped into several sections. Firs belonging to the Balsamea section are representatives of northern forests and high mountains to the south of them. This section includes, for example, the Korean fir (lat. Abies koreana). The Grandis section comprises representatives growing in North America, Mexico and Guatemala. Here they usually inhabit lowlands and middle elevations. A representative is, for example, the white fir (lat. Abies concolor). Representatives of the Abies section are closest to us, growing in central, southern and eastern Europe and in Asia Minor. The best known of them is the European silver fir (lat. Abies alba). Firs classified in the Moni section inhabit lowlands to middle elevations in central and eastern Asia and in the Himalayas. Representatives of the Piceaster section come from southern Spain and northwestern Africa. Representatives of the Amabilis section, growing in the mountains on the Pacific coast in North America and in Japan, are accustomed to sufficient rainfall. The Chinese Himalayas are inhabited by firs belonging to the Pseudopicea section. Other sections include Oiamel, Nobilis and Bracteata.

Most Commonly Cultivated Fir Species

• Silver Fir (lat. Abies alba) is a fir species that is native to our territory. You can find it in lower mountain areas, but its presence in forest stands is constantly declining. A well-known reserve with abundant occurrence of silver fir is the Mionší primeval forest in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids. Silver fir has significant moisture requirements, requiring high air humidity for good growth. On the other hand, it is not demanding in terms of light and is very tolerant of shade. It grows mainly in deeper, moderately nutrient-rich soils, tolerating even peaty to stony soils, and in some areas it grows on limestone as well. Silver fir grows to a height of 30-60 m and the trunk diameter can be 1-2 m. Massive trees have a conical to cylindrical, very regularly grown crown. At high age, lateral branches outgrow the terminal shoot (apex). Silver fir wood is yellowish in color, without resin ducts. Silver fir needles are arranged in two rows, broad, flat, glossy green on the front side with two light stripes on the back. Buds are ovate, brown in color, and do not contain resin. Male cones are greenish-yellow, most commonly found on the edges of the middle to lower part of the crown, typically about 2 cm long and 0.6 cm wide. Female cones are greenish-yellow to red, growing at the ends of last year's shoots at the top of the crown. Their size ranges from 2.5-4.5 cm. Cones grow upright and disintegrate while still on the tree. Young cones are greenish to bluish, changing to brown when ripe. Under good conditions, silver fir can live 300-600 years. However, it must not grow in areas heavily polluted by emissions or in cold regions, where it will not reach such a high age.

• White Fir (lat. Abies concolor) grows in the mountains of the western and southwestern parts of the USA and northwestern Mexico. These areas are characterized by long winters and precipitation especially during the growing season. When cultivating, it will thrive in moderately deep, moist, rich, but also sufficiently aerated sandy to sandy-loamy soils. However, in extreme conditions it survives even in very dry soils or on bare rocks. It can easily live for more than 300 years. White fir grows to a height of approximately 25-60 m. The crown is conical, changing to dome-shaped in maturity. Winter buds are oval to round, yellowish to light brown in color, containing large amounts of resin. Needles are sickle-shaped curved with a blue-green tint. The stripes on the underside of the needles are inconspicuous. Cones are cylindrical to elliptical in shape, 7-12 cm long. Their color is greenish or purplish. White fir is the least demanding, very hardy and adaptable species. Its great advantage is that in the first years it grows very slowly, so at about 20 years it reaches a height of around 7m.

• Korean Fir (lat. Abies koreana) originates from the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. Here it grows in mountainous areas with a cold and humid climate. During the summer period, there is very intense precipitation, while the winter period is characterized by very strong winds and low temperatures. In its homeland, Korean fir grows in shallow soils poor in humus. This fir species is rather smaller in growth habit, reaching only 10 - 18 m in its homeland, and even less when cultivated in our regions. The trunk typically has a diameter of 20 - 30 cm. The crown of Korean fir is broadly conical in shape, densely branched, with older specimens having a blunt top. The needles are wide, broadening towards the tip, and are mostly notched at the ends. The upper side is glossy, green in color with a distinct groove. On the underside, there are very subtle chalky white stripes that occasionally merge into a continuous white surface. The most distinctive feature of this fir are its cones, which turn purple when ripe. The cones are short-stalked, cylindrical, approximately 4 - 7 cm long. Korean fir is a highly sought-after species, especially for its decorative cones, which often form even on specimens as small as 1 m tall. The advantages also include its compact growth habit, regular branching pattern, and abundant annual cone production.

Growing Fir Trees from Seeds

Fir seeds do not require complex stratification before sowing like many other conifers. Sowing is best done in May. Seeds should be stored in a dry environment and before sowing it is advisable to soak them for 24 - 48 hours in clean water, peat extract or in a stimulation solution. Seeds can also be allowed to swell and pre-germinate in a layer of wet sand. Before sowing, let the seeds dry on the surface (so they don't stick together). Plant the seeds either in special trays or in individual pots (depending on the number of seeds), always put good drainage at the bottom. Fill the container with substrate obtained by mixing peat or coniferous litter, sharp sand and well-matured compost in a ratio of approximately 2:1:1. Conifer seedlings are often attacked by molds, so it is advisable to sterilize the substrate before sowing (for example by steaming or baking). Sow seeds sparsely, spread them on the substrate and cover them with a layer of sand approximately two to three times the size of the seeds. Cover small seeds with only a very thin layer of sand. Press down the sowing with a board and keep constantly slightly moist and shaded. Ventilate the sowing well to prevent mold formation. For successful germination, the temperature should be between 10 - 30 °C. Emerged sowings are susceptible to mold attack, so it is necessary to keep the sowing constantly clean, remove any weeds, ventilate and maintain an optimal temperature of 20 - 30 °C. Young plants require lower air and substrate humidity, so don't overwater them. Excessive shading can cause seedlings to stretch toward light. Approximately 14 days after seedling emergence, you can start fertilizing them with weak nitrogen solutions. At the end of June, start gradually accustoming the plants to normal conditions (hardening) and around August you can move them to an outdoor environment. With the transfer to outdoor environment, the composition of fertilizer also changes - replace nitrogen with fertilizer containing phosphorus and potassium to support lignification and ripening of seedlings - this will prepare them for overwintering. For the first winter, it is advisable to leave the seedlings in their original containers. Overwinter seedlings in a cold frame or greenhouse, which should preferably be covered in case of severe frosts without snow. Immediately after the frosts subside, check the seedlings to see if the severe frost has pulled them out of the ground. Even in winter, don't forget occasional watering!!! In spring, perform so-called pricking out (preparing the plant before planting at the final location). Transplant young plants into a larger pot if the original one is already too small, water them regularly, fertilize and harden them. Plants remain in the nursery for varying lengths of time, always depending on the specific species of conifer and the vigor of each individual. Plant them at their final location only when they have a sufficiently developed root system and reach appropriate dimensions. Planting is best done before the seedlings begin to sprout, this way they establish better and have time to root well before winter.

Where to Plant a Prepared Fir Seedling?

Young firs generally tolerate partial shade well, but in maturity they require a sunny location, so consider this when selecting a suitable spot. When planting, try to damage the root ball as little as possible. After planting, water young plants thoroughly and protect them from harsh sunburn. Firs usually need nutrient-rich soil that is sufficiently permeable and moderately moist. They cannot tolerate high groundwater levels, nor do they thrive particularly well in overly light and dry soils. A permanently higher air humidity is an essential prerequisite for successful growth. Plant firs in a sheltered location; they won't be particularly happy in a windy spot. Firs are frost-resistant. In case of insufficient snow cover, water them even in winter; young plants can also benefit from light winter protection (they must always have sufficient air circulation to prevent mold formation). Firs are sensitive to air purity and thrive better in places without increased amounts of pollutants (in the countryside, near forests, or by watercourses). You can support the growth of conifers by fertilizing with special fertilizer designed specifically for them. Also carry out fertilization depending on how fast you require growth. Never try to keep a fir small by pruning, as this would lead to irreversible damage to the crown. The fir would then lose its characteristic compact shape, which makes it an ornament of every garden. Firs do not like transplanting, so always think carefully about where you plant it.

Draw Energy from the Fir

Firs radiate a large amount of energy that you can draw from them. Firs are considered a symbol of strength, helping to manage stress and agitation. In their presence, you can rest from everyday hustle and find solutions to problems. A fir in your garden will also help you banish pessimism.