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Fraser fir is a popular coniferous plant that many people plant in their garden plots. Caring for it is simple, and its decorative qualities are very high. This crop is suitable even for owners of small farms.
Description of Fraser fir
Fraser fir (Abies Fraseri) is similar to balsam fir (Abies balsamea) and is often considered a subspecies. The tree got its name from the Scottish botanist John Fraser. It gained fame in the southeastern part of America and was cultivated in 1811.
Fraser fir is a small evergreen coniferous tree, reaching a height of 10 m. The trunk is about 45 cm in circumference. The crown is conical, the branches are straight, often located at an angle of about 40 °. The bark is thin and quite smooth, has a brownish-gray tint. The older the plant, the more cracks and irregularities appear on the trunk. Fraser fir is often called Danish fir.
The needles are twisted at the base and arranged in a spiral. Their length is about 2 cm and width is 0.2 cm. The color of Fraser fir needles is dark green, changing to bluish at the base.At the bottom there are two silver stripes. The cylinder-shaped cones stand vertically, their length reaches 7 cm and width 3 cm. The color when young is purple, changing to light brown when ripe. The scales of the cones located on top are green, yellowish or purple, with resin protruding from them.
Fraser fir in landscape design
A popular plant in landscape design. But it is worth considering that the tree suffers from polluted air.
Fir is good for use in group plantings or alleys. Its neighbors can be birches, maples and various shrubs. If the plant is of a low-growing variety, then it is better to place dwarf conifers or perennials nearby that cover the soil.
Fraser fir is also commonly found in hedges. This is convenient because you don't have to cut them. Since the needles do not fall off for a long time, fir is also used in floristry.
Fraser fir is shown in the photo:
Which is better: Fraser or Nordmann fir
Fraser fir can be found on sale as a New Year tree. She has a beautiful appearance and the ability to stand indoors for a long time without losing needles. Nordmann fir is also offered, but it has a not very symmetrical and rather loose arrangement of branches, which reduces the decorative qualities of the tree. In addition, needles quickly begin to fall off. Unlike Nordmann fir, Fraser fir has a denser and neater shape, which is also well suited for use in landscape design.
Planting and caring for Fraser fir
In order for the tree to grow well and not lose its decorative appearance, you need to choose the right planting site.It is worth considering that the plant is found in the wild in the mountains, at high altitudes - there is strong humidity and fairly cool air, short summers and long snowy winters. Accordingly, it is better not to place the tree in sunny open areas; partial shade would be the ideal option.
Preparing seedlings and planting area
When choosing a seedling, they give preference to plants in containers. Planting of such fir is carried out at any time of the year, except for winter cold. The root system in the container develops well, and the earthen ball remains undestroyed, which is extremely important for planting coniferous crops.
The peculiarity of fir trees is that mycorrhiza lives on their roots - a microorganism that helps absorb water and nutrients. But it dries out within 10-15 minutes in the absence of an earthen clod. Therefore, it is not recommended to buy fir with bare roots; it will not take root and will die.
The area designated for the tree is dug up and everything is removed weeds. Two parts of turf soil, one part each of sand and peat are added to the soil - this will improve its properties.
Landing rules
Overall, Fraser fir is not difficult to plant. You must follow the rules:
- planting is possible both in spring and autumn, the tree will take root equally well;
- the hole is made twice as large as the earthen ball of the fir root system;
- the soil removed from the hole is mixed with compost before filling it back in;
- the previously prepared soil is placed on the bottom;
- the fir with a moistened clod of earth is placed in a hole and placed at the same level with the soil surface;
- The plant is covered with the remaining soil and lightly compacted;
- form a tree trunk circle for watering and fertilizing.
This completes the Fraser fir planting process. All that remains is to generously water and mulch the surface of the earth next to it with compost.
Watering and fertilizing
Caring for fir will not cause much difficulty. It needs to be watered in dry weather, and also needs moisture in the spring to stimulate the awakening and growth of the tree. It is recommended to sprinkle the crown at least once a week.
Fertilizers are applied in the spring before mulching. It is better to use granular preparations at the rate of 0.15 kg per 1 square meter. m. Young firs especially need feeding.
Mulching and loosening
The circle around the trunk is loosened as a crust forms on the soil and mulched with pine needles. The plant also needs weeding. During these activities, the fir is inspected for the presence of pests and diseases.
Trimming
The plant has a naturally compact appearance, so formative pruning is not required. Sanitary measures must be carried out in the spring, before the sap begins to move through the tree. Remove all dried and diseased branches.
Preparing for winter
Since under natural conditions the plant overwinters in fairly snowy areas, it must be protected from the icy wind. This is especially true for young trees - they are provided with protection from recurrent frosts and too bright sun in the spring during the first 3 years of life. Mature Fraser fir has high winter hardiness, while maintaining its decorative value.
Features of caring for Fraser fir in a pot
When growing Fraser fir in a pot, for the successful development of the crop, you must adhere to the following rules:
- avoid stagnation of water, use high-quality drainage and a tray;
- watering is carried out at the root, and the needles are sprayed with water, which is first allowed to settle;
- on hot days, it is recommended to sprinkle the fir with a cool shower;
- for the first 2-3 years after planting, the plant can do without fertilizing, and then granular products for coniferous crops are added;
- the crown is not formed, but if there is a desire to do this, then the spring months are preferable;
- Once every 2 years, the fir should be replanted into a larger pot, placing the root collar flush with the ground.
Reproduction
The tree is bisexual, seeds begin to form when it reaches the age of 15 years. They will grow best in soils rich in minerals, in moss, peat - in a fairly moist environment. At home, seeds are sown in the spring, before the buds awaken. You can also do this in winter. When sowing in spring, cold stratification is needed for a couple of months. Seeds germinate at a temperature of about + 20 ° C; moderate watering is required.
This crop is not propagated by cuttings, because the shoots do not take root well. Only the seed method is used.
Diseases and pests
The plant does not do well with sudden temperature changes. The tree begins to shed its needles and may die. Another common problem is root rot. Bacteria attack the underground part of the tree when there is too much watering or poor drainage. The disease then spreads to the trunk and branches. The symptom is a sharp yellowing of the needles.You can save the fir before the rot spreads to the trunk. The tree is dug up, diseased roots are removed, treated with a fungicide and placed in new soil.
The plant is susceptible to another type of rot, which is caused by tinder fungi. The disease develops on the roots and then rises up the trunk. The tree's needles turn yellow, the color of the bark changes, and voids form. The mushrooms themselves can be seen at the base of the trunk. Treatment with fungicides will help.
The most common pests found on Fraser fir are:
- Spider mite - the main danger is that the pest forms 4-5 generations in one season. The plant becomes covered with small cobwebs, the affected needles turn yellow and fly off. The mite is afraid of excessive moisture, so a shower for the tree crown will be a good prevention. If the pest has already settled on the fir, then an insecticide is used against it.
- Aphid - drinks juices from tree needles and causes them to fall off. The pest can be seen if you look closely; it reaches a size of 1.5 mm. The fallen pine needles are removed from the tree and burned. Insecticides are effective against aphids. Copper sulfate is used as a preventative measure.
- Bark beetle - this name brings together such pests as fir longhorned beetle, gold beetle, click beetle, and beetle. They cause damage not only to the tree bark, but also to the roots and needles. The branches die and dry out. Insects are collected and destroyed; a woodpecker living in a tree can cope well with beetles.
Conclusion
Fraser fir collects mostly positive reviews from gardeners; the descriptions of its varieties contain many attractive qualities, and beautiful photos of the tree encourage the purchase of this particular variety. For those who live in the city, it can be a potted plant.If all care rules are followed, Fraser fir rarely gets sick and always has a decorative appearance.
Good day!!! Milling fir, how does it grow quickly?
Good afternoon
Fraser fir is classified as a crop with a moderate growth rate. Fir growth depends on the following factors:
• plant age;
• climatic conditions;
• soil composition;
• compliance with the rules of care.
However, fir can have three growth periods.In the first 10-15 years it grows moderately and does not increase in size much. At 10-11 years old, seedlings can reach 1.5-1.6 m in height.
But in the second period, which lasts approximately 20 years, Fraser fir grows more actively. During this time, it can grow up to 11.5-12.5 m in height. Natural growth will be 11-12 m over the entire period.
From the age of 40, the growth of Fraser fir decreases. Over the course of a year it can be 0.3-0.4 m.
We wish you high harvests!