Content
- 1 What is better to plant on the site: thuja or juniper
- 2 When is it better to plant thuja: in spring or autumn
- 3 How to properly plant thuja in open ground in spring
- 4 How to care for thuja in the spring in the country, on the site, on the street
- 5 Pests and diseases
- 6 Conclusion
Thuja is one of the main representatives of the Cypress family. The culture is distinguished by its long lifespan and evergreen color. Planting and caring for thuja outdoors in spring is a fairly popular topic among gardeners: despite the unpretentiousness of the ephedra, there are many nuances and rules for keeping it on the site.
Tuyu can most often be found in gardens as part of flower beds or in the version of a single planting. Moreover, the tree is widely known for its medicinal properties, which makes it even more valuable.
It is important for everyone who wants to purchase such a plant to know how to properly plant thuja on the site, carefully study the photos and rules for caring for the tree.
What is better to plant on the site: thuja or juniper
Both thuja and juniper are characterized by a wide selection of species and decorative varieties for planting on the site. However, there are significant differences between plants:
- The form. Many varieties of thuja are characterized by an ideal spherical shape, in contrast to juniper, which is better used as a creeping plant.
- Mode of application. Juniper is practically unsuitable for hedging. Thuja seedlings are ideal for this purpose. Juniper is often used in single or group plantings, besides, the plant has a rather long growing period and is much more expensive.
- Growing conditions. Despite the fact that both ephedra are classified as picky plants, they react differently to external conditions. So, thuja is able to grow and develop well even in a smoky and gas-polluted environment. For a juniper, these factors can be fatal. That is why thuja is perfect for planting in a city, while a juniper can only adapt normally to a summer cottage.
- Demanding soil. For thuja, a rich, moist soil in a well-lit area is preferable. Juniper has a higher resistance to drought and frost, adapts well even to poor soils.
- The amount of phytoncides that kill bacteria in the air and fill it with the characteristic pine scent. The content of substances in juniper is much higher, which makes the plant valuable for the environment.
The choice of an ephedra for a site should be based on the place of growth, the quality of the soil and the purpose of planting the crop (garden composition, hedge, single planting, etc.)
What height does a thuja grow
The height of the ephedra directly depends on its variety, which is also important to consider before planting a plant on the site: for example, there are thuja up to 6 m high (Folded, or Giant), and the height of some can exceed 20 m with a trunk diameter of 70 cm (Western ).
It is worth considering that tall varieties of thuja have a lower decorative value and a slow growth rate, so it is better to use them for planting in spring in a botanical garden, park or nursery.
In the open field, at the initial stages of development, thuja grows rather slowly, its growth rate does not exceed 40 cm per year. Over time, this figure rises, and the shoots gradually change from a flat shape to a lush and rounded, while acquiring a reddish-brown tint.
Decorative forms of a coniferous plant can grow 55-60 cm in 3 years, and in adulthood reach more than 2 m in height. The growth rate of a culture depends significantly on the latitude of the place of its growth. In the regions of the Arctic forests, the tree reaches no more than 40 cm at the age of 6 years (the annual growth is only 5 - 8 cm). And in the southern regions, in a short period of time, the ephedra can become a real giant.
When is it better to plant thuja: in spring or autumn
Due to its unpretentiousness, it is allowed to plant a plant in open ground in any season. However, most gardeners prefer planting thuja in the spring: it is the spring period that has a beneficial effect on the open root system of the ephedra and makes it possible for young seedlings to better adapt to new conditions. Moreover, trees planted in spring will be able to better link their life cycle to the biological clock, as well as prepare for the first wintering.
When to plant thuja outdoors in spring
The most optimal period for planting thuja is early spring, before the start of the sap flow process. The time for active growth of ephedra begins in May, so it is best to plant the tree in mid-April, as soon as the period of severe frosts ends.
It is correct to plant thuja in the spring after the first warming up of the earth, depending on the weather in the region. It is during the period from April to May that both the coniferous shoots and its roots begin to grow actively. In the spring, thuja tolerates planting most easily. In addition, a slightly frozen earthen lump will retain its integrity. And by the winter period, the tree will grow a strong root system.
Thuja has a large number of varieties, the most popular of which for planting in the spring are western (varieties Smaragd, Danica, Brabant, Teddy), as well as eastern.
In the Leningrad Region, thuja only with a closed root system are widespread, which is why the planting of seedlings is carried out exclusively in the warm period, best of all in the middle of spring (April - early May).
How to properly plant thuja in open ground in spring
Despite the fact that caring for thuja in the spring is not particularly difficult, the process of planting an ephedra in the ground on a personal plot has its own characteristics, which are important to familiarize yourself with when buying a seedling.
It is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Experts advise to postpone planting in the spring, as this can harm the process of plant adaptation in a new place. The youngest seedlings adapt much easier and faster to the new environment and conditions.
- In the process of planting a plant from a pot, it is extremely important to leave an earthen lump intact.
- When planting a crop in spring, it is necessary to simultaneously carry out complementary feeding using a mixture of turf, sand and peat.
- In the process of planting, experts recommend adding 50-60 g of nitroammorphoska to the soil. The amount of added substance can be increased, depending on how many trees you want to plant.
It is equally important to familiarize yourself in detail with the technology of planting thuja in the spring and carefully study the step-by-step description of the process.
Where to plant thuja on the site
If the planting of thuja is carried out in the garden in the spring, then it is best to do it in a semi-shaded area that will not be illuminated by the sun all day. Constant exposure to direct light can dehydrate the plant or increase the risk of illness during severe frosts. It is best to use turf soil with a mixture of sand and peat. Planted in spring, thuja can also thrive on other types of soil: swamps, clay or sandy loam are well suited for it.
What next to thuja can be planted
In order to beautifully plant thuja in the spring in a garden or summer cottage, you can combine the ephedra with other types of plants: this will give the composition more decorative effect, and, in addition, will help to enhance its useful properties.
Thuja feels best near deciduous shrubs and flower beds:
- spireas;
- acacia;
- larch;
- cypress;
- ate;
- dwarf juniper;
- hosts;
- dicenter;
- hydrangeas;
- astilbe;
- hybrid petunia.
You can find out more information about caring for thuja in spring and about the features of growing ephedra in the garden from the video:
At what distance from the fence can you plant thuja
In adulthood, thuja can reach more than 3 m in height, so even the smallest trees are best planted at a distance of 1 - 1.5 m from the fence. Keeping this distance correctly will help to ensure the healthy growth of the ephedra and its proper development throughout its life.
What to plant between thujas along the fence
When planting in spring along the fence, thuja can be combined with other types of conifers: spruce, juniper, pine, etc. Often, designers, combining different heights, textures, shapes and shades of needles of trees, create unusual combinations and landscape compositions.
As a non-standard solution, you can use a combination of thuja with climbing plant species or a flower vine: the ephedra will act as a support for smaller plants, without harming the development of their root system.
Is it possible to plant thuja near the house
Despite the simplicity of keeping the ephedra, gardeners categorically do not recommend planting thuja near the house: due to the high growth rate, after a few years the tree can block up most of the site. In addition, planting a thuja near a house in a flower bed in the spring can harm the flowers growing nearby, which is why the ephedra will have to be uprooted.
Moreover, among the people, thuyu is considered a tree of sorrow and sorrow, therefore it is believed that it should not be located near the dwelling, especially if there is a young girl in the house: the tree can scare her away all suitors and bring loneliness.
Selection and preparation of seedlings
In nurseries and specialized stores, there is a fairly wide range of thuja seedlings of different varieties and decorative forms, which differ in both age and size. There is the option of acquiring a small tree that can be placed in the spring on the site after growing. It is best to give preference to the selection of young seedlings, as they have a higher level of adaptation.
If you want to design the site faster, then you should choose mature, mature trees.
When choosing a seedling, it is extremely important to evaluate the appearance of the plant, paying attention to two main factors: the level of moisture in the soil in the container and how tightly the needles hold on the shoots.
A high-quality and healthy seedling has strong and resilient branches, free of unidentified spots and physical damage from pests and diseases. The needles should fit snugly to the shoots and in no case crumble.
It is best to plant a plant in the ground in the spring immediately after purchase.
How to plant thuja in spring
Planting thuja in open ground in the spring significantly reduces the risk of diseases in the ephedra. In addition, it increases the speed of adaptation of the tree to new conditions.
When planting thuja in spring, you must adhere to simple rules:
- The depth of the planting pit should be at least 80 - 100 cm, and its exact size directly depends on the volume of the root system of the ephedra to be planted. The roots of the plant, as well as the preserved soil ball, must freely enter the hole and completely fit in it.
- The average width of the hole is 35 - 40 cm, and its depth is 30 - 40 cm more.
- The bottom of the planting pit must be sprinkled with loose soil filled with fertilizers. For this, wood ash, humus or compost are used conceived. The addition of these substances will greatly simplify the further care of the thuja. It is possible to carry out the next feeding of the plant only after 2 - 3 years.
- If the roots of the ephedra begin to dry out, they must be placed in water for a short time.
- After immersing the seedling in the planting hole, sprinkle it on top with a mixture of sand and earth in equal proportions.
- If a thuja with a closed type of root system was chosen for planting, it should be carefully removed from the container along with the substrate, then placed in the planting pit and covered with earth. The soil around the plant should be lightly tamped and watered well (1 - 2 buckets of water).
- If the tree is planted correctly, its root collar should be flush with the soil.
- The soil in the area of the trunk circle needs mulching: peat, compost or crushed pine bark are often used for this. The mulch should only cover the soil and should be removed from the lower branches of the plant, as well as from the trunk, to prevent damping.
- The arrangement of trees on the site also depends on the selected type of tree. Tall conifers should be planted with an interval of 4 - 5 m, the distance between low-growing trees is on average 1 - 1.5 m. This planting distance is also used to create a hedge or a shady alley, regardless of the size of the plants.
How to care for thuja in the spring in the country, on the site, on the street
When planting thuja in the spring in the garden or in the country, it is important to carefully study all the features and possible difficulties in caring for the plant.
The lush needles of a tree can evaporate a large amount of moisture, which is why you need to carefully monitor the condition of the soil and prevent it from drying out, regardless of the season. In the spring, at the initial stages of growth, you need to water the ephedra more often, as well as spray the crown. This will help wash off the accumulated dust, open the stomata of the leaves and ensure a more intense course of all physiological processes.
For the first 3 to 4 years, trees need to be sheltered to avoid burns from active sunlight.
Mature trees have a fairly high level of frost resistance, however, in winter, their branches are pulled together with twine to avoid injury to the crown during heavy snowfalls.
Watering schedule
Tuyu is classified as a moisture-loving crop. It is necessary to water the plant in spring time once a week, depending on weather conditions. On average, one young seedling should take up to 10 liters of water. With heavy precipitation in spring, the frequency of watering can be reduced, and in summer in open ground conditions, it can be increased (with an interval of 3 to 4 days). On especially hot days, thuja should be moistened every 2 to 3 days. At the same time, the volume of consumed water increases by 1.5-2 times. Mature trees need more moisture, while young seedlings should be watered a little more often.
It is equally important to irrigate the crown in order to give the branches more elasticity, and the leaves - a bright and juicy color. In spring, the procedure can be carried out twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
Loosening and mulching of the soil
Loosening of the soil in spring is carried out during the growing season by 8-10 cm in depth (thuja has a superficial root system). The trunks need to be mulched using peat, wood chips, bark or compost. This helps to protect the root system from overheating and drying out in the summer, as well as from freezing in winter.
Feeding schedule
As soon as the spring thuja is planted on a permanent site, you should immediately carry out its first feeding using a growth stimulator solution. The components in its composition contribute to the rapid rooting of the tree, and also significantly increase the general immunity. In the spring, an adult plant needs feeding with potassium and phosphorus. It is carried out twice, with an interval of 10 to 15 days.
The development of thuja in spring is positively influenced by the use of organic and mineral fertilizers, as well as special preparations for conifers (Fertika, etc.) or compost. They must be applied twice a season (in the spring and summer), having previously loosened the soil in the area of the trunk circle. In the summer, you will also need to water the trees using a fertilizer solution.
Crown formation
Thuja is characterized by quick adaptation to the shape, which allows designers to give it almost any shape: pyramidal, spiral, spherical or columnar. To preserve the ideal crown of the tree in spring, it must be cut regularly, removing damaged, dried or too long branches. What's more, pruning helps to thicken the crown and give the tree a beautiful and healthy look.
The formation of thuja in the spring is especially important for the correct growth of the ephedra.
In order to properly trim the crown in spring, it is important to consider a few points:
- The best periods for the procedure will be spring or summer (early April and late June).
- It is necessary to cut off all dry branches in order to qualitatively thin out the crown of the ephedra. This will significantly improve air circulation and reduce the likelihood of disease.
- To form the crown, you need to use special garden shears or pruning shears.Important! The scissors should be sharp enough to get a perfect, even cut during the trimming process.
- To promote the growth of the tree in width, in the spring it is necessary to mow the upper area of the thuja. If the crown of the tree is spherical, cut the long branches that extend beyond it.
- Tree cutting in spring is carried out only on a dry sunny day.
- It is necessary to cut the root of the ephedra a few days after removing the protective cape that covered the plant in winter. At the beginning of spring, you need to wait a little and allow the culture to take its natural form, and then start pruning the tree.
- It is very important not to overdo it and not thin out the crown of the plant too much, so as not to spoil the shape.
- Trees growing in shaded areas in spring require little or no pruning due to little sunlight. The crown of such thujas rarely has a lush and thick shape.
- It is important not to be late with timely formation, as this will reduce the risk of disease and pest infestation.
Pests and diseases
Most thuja diseases in spring arise from the action of dangerous pathogens: fungi of the genus Fusarim, Thomas, cytospores, etc. They are capable of infecting both the crown and needles of a plant, and its shoots. A disease such as brown shute affects only the needles of thuja.
To eliminate fungal diseases on the tree, it is best to use Bordeaux liquid or Kartozid solution. It is necessary to process conifers in the spring with an interval of 10 - 15 days, until the thuja is fully recovered.
The most common pests of the ephedra are considered to be thuja aphids and false shields. When the tree is affected by aphids, the needles begin to turn yellow and eventually fall off. To eliminate it, when spraying in the spring, use a solution based on Karbofos, Rogom or Decis. No less dangerous for the tree is the thuja false shield, which is found on the needles and branches of the plant.
In the spring, before the buds bloom, the plant must be sprayed with Karbofos, at the end of June, treat it twice with Aktellik, Rogor or Chlorophos (with an interval of 1 - 1.5 weeks).
Conclusion
Planting and caring for thuja in the open field has many features that are important to study before buying a tree for your site. The most optimal season for planting is spring, since it is during this period that the ephedra will most quickly be able to adapt to new conditions. At the same time, it is extremely important to choose the right seedling, paying special attention to its appearance and the absence of physical damage. Planting and caring for thuja in the spring is quite simple. However, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with all the features of the content of the ephedra: the irrigation schedule, the rules for loosening, mulching and feeding, as well as the prevention of typical diseases that can interfere with the healthy growth of the tree.
