How long does a Christmas tree grow: by year, to adulthood, how much does it grow in a year

Spruce is one of the most common evergreen trees in Eurasia and North America. Spruce forests can be pure or mixed with other coniferous and deciduous species. The botanical genus of spruce belongs to the pine family and has about 50 species. Landscape design specialists use a variety of decorative forms and include coniferous trees in original compositions. How many years a spruce tree lives in a wild forest or in a summer cottage depends on the type of tree and the conditions in which it will grow.

How much and how fast do spruce trees grow?

More and more owners of private houses and summer cottages are planting not only fruit trees, but also conifers on their territory. The reasons may be different:

• improve your possessions;
• grow a hedge;
• create a shaded place to relax;
• when planting under windows on the sunny side, protect the room from sunlight;
• improve air quality (conifers emit a large amount of phytoncides that are beneficial for the respiratory system);
• use the tree as a New Year's beauty, so do not buy a Christmas tree for the house;
• admire the green crown not only in summer, but also in winter for decades.

But if you hope that in a year a teenage tree will grow from a small Christmas tree, then these are vain hopes. But our article will tell you how to speed up the growth of the green beauty or subsequently stop it.

Use in the national economy

Spruce plantations can often be seen in sanatoriums. Because their needles release phytoncides that clean and disinfect the air. Also, spruce often becomes the basis of landscapes in personal plots.

High-quality musical instruments are made from this wood. Soft wood is used to make paper, rayon, and smokeless gunpowder. Resin, tar, rosin, and turpentine are obtained.

Fir cones are widely used in folk medicine. Healers believe that a Christmas tree is a donor tree; if you lean against it and stand there for a few minutes, it will give a person energy and strength.

The children are waiting for the forest guest for the New Year.

How much joy it brings, filling the house with a special forest smell and pleasing the eye with its beauty!

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What influences the development of spruce?

First, you should pay attention to the fact that two seedlings purchased at the same time, but planted in different areas or even in opposite corners of the same area, will grow differently. It all depends on the growing conditions, which include many factors.

• Quality and conditions for growing planting material.
• The quality of the soil - the Christmas tree can grow even on soil depleted of microelements, but only without stagnant water. In especially rainy weather, you will have to make grooves - drainage systems so that the roots of the tree do not rot.
• Lighting – the myth that conifers are shade-loving plants remains a myth. On the sunny side, the needles will acquire bright shades. And in the absence of good lighting, blue spruces, for example, will turn into ordinary green ones. The lack of light will also affect its shape - the tree will stretch upward, losing its decorative effect.
• Watering. Despite the fact that the seedling does not react well to overwatering, the plant needs to be watered regularly.
• Winds that constantly blow in the same direction (for example, from the sea) can significantly affect the development of spruce - expose one side of the tree, bend its branches.
• The lack of fertilizing will affect the growth rate, plant shape and needle color. Stores sell special soils and fertilizers for coniferous plants.
• Antifungal (fungicidal) and insecticidal treatment in the form of spraying and pollination.
• A protective barrier in the form of a metal mesh, a wooden cone, or natural covering material (canvas, burlap) will help protect the tree from attacks by animals, and in winter it will save young fragile branches from excess snow.

Thus, in order for the Christmas tree to turn into a beautiful spruce, it is necessary to take into account abiotic (inanimate nature), biotic (living nature) and anthropogenic (human) factors that influence the growth of the seedling.

Growth factors

The rate at which spruce trees grow is influenced by several factors:

• belonging to the species and variety;
• climate in the area where coniferous crops grow;
• weather;
• the location and degree of illumination of the area where the tree grows;
• quality of care;
• availability of fertilizers;
• absence of diseases and harmful insects that can slow down the rate of growth and development;
• plant age;
• condition of planting material.

Taking into account the above factors, each tree will grow individually. And we can only talk about approximate growth rates. It is impossible to calculate exactly how many centimeters or meters a plant can grow after a year or another period of time.

Spruce lifespan

Spruce is one of the most common evergreen trees in Eurasia and North America. Spruce forests can be pure or mixed with other coniferous and deciduous species. The botanical genus of spruce belongs to the pine family and has about 50 species. Landscape design specialists use a variety of decorative forms and include coniferous trees in original compositions. How many years a spruce tree lives in a wild forest or in a summer cottage depends on the type of tree and the conditions in which it will grow.

Growing Christmas tree seedlings from seeds up to 2-3 years

Growing seedlings from seeds is usually done by nurseries with developed greenhouse facilities. For each type of seedling, its own conditions, air temperature, light, and soil moisture are selected. Good care is also very important - timely watering, loosening the soil, applying fertilizers. In this case, most of the planted seeds germinate. It usually takes 2-3 years before the seedlings are sold, and all this time it is necessary to carefully monitor the agroclimatic conditions in which live Christmas trees grow.

Life expectancy of certain types of spruce

The most common spruce in Russia is the common spruce (European spruce). It has hundreds of varieties and varieties, which are divided into 3 groups:

• tall (20-35 m);
• short (3-5 m);
• dwarfs (1-3 m high).

Under favorable conditions, all species live 150-200 years. Some varieties of Christmas trees live up to 300-350 years. These include Siberian, Scandinavian (Norwegian) and North American black spruce. Red spruce, which grows on the islands of Great Britain and Canada, can live up to 400 years. The Japanese (the most prickly), living on islands of volcanic origin, can live even longer - up to 500 years. Ayan (another name is Hokkaido) and blue live up to 400-500 years. Sitka spruce, native to the Pacific coast of North America, sometimes lives up to 600-800 years.

The lifespan of spruce increases if it produces clone shoots from the roots of dying trunks. Such colonies exist for hundreds and even thousands of years.

Notes[edit | edit code]

1. ↑ Farjon, A. 2022. Picea abies
   . The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T42318A71233492. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-2.RLTS.T42318A71233492.en. Downloaded on 20 February 2022.
2. ↑ 123456789
   Novikov, Gubanov, 2008.
3. ↑ Popov, 2005, p. 136.
4. ↑ The Gymnosperm Database
   . See Links section.
5. ↑ A database of maximum tree ages (English). Rocky Mountain Tree-Ring Research, Incorporated [RMTRR]. Retrieved April 22, 2013. Archived April 28, 2013.
6. ↑ Gubanov I.A. et al.
   Illustrated guide to plants of Central Russia. - M.: T-vo scientific publications KMK, Institute of Technological Research, 2002. - T. 1. Ferns, horsetails, mosses, gymnosperms, angiosperms (monocots). - P. 119. - ISBN 8-87317-091-6. Archived copy from February 2, 2014 on the Wayback Machine
7. ↑ Umeå University Press Release: World's oldest living tree discovered in Sweden Archived copy dated April 20, 2008 on the Wayback Machine. April 16, 2008.
8. ↑ Plant life. In 6 t / Ch. ed. Al. A. Fedorov. - M.: Education, 1978. - T. 4. Mosses. Moss mosses. Horsetails. Ferns. Gymnosperms. Ed. I. V. Grushvitsky and S. G. Zhilin. - P. 319. - 447 p. — 300,000 copies. Archived copy from February 2, 2014 on the Wayback Machine
9. ↑ Svenska landskapsblommor: [arch. 09.29.2017]: [Swedish]. — Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, 1996. — April 11. — Date of access: 04/07/2018.
10. ↑ Pravdin, 1975, p. 148.
11. ↑ 1 2 3 4 Gubanov I. A. et al.
    Wild useful plants of the USSR / resp. ed. T. A. Rabotnov. - M.: Mysl, 1976. - P. 37-38. — 360 s. — (Reference books for geographers and travelers).
12. ↑ 1 2 Blinova K. F. et al.
    Botanical-pharmacognostic dictionary: Reference. allowance / Under (inaccessible link) ed. K. F. Blinova, G. P. Yakovleva. - M.: Higher. school, 1990. - P. 187. - ISBN 5-06-000085-0. Archived copy from April 20, 2014 on the Wayback Machine
13. ↑ Sokolov S. Ya.
    Medicinal plants. - Alma-Ata: Medicine, 1991. - P. 118. - ISBN 5-615-00780-X.
14. ↑ Picea abies
    (L.) H.Karst.
    is an accepted name (English). The Plant List (2013).
    Version 1.1. Published on the Internet; https://www.theplantlist.org/ . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the Missouri Botanical Garden (2013).
15. ↑ 123
    Popov, 2005, p. 189-190.
16. ↑ Mesterházy, Zs.
    Picea abies
    (undefined)
    . Access date: August 13, 2014.
17. ↑ Warsaw A., Cregg B.
    Conifer contortionists: irregular conifers // Conifer corner. — American Conifer Society (ACS), 2009. Archived September 24, 2015.

How many years does spruce grow?

At the beginning of its life, the Christmas tree grows slowly: in the first year it grows by 3-4 cm. Over the next 10-12 years, the annual growth of the Norway spruce is 10-15 cm. Then the plant increases its growth rate: in a 15-16-year-old tree the increase reaches 70-75 cm per year.

It will take about 10 years to grow a 1.5 m tall Christmas tree. An indispensable condition is the preservation of the apical bud; it produces the longest shoots. If the shoot bearing the apical bud is damaged, the lateral bud takes over its functions. A tree without an apical shoot will grow, but will not become slender and tall.

Spruce trees grow in height up to 100-120 years, and the trunk thickens throughout the life of the tree. Decorative low-growing varieties grow by 7-8 cm per year, and dwarf varieties by 3-5 cm. Miniature spherical breeds annually add 10 cm in height and width.

Under unfavorable conditions, the spruce forest grows in the dwarf form. Plants reproduce vegetatively and live for hundreds of years as a single organism.

Botanical description[edit | edit code]

An evergreen woody plant up to 30 m high [2] (occasionally up to 50 m). The crown is in the form of a cone, formed by drooping or outstretched branches located whorled.

The root system is superficial, which is why plants are often exposed to wind blows[2].

The bark is gray, peeling off in thin plates.

The tetrahedral needles (leaves), arranged in a spiral, sit one at a time on leaf pads. The length of the needles is from 1 to 2.5 cm. The lifespan of each needle is six or more years.

Microstrobiles (male spikelets) are axillary, formed at the ends of last year's shoots, surrounded by scales at the base. Polustation occurs in May[2]. Megastrobiles (female cones) appear at the ends of biennial branches. At first they grow vertically, then gradually turn their tops down and become drooping; ripen in autumn (in the European part of Russia - in October). Mature cones are oblong - up to 15 cm long and 4 cm wide. Seeds are ovoid-pointed, up to 4 mm long; the wing is reddish-brown. The seeds continue to remain in cones until mid-winter and spill out in January-March[2], scattering over the crust.

Seed production begins at the age of 20 to 60 years, depending on the density of plants in the forest (single plants enter the period of seed formation earlier than group ones); it is not annual, it repeats every 4-5 years.

Total number of chromosomes: 2n = 24[10].

The usual lifespan of the common spruce is 250-300 years[2].

The oldest copies

The oldest spruces on the planet often grow in nature reserves and in inaccessible mountainous areas.

When determining the age of trees, scientists adhere to a special classification:

1. Individually growing (non-clonal) trees of precisely determined age.
2. Old specimens with estimated age.
3. Clonal colonies.

Separately growing coniferous trees over 300 years old are considered long-lived. The oldest spruce whose age has been reliably determined is a tree that lived 468 years.

Clonal colonies live much longer than an individual organism. Clone trees are genetic copies of their ancestor, which has been propagated vegetatively for centuries.

Old Tikko is recognized as the oldest representative of the spruce family. The tree grows in the Swedish national park Fulufjellet. The age of the root system (the original organism) exceeds 9.5 thousand years, and the estimated age of the growing trunk is 500-600 years. The height of Old Tikko does not exceed 5 m.

How to determine the lifespan of spruce

The most accurate way to determine how long a tree lives is to count the growth rings on a horizontal cut of the trunk. The ring consists of woody tissue - cambium. Its thickness depends on climatic conditions: in unfavorable years the ring will be narrow. In spring and summer, cells develop that form a light layer.

The age of a growing tree can be determined approximately:

• the circumference of the trunk is measured at a height of 1.5 m from ground level;
• the trunk diameter is calculated;
• the result obtained is divided by the average annual growth of the tree.

The statistical average method produces inaccurate figures with an error of up to 30%.

Another method is to count whorls (branch divergences). Another 4-5 years are added to the resulting number (the first pair of branches of the tree appears after a few years) and the conditional age of the spruce is obtained.

This method is not suitable for determining the age of trees that are more than 40 years old. The lower ones are old - their branches fall off, the places of growth are covered with bark and become indistinguishable.

In exceptional cases, radiocarbon dating is used. Using radioisotope dating, the age of Old Tikko was established.

Applications in other areas

1. In the national economy, spruce wood is used to make paper and cardboard;
2. Cellulose and artificial silk are obtained from its wood;
3. Widely used in construction, carpentry and furniture manufacturing;
4. Spruce wood is indispensable for making musical instruments;
5. The tanning properties of spruce are necessary for tanning leather. They are obtained from spruce bark;
6. Ethyl alcohol, which is necessary in many industries, is obtained from the waste of common spruce;
7. Valuable building material - plasticizer;
8. Dry distillation of non-commercial spruce wood produces acetic acid and methyl alcohol;
9. Rosin and turpentine are obtained from oleoresin resin and are used in many industries and medicine.

Extending the life of domestic spruce

The chance of maximum lifespan for trees in urban environments is much lower than in the wild. The lifespan of spruce in the city is reduced by air pollution, as well as water contaminated in winter with salt and reagents. In the forest, the air is cleaner, young growth is protected by old trees.

Ornamental varieties and seedlings brought from the forest require careful treatment of the root system. Before planting, it is important not to dry out the roots; in the open air they die after 15-20 minutes.

Mature spruce also does not tolerate drought well. The soil mixture for the tree should contain sand, turf and deciduous soil, but the tree will not grow for a long time on dry sandy soils. Later, it is necessary to ensure that there is no stagnation of water, otherwise the roots will rot.

To improve the growth and prolong the life of the Christmas tree, you need to periodically feed it with nitrogen-phosphorus and potassium fertilizers.

Fungal and bacterial infections rarely affect coniferous plants, however, spruce trees also periodically require sanitary pruning: the affected branches take nutrients from the tree, shortening its lifespan.

You need to care for your spruce even after it grows. After 15-16 years, the main (tap) root dies. The tree is nourished and held in the soil by lateral roots. If the tree grows in an open area, it is difficult for it to resist hurricane winds, so it is better to strengthen the trunk with supports.

Soil requirements

How many years does a cow live at home?

Pine has no special soil requirements. Their growth zone can be swamps, dry sands, chalk slopes, granite rocks and ravines. Pines are not afraid of excessive amounts of moisture. At the same time, they can take root in sandy and rocky soils where the humus content is low. These plants are not afraid of frost, drought, wind, or hurricanes. The main thing that pine trees require is a sufficient amount of direct sunlight. Plants categorically do not tolerate shade and darkening. How does pine differ from spruce in terms of growing conditions?

Spruce plantings, unlike pine plantings, easily tolerate shade. Spruce trees often grow in mixed forests under the cover of other trees. Spruce trees also have no special soil requirements. Even stony, podzolic and calcareous soils that are poor in nutrients are suitable for them. In terms of moisture, spruce loves the middle, without extremes.

How many years will it take to grow a spruce tree in the country?

• How many years will it take to grow a spruce tree in the country?
• How to grow spruce
• How to plant a Christmas tree
• How to propagate spruce

Most owners of their own plots would be happy to plant a spruce on it. This tree is not only evergreen, but is also considered very characteristic of the Russian landscape and is simply ideal for decorating a piece of land in a landscape style. But not every site has an area that allows this to be done.

Recipes for various diseases

Avitaminosis

In a mortar, grind the pine needles with a small amount of cold boiled water, add hot boiled water (1:10), acidify with lemon or citric acid, boil for 20-30 minutes, leave for 2-3 hours. Strain and take 1/2 - 1/4 glass per day after meals as a general tonic antiscorbutic remedy.

Bronchitis

Preparation of ointment. Take equal amounts of spruce resin, beeswax and butter, melt and grind until homogeneous. Used externally for furunculosis, wounds and abrasions, ulcers and pustules. For persistent, old cough (chronic bronchitis), breathe in smoke from prepared ointment dripped onto hot coals

Dropsy

Boil 30 g of chopped young shoots and cones in 1 liter of milk, strain and drink 3 times a day in equal portions.

Pneumonia

Preparing a decoction of cones. 40 g of crushed cones are poured into 200 ml of water and boiled for 30 minutes. Strain through three layers of gauze and gargle 5-6 times a day or instill 4-5 drops into both nostrils for sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, sinusitis, rhinitis, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, bronchial asthma, chronic pneumonia, for prevention of childhood infections.

Gout

Preparation of spruce baths. Prepare a decoction from the tops of young branches with buds (1:5), boil for 30-40 minutes. The resulting decoction is added to the bath water. Used for gout, rheumatic joint damage.

Wounds, ulcers

Grind dried spruce resin into powder and sprinkle on wounds and ulcers. Take equal parts of spruce resin, beeswax and sunflower oil. Mix, heat, mix thoroughly, let cool. Lubricate the affected areas of the skin.

Decreased immunity

Fill the spruce needles with water in a ratio of 1:5. In winter, take 40 drops per day, and in summer - 20.

Scurvy Eat 30 g of spruce bark daily.

What kind of tree to plant at the dacha

Spruce belongs to the pine family - a large tree, a narrow, cone-shaped crown, a straight trunk. Breeders have developed many varieties with different needle colors, different shapes and heights, so when creating a landscape composition you can choose from a large number of options. How many centimeters a tree will grow per year depends on both the local conditions and the chosen variety.

When developing a composition, it is necessary to take into account that the planted tree will not remain as small and beautiful for long. In a few years it will take up much more space than at first.

If you want to improve the area with an evergreen tree, you should not plant one dug up in the nearest forest. Firstly, it is illegal, and secondly, replanting a wild tree will lead to the fact that in a few years on your site there will not be a beautiful shaggy Christmas tree growing, but an uncomfortable, spreading monster, the lower part of the trunk will be bare.

An excellent alternative is to choose something from the refined varieties that breeders have worked on. It could be a Canadian spruce, a prickly spruce, or a blue or Serbian spruce. These varieties are well suited to life in midland climates and are quite good looking.

Places of growth

How long does an oak tree live?
There are a lot of coniferous tree species, some of them are very similar to each other or completely different. So what is the difference between pine and spruce, do they have features unique to only one species? Well, let's start getting acquainted with the evergreen beauties. A comparison of spruce and pine should begin with a description of their habitats. Pine is listed in the pine family and the coniferous class. Vast areas are occupied by pine plantations in the northern hemisphere. Pines love cold and humid climates. These evergreen fluffy trees are considered long-lived; their lifespan can reach 350 years. Mature pines are quite tall - up to 75 m in height. In the southwestern United States there is a pine tree that is 6,000 years old, truly a long-liver. What is the difference between pine and spruce in terms of habitat?

Spruce is also classified as a member of the pine family, the coniferous class. This evergreen plant is quite tall and has a fluffy pyramidal crown. Spruce plantations have filled Eastern Europe, Central and Northeast Asia, China, and North America. A lot of forests consist of this species. The lifespan of spruce trees is slightly shorter than that of pines. But some species live up to 300 years and grow up to 50 m in height.