Coniferous plants have a huge number of positive characteristics that attract many gardeners. They are not only able to decorate any area, but also are a natural air purifier. The wide variety of these trees is amazing. In this article, we will talk about the black pine Spielberg (Spielberg).

Botanical Description

This type of pine is decorative. It has a dwarf, spherical shape. Closer to 10 years, it reaches a height of approximately 150 cm. The width varies within 1 m. Spielberg's needles are long, painted in light green. On a pine tree they are gathered in bunches.

Did you know? The ancient Greeks believed that the pine tree appeared thanks to the nymph Petis, which symbolized the morning dawn. According to legend, she turned into this tree, because she wanted to hide from the strong and cold wind - Borea.

Branches grow in a vertical direction. Shoots are painted in light brown color. Cones have a cylindrical shape, their shade is the same as that of the branches. The bark is black-gray, scaly and covered with deep cracks. The root system is well developed. It is strong and grows deep enough.

Landscape design application

Today in our country this plant is not common. But if you decide to plant Spielberg pine on your site, then you will definitely not regret it. This species seems to have been created in order to decorate the area around it. Such a tree will look especially organically in the territories near educational institutions, kindergartens, and playgrounds.

This is due to the beautiful round shape of the pine, which resembles a large fluffy ball. On the plot, Spielberg will also look spectacular. The plant does not take up much space. It will perfectly complement any landscape design solution in your area. Due to its comparatively compact size, it can be planted on an alpine hill. Harmoniously combined with a rocky and heather garden.

Landing

For a successful planting of pine need to choose the right seedling. The optimal age of planting material is from 3 to 5 years. Older trees may not take root in a new place.

Important! Do not look for black pine seedlings in the wild, they take root extremely rarely at home. Buy planting material in proven nurseries.

Landing is best in spring in April. You can also do this in the fall, but the previous option is more successful, because the plant will have time to take it well before the first cold weather. Despite the fact that Spielberg pine is a frost-resistant tree, immediately after planting it is too weak and can not tolerate winter.

When preparing the landing pit, pay attention to the following:

• the size of the pit should be much larger than the size of the root system (at least 20 cm);
• the soil should be light (clay, river sand and sod soil can be mixed);
• at the bottom of the pit, make a thick layer of drainage.

If you decide to buy a plant in a store, then in the planting hole you need to put the root system along with the ground, which was in a container with a seedling. This should be done as carefully as possible so as not to damage anything. You need to keep the young tree upright and slowly cover it with earth. The soil should be compacted gradually. Be sure to ensure that the root neck is at ground level. Violating this requirement, you can destroy the pine. Keep a distance between seedlings - at least 1.5 m.

Care

Caring for black pines is not particularly troublesome.

Did you know? In the wild, pines can only be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.

It provides for the following actions:

1. Watering. The plant belongs to drought tolerant crops. You do not have to water it only if it has not rained for several months. A feature of the root system is that it itself is able to get moisture, because it grows very deeply.
2. Loosening and mulching. Since the earth has the property of compacting, it must be periodically loosened. This pine tree loves light and breathable soil.
3. Fertilizer. The first three years after planting, it is recommended to nourish the plant with liquid mineral fertilizers. Further, the tree, as a rule, does not need fertilizer.
4. Pruning. A beautiful tree shape is formed independently, no additional pruning is needed. If you want to make the pine tree even more magnificent, then every year in the autumn period you can trim annual growths (partially).
5. Preparing for the winter. Prepare the plant for cold weather is necessary only at a young age. Recently planted trees are wrapped with burlap or spruce branches.

Video: caring for decorative pines

Diseases and Pests

This type of pine belongs to a disease-resistant plant. Also on it you can extremely rarely see pests.

If you have to meet them at Spielberg, then most likely it will be:

• aphids (because of it, the needles brighten and shorten);
• pine scab (after a lesion on a tree, needles fall and a pine dies);
• hermes (the plant stops growing and brightens);
• ticks;
• bark beetles.

To prevent pine damage by these pests, it is necessary to treat the plant with insecticides and fungicides three times a year. Effectively helps if you add these spray products to the fertilizer.

It is worth noting that with acidification or salinization of the soil, the black Spielberg pine begins to grow poorly, the needles fall off, the plant can die. To prevent this, it is necessary to water a round-trunk place near a tree once a year with a solution of water and lime (1:10).

Important! Do not plant black pine next to gooseberries or currants. On these bushes rust fungi often live, which are able to infect the branches and trunk of conifers.

It is difficult to imagine a modern landscape design without coniferous plantings. Spielberg Black Pine is a great choice if you want your garden or garden area to be impeccable. As a result, you will get not only a beautiful tree, but also clean air resembling mountain air near your home.