The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) is probably the most popular Christmas tree in Germany. With its soft, shiny needles, it decorates many a room every year at Christmas time. In principle, it could stay there for a very long time, because the fir doesn't need needles that quickly. In addition, these imposing trees can be found in parks or cemeteries and can also be planted in large gardens. But it takes some time before they have reached a stately height there.
Nordmann fir growth
Among the firs, the Abies nordmanniana is probably the most famous classic at Christmas time. The mighty tree originally comes from the Caucasus and is therefore also known as the Caucasian fir. In the 19th century it came to Central Europe through the Finnish biologist Alexander von Nordmann. In its homeland, the fir can easily reach a height of between 40 and 60 meters and a trunk diameter of over 3 meters. Planted in the home garden, it needs a lot of space, because there is one here too Height from 15 to 25 meters and a Width growth between 6.50 and 8.00 meters No rarity. Nordmann firs can grow very old, up to 500 years.
Planted free-standing, these fir trees are an eye-catcher with their symmetrical, pyramid-shaped growth. The branches reach evenly to the ground. Even with increasing age, there is no balding of this area. Other characteristics of the Nordmann fir are
- strong, dark green, blunt and shiny needles
- brush-like and dense arrangement
- Two white stripes underneath
- straight stem
- almost horizontal branches
- deep taproot, therefore very storm-resistant
notice: The flowers that appear in May serve as a food source for bees.
growth per year
The growth of the Nordmann fir is relatively slow, especially in the first four to five years. As they get older, they grow a little faster. New shoots (tips) are constantly formed in the individual growth phases. These are also known as terminal shoots and are very susceptible to frost and deer browsing. In addition, instead of damaged branches, new side shoots form. However, this formation of "additional shoots" has a very unfavorable effect on tree growth. Several peaks are formed in the process.
The growth per year is less than 30 cm in the first few years. After about five years, however, the Nordmann fir grows much faster. Then an annual increase in height between 30 and 40 cm and growth in width up to 20 cm is recorded. The fir can reach a height of two meters in the 10th year. Then appear up to 15 cm, initially green and later brown cones. These stand upright on the branches and decay in winter. Only now does the conspicuously wide crown slowly unfold.
Abies nordmanniana can certainly be classified as slow-growing. Compared to the Nordmann fir, the growth per year for other conifers is
- Nobili fir 5 to 10 cm
- Blue fir 25 to 60 cm
- Douglas fir 30 to 50 cm
- Red spruce 25 to 50 cm
- Japanese cedar 40 to 70 cm
notice: Due to its slow growth, the Nordmann fir can be grown in a sufficiently large container in the first few years without any problems. It can then simply be potted and used as a Christmas tree.
restrict growth
Sometimes it is also necessary to stop growth, for example if there is a lack of space. There are various measures here, but whether they are always so successful is not certain. In any case, this must be done carefully to avoid major damage.
tree pruning
As a rule, coniferous trees cannot be cut back well. The reason is that old wood in these trees does not sprout again like in other trees. A pruning should only be done three years after flowering until the beginning of July. The outer shoots can be shortened a bit by simply clipping them off. The tip can also be shortened if necessary. Sometimes it can branch out and continue to grow.
root cutting
As a rule, such a cut is only made for flat-rooted trees such as spruces. However, with young Nordmann firs it is possible to trim the taproot somewhat in length. Care must be taken to avoid serious damage to the tree.
growth regulation
There are pliers for this in specialist shops. This tool is then used to cut through the growth layer at various points. This layer is found in the bark of the tree. This process interrupts the flow of juice. Ultimately, a delay in tree growth can be achieved in this way. However, these pliers are not very cheap.
notice: Nordmann firs are very sensitive to air pollutants and bad air at their location. This can lead to growth delays, especially in a young fir tree.