Serviceberries are hardly ever found in the wild. That's a pity, because the trees are extremely decorative. In autumn they delight the eye with their magnificent autumn leaves. The small fruits are edible and, because of their high vitamin C content, are real vitamin bombs.

Which location does the checkerberry prefer?

Mature serviceberry trees should be as sunny as possible. A little penumbra doesn't hurt anything though.

In which soil do serviceberry trees thrive best?

The tree needs a nutritious, rather dry soil. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.

When is the best planting time?

Like all deciduous trees, the serviceberries are best planted in autumn. However, container plants from the nursery can be planted almost all year round.

How are serviceberries planted?

Prepare the soil well by loosening it deeply and removing any compaction. Amend the soil with mature compost if it is too depleted.

How big should the planting distance be?

As a young tree, serviceberries tolerate shade quite well. You can therefore plant them between other deciduous trees. Later, however, you must ensure full sun so that the tree can develop its colorful splendor and you can harvest fruit.

When are serviceberries harvested?

The small red-brown fruits, about 1.5 centimeters in size, ripen between July and September. Like the rowan berries, they are particularly popular with birds. If you also want to harvest some fruit, you should protect the treetop with a net.

How are serviceberry trees propagated?

In principle, serviceberry trees are naturally propagated via seeds from the fruit. But you can hardly collect the fruits yourself because the tree has become so rare.

With a little luck you will get seeds from

  • Neighbors who have a serviceberry in their garden
  • Wild trees that can occasionally be found
  • In seed shops

However, it is easier to buy and plant an early tree in the nursery. This is also recommended because of the slow growth of the service tree.

tips and tricks

The Latin name of the service tree is Sorbus torminalis. Torminalis means "stomach ache". The service tree got its name because the red fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid, which works against stomach pain and even dysentery. Because of this naturopathic effect, the service tree is also called the "Ruhr pear".

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Category:

Trees