Serviceberries are almost never found in the wild anymore. That's a shame, because the trees are extremely decorative. In autumn they delight the eye with their magnificent autumn leaves. The small fruits are edible and are real vitamin bombs because of their high vitamin C content.
How do you plant a serviceberry correctly?
To plant a serviceberry, choose a sunny location with nutrient-rich, rather dry soil. Plant in fall, prepare the soil deeply and amend it with mature compost. Make sure there is enough distance from other trees for optimal sunlight.
Which location does the serviceberry prefer?
Mature service trees should be kept as sunny as possible. A little partial shade doesn't hurt anything.
In which soil do service trees thrive best?
The tree requires nutritious, rather dry soil. Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.
When is the best time to plant?
Like all deciduous trees, serviceberries are best planted in autumn. 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 large 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 have to ensure full sun so that the tree can develop its splendid colors and you can harvest fruit.
When are serviceberries harvested?
The small red-brown, approximately 1.5 centimeter large fruits ripen between July and September. Like rowanberries, they are particularly popular with birds. If you also want to harvest some fruit, you should protect the treetop with a net (€39.00 on Amazon).
How are service trees propagated?
Basically, service trees are naturally propagated via seeds from the fruit. However, it is difficult to collect the fruits yourself because the tree has become so rare.
With a bit of 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 a pre-grown tree from the nursery. This is also recommended because of the slow growth of the serviceberry.
Tips & Tricks
The Latin name of the serviceberry is Sorbus torminalis. Torminalis means “stomach pain”. The serviceberry got its name because the red fruits contain a lot of ascorbic acid, which is effective against stomach pain and even dysentery. Because of this naturopathic effect, the serviceberry is also called the “Ruhr pear”.