The spruce tree is inherently very soil-tolerant, but it attaches great importance to a moist subsoil. Dryness is a huge problem for her - to what extent exactly, we'll explain to you in this article.
How does drought affect spruce?
The spruce tree reacts to drought by closing its stomata to retain water. However, if the drought persists, dry cracks appear in the trunk area, which attract fungi and pests and can possibly lead to the death of the spruce.
How does spruce react to a lack of moisture?
The spruce reacts to a lack of moisture with a changed sap flow. This means the transport of water from the ground to the needles.
When it is damp: During the day, the tree transports water to all of its needles, whose stomata are accessible during this time.
During drought: The tree closes its stomata. In this way he tries to keep the water in himself. If the soil is excessively dry so that the spruce can no longer replenish its water reserves overnight, it becomes problematic.
How does drought affect the spruce?
Continued drought leads to cracks in spruce trees, especially in the lower trunk area. These so-calleddry cracks are injuries that attract both fungi and pests such as bark beetles. Both represent massive threats to the conifer and can cause it to die.
But: The spruce, on the other hand, usually copes well withshort or moderate dry periods. Such phases can even help the tree becomemore resistant to drought stress and thus also against fungi and pests.
How is spruce dieback related to climate change?
Due to climate change, the spruce is increasingly being pushed back into its natural range. This is located in high altitudes, such as the Alps. Global warming is resulting inLack of rain in the lowlands, so that the spruce here lacks the moisture it needs to thrive and stay he althy.
In this sense, climate change has a direct impact on the spruce. We probably won't be able to admire them in the lowlands for much longer - a fact that is also economically critical, as the tree provides good lumber.
How can you protect the spruce from drought?
When it comes to the spruce tree in your own garden, you have to be careful to ensure that it always getsenough moisture. This means that you have to water them regularly and adequately - even more so during dry summers. In general, care should be given great importance.
In addition, root injuries - for example by building a fence - must be avoided at all costs, as these could hinder moisture and nutrient absorption and subsequently promote drought.
Tip
When in doubt, choose a more resistant tree
If you don't want to take any risks, it's better not to plant a spruce tree. With the fir or the Douglas fir there are beautiful and at the same time more drought-resistant alternatives for the garden in the lowlands.
