Red bird cherry, another name - Virgin, is named after the state of Virginia (USA), which is the birthplace of the plant. This deciduous shrub or tree is distributed throughout Russia on a par with bird cherry.

The onset of spring is associated with the flowering of this culture. At this time, the air is filled with a pleasant aroma, and small flowers, collected in fluffy inflorescences, delight the eye. Bird cherry is an excellent honey plant, which is why it is often cultivated near bee lands.

Popular varieties of red bird cherry

The Schubert variety is considered the most common for cultivation in personal plots. This red bird cherry with glossy leaf plates is distinguished by decorative properties and is often planted as a garden decoration, and not for picking berries. The plant reaches a height of 6-10 meters, with age it develops a lush spreading crown, which changes color depending on the season: in summer the leaves are green, and by autumn they acquire a purple or violet hue.

An equally popular variety is Canada Red - a tree reaching a height of 5 meters, with a conical crown shape. At the very beginning of the vegetative period, the leaves are green, but with the advent of summer they turn into a red-violet hue.

Both varieties are undemanding to the composition of the soil, however, on a fertile plot of land, their decorative qualities are revealed brighter. The juiciness of the berries largely depends on the illumination of the planting site and the regularity of watering.

Planting Virginia bird cherry

Bird cherry planting activities are started in spring or autumn during the period of vegetative dormancy of plants. To grow trees for the purpose of harvesting, varietal seedlings are purchased from nurseries or from trusted individuals.

Before buying, it is important to inspect the plants for signs of disease or rot. Firstly, it will save you from acquiring non-viable planting material, and secondly, it will protect the garden plot from possible infection. The root shoots of the seedling should be elastic and flexible - this indicates their health and proper storage.

After the young bird cherry is brought home, its rhizome should be placed for half an hour in a container with a root formation stimulator diluted in water, such as Kornevin or Epin. This will help the plant to quickly adapt and take root in a new place.

All weak root shoots can be cut off. In addition, before planting, the stems of the seedling are also cut off, leaving only the 3 strongest and most promising - they are shortened to 60-80 centimeters.

Choosing a place for a tree or fruit shrub is always a very responsible matter. Since bird cherry loves moisture and often grows on the banks of water bodies in natural conditions, it is necessary to determine for it the land with a shallow groundwater occurrence, in a lowland or in an area that is most abundantly watered during the summer period.

The area for growing this crop should be spacious and well lit. Both the decorative qualities of bird cherry and the taste properties of berries depend on this. With insufficient sunlight, the fruits become smaller and ripen only on the highest branches. The crown, in turn, will tend to grow without developing side branches.

So, when the optimal solution has been found regarding the choice of the landing site, the direct preparation of the landing pit can begin. It is dug out in accordance with the size of the root system of the seedling, but its depth and sides should not be less than half a meter.

When planting fruit bushes and trees, drainage from broken bricks or crushed stone is always laid as the bottom layer, this will protect the plants from root rotting. The second - the soil mixture is poured out from garden soil, peat and humus. The pit prepared in this way is plentifully watered and left to shrink for at least a day or two.

After the specified time has passed, a small mound of fertile soil is formed in the pit, on which a seedling of bird cherry is carefully placed. Root processes should be distributed along the steep edges of the elevation, avoiding their kinks and damage. The remaining volume of the pit is gradually covered with soil, which must be compacted to avoid the formation of air bubbles.

At the end of the planting procedure, the plant is abundantly watered with water, a near-trunk circle is formed around it, which is mulched with sawdust or peat to retain moisture on the surface of the earth.

Rules of care - watering, fertilizing, pruning

Bird cherry care does not involve any additional procedures, except for the fundamental ones, such as: watering, loosening the earth in the trunk circle, removing weeds from the planting site, seasonal pruning treatments, and fertilizing. Moreover, even these activities are carried out depending on the age of the plants. For example, mature bushes require less moisture and are not afraid of weed growth, while young seedlings do not need annual pruning.

Adult bird cherry is watered about once every 10 days in dry weather and 2 times a month under normal weather conditions. If the summer turned out to be rainy, precipitation may be completely enough for the development of the plant, and then watering should be excluded.

There are also a number of diseases against which Korbofos is powerless. Knowing the symptoms of each of the ailments, you can eliminate the problem at the initial stage of occurrence:

• Cytoporosis - affects wood, contributes to its drying out. The main sign of the presence of this fungus is the formation of a white color on the surface of the bark. In the fight against cytoporosis, Bordeaux liquid and a solution of copper sulphate have proven themselves well. With these means, trees are sprayed in the spring for prevention or during the season when lesions are detected.
• Polypores are fungi that cause wood decay. To save the bird cherry, you need to immediately cut off all the diseased parts of the tree and treat the damage sites with a fungicide.

Infected plant fragments must be burned to prevent disease from developing in the garden.

Pruning - shaping and sanitary

Every year in the spring, sanitary pruning of trees and shrubs is carried out in the garden. It consists in removing fragments of plants that have frozen and broken during the winter. If you want to create a certain shape of the tree crown, you need a shaping haircut.

For example, very often gardeners choose the shape of a bowl. To do this, on a young plant, all shoots are cut, except for the main one. And when the side branches begin to move away from it, 2 pairs of the most promising ones are selected, growing at approximately the same distance from each other, and the rest are removed.

Next year, the second tier is being formed - it is formed by 2 pairs of branches, 40–50 centimeters distant from the main ones. So, every year the gardener cuts off everything superfluous, leaving 2 pairs of strong side branches to decorate the next tier.

Useful and harmful properties of berries, recipes

The leaves and fruits of the red bird cherry are widely used to create preparations for the winter: you can make tinctures and decoctions from them, cook delicious jam or jam, compote. In addition to pleasant taste, berries have many useful properties: they have antipyretic and disinfecting effects, are used for colds and sore throats, and help relieve abdominal cramps. Their benefits for raising the general immunity of the body in the spring are undeniable.

Despite the existence of a number of indications for the use of bird cherry fruits, there are limitations. Berries have a pronounced astringent effect, and therefore are harmful in large quantities for people suffering from constipation. In addition, it is not recommended to eat them during pregnancy and lactation, although harm has not been proven.

Red cherry fruit jam

The jam from the fruits of red bird cherry, cooked according to this recipe, has a bright taste and amazing color.

Ingredients:

• Berries of red bird cherry - 1 kilogram.
• Sugar - 1 kilogram.

Preparation description:

1. 1. First of all, the fruits are carefully separated from the stalk, cleaned of excess sticks and washed thoroughly in cool water. Then the prepared berries are passed through a meat grinder three times until smooth.
2. 2. The resulting puree is mixed with a kilogram of granulated sugar, placed in an enamel basin and boiled for an hour over low heat, periodically stirring the mass with a wooden spoon.
3. 3. After the jam is ready, it is poured into pre-sterilized glass jars and twisted.

Bird cherry tincture

Tincture of bird cherry berries is used in winter to treat colds, sore throats and other viral infections. It helps lower blood glucose levels and is used to suppress bad cholesterol.

Ingredients:

• Berries of red bird cherry - 0.4 kilograms.
• Vodka - 0.5 liters.
• Sugar - 100 grams.

Recipe:

1. 1. Bird cherry fruits are thoroughly cleaned of sticks, seeds are removed from them and washed well under running water.
2. 2. Ready-to-use berries are poured into an enamel bowl, the indicated amount of sugar is added to them and left for several hours so that they let their juice flow.
3. 3. After the time has elapsed, vodka is poured into the pan, the whole mass is mixed and sent for 3 weeks to a dark and warm place.
4. 4. After the tincture is ready, it is filtered and bottled. Shelf life - no more than a year.

Bird cherry was an ornamental plant, and only a modest amount of its berries were eaten. Bird cherry was like a decoration of parks, green hedges.
Bird cherry fruits are rich in organic acids, sugars, vitamins, including vitamin C - up to 32 mg%, tannins and essential oils.
Cherry, whose berries are excellent fresh, frozen and dried, in compote, juice and wine.
Bird cherry, given its beneficial properties, was also used as a medicine.

Blooming bird cherry is capable of killing many harmful microbes, just like its small twig.
Bird cherry belongs to the genus Rosaceae and belongs to the Rosaceae family. The genus is quite large; common bird cherry (Padus racemosa), virgin bird cherry (Padus virginiana) and late bird cherry (Padus serotina) are grown in culture.
Bird cherry (Padus racemosa) is a more common species, a tree 12 m high, with abundant root shoots.
Bird cherry blooms just during the return frosts, so the harvest is not every year, but as a luxuriantly flowering species, the fruits are large.
In nature, bird cherry is found on the banks of rivers and lakes, on forest edges, loves moisture and fertile soil.
winter-hardy.
Bird cherry (Padus virginiana) is less winter-hardy, more shrub than a tree 5-6 m high. It blooms later and the harvest is more stable. The flowers are small, almost odorless. The berries are large, dark red in color with a sweet and sour taste and ripen at the end of August.
Bird cherry virgin bears fruit in the fifth year after planting grows on any soil, but loves fertile and loose. The harvest gives a considerable one, which has not crumbled for a long time, you can harvest in one go.
Late bird cherry (Padus serotina) - so deservedly named as the late-flowering and late-ripening variety, powerful
shrub rather than a tree up to 10 meters high. Flowering and fruiting begins five years after planting.
Bird cherry late in urban conditions grows well smog and gas contamination is not afraid, like poor soil composition, drought, but even so the soil loves moist and fertile.

Bird cherry. how to plant and care.

In order for bird cherry to give a good harvest, at least two varieties of bird cherry should be planted on the site, which bloom at the same time for mutual pollination, since many varieties of bird cherry are self-infertile.
Bird cherry grows well in lighted places, it is advisable to prepare pits for planting in advance in the fall
or in early spring, add fertile soil, organic and mineral fertilizers.
When planting, the seedling needs to straighten the roots and cover with soil from above, leave the root collar at the level of the soil, water abundantly. The trunk circle is good if mulched with peat, which will ensure the preservation of moisture. and will be an obstacle to the growth of weeds.
Further weeding, watering and timely fertilization.

Bird cherry seedlings can be found commercially at a garden center or nursery, or you can grow your own. To do this, there are simple ways of reproduction.
By vegetative methods, we preserve all varietal useful properties and properties, this is by grafting and green cuttings. You can graft with a cutting or a kidney - budding.
The stalk is grafted onto the stock of bird cherry seedlings in winter, or early spring, during active sap flow. And budding should be done in the summer.
The method of reproduction is analogous to the methods of grafting fruit trees.

How to form a bird cherry crown.

In order for the bird cherry to look neat, bloom beautifully and the harvest is stable, the tree needs the right crown. Bird cherry is formed both as a tree and as a bushy crown.
In order for the bird cherry to form in the form of a tree in the future, the seedling after planting must be cut at a height of 60-75 cm, which will become the basis of the crown, where the first skeletal branches will be laid. In the future, leave 3-4 stronger branches on the first tier, with an angle of departure of 60-70 °. Excess branches must be cut into a ring. The next tier will be already from 2-4 branches with a distance of 40-60 cm from the first tier. As the bird cherry grows, you need to lay two more tiers, 2-3 branches in each.
To prevent thickening of the crown, regularly thin and sanitary pruning. If there are long branches in the crown, they need to be shortened and transferred to the lateral branching.
Bird cherry in the form of a bush is formed easily. It is necessary to cut the trunks as part of the tree and remove thickening root shoots.
Harvest only when the berries are fully ripe, collect with brushes, cutting off the brushes with secateurs, a knife or scissors. Thus, the bird cherry will be stored longer, and you will not spend a lot of time collecting it.

Enlarge text

Bird cherry is a tree-like bushy plant that develops in height from 60 cm to 20 meters. Its crown is dense, and the bark is grayish and matte. Young branches and shoots of a plant of a reddish or dirty green color. The leaves are bare, elongated, oblong-lanceolate or in the form of an ellipse, with a pointed tip, arranged alternately. The flowers of the plant are white or pinkish in color, collected in inflorescences in the form of a brush. Bird cherry fruits are dark spherical drupes, about 8-10 mm in diameter with an egg-shaped stone inside. The fruits have a pleasant aroma and a sweet or sour-sweet taste. It blooms in spring or in summer, and the fruits ripen by autumn.

The plant loves moisture, in its natural environment it is found in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. It grows in well-moistened soil near the banks of rivers, in swampy areas, etc. In general, bird cherry feels good on soils of different composition and condition, besides, it is unpretentious in care, it is found even on sandstones.

The root system is powerful, actively growing and well developed. This feature has become a godsend for people when draining land near settlements. This plant will ennoble the soil, and its foliage, which falls from the end of summer, will lower its acidity and increase fertility. Bird cherry blossoms and bears fruit 3-5 years after planting.

Bird cherry planting

When and where to plant bird cherry?

It is recommended to plant a tree in spring or autumn, because. at this time it is easier and faster to take root. Plant preferably in a spacious open area with good lighting in moist fertile soil. The soil should be neutral or slightly acidic. If the acidity is increased, lime must be added. In a shaded area, bird cherry stretches towards the sun and fruits are formed at the ends of the branches, which complicates harvesting. The plant is unpretentious to the soil, it can grow in sandy, clay soil, but it is still recommended to plant it on loamy soil. It is best that the waters lie close to the surface. In order for cross-pollination to occur during growth, it is recommended to plant other varieties of bird cherry next to the bird cherry, which bloom at the same time. At the same time, it is necessary to leave a distance of at least 5 meters between them, because. bird cherry is fast growing and its branches can reach great lengths.

Bird cherry planting technique

Bird cherry will easily take root in a new place, but still it needs to be prepared for planting. At the same time, it is not necessary to prepare a special soil mixture, it is enough to dig a hole for planting with dimensions that will allow the seedling and its roots to fit easily. Next, you need to put dry foliage, humus and peat soil, as well as minerals into the hole. It is not recommended to add a lot of organic fertilizers to the pit when planting, because. due to their excess, the condition of the cortex will worsen. Before planting, it is important to pay attention to the roots of the planting material and shorten long or diseased ones. At the same time, 2-3 shoots should remain on the seedlings, about 50-70 cm long. If there are more shoots, they can be safely removed. Next, the roots of the planting material must be placed in a hole and fill the space with soil, then gently tamp the soil and water it. When the soil absorbs water, you can mulch it around the trunk. Peat or sawdust is suitable as mulch.

Bird cherry cultivation and care

Bird cherry is absolutely non-capricious and its care is minimal and very simple. A young plant needs frequent watering, after which it is important to loosen the soil around the table and clear the area of ​​weeds. If you mulched the soil when planting, this procedure will be required less frequently. In adulthood, the tree must be sanitary pruned and form a crown, feed it to protect it from insects and diseases. It is enough to water a couple of times during the summer. If the summer is dry and hot, it is advisable to water more. In rainy weather, additional watering is not necessary at all.

Pruning bird cherry

Each bird cherry tree needs to cut diseased, dried and broken branches and shoots. After pruning, it is necessary to treat wounds with garden pitch. Shaping should be carried out for both trees and shrubs. In order to form a crown in the form of a bowl, it is necessary to cut off the shoots on the seedling, leaving only the main one, about 50-70 cm high. When young shoots grow on the stem, you need to lay the first tier, leaving three branches well developed at approximately the same distance. In this case, the skeletal branches should depart from the main shoot at an angle of 50-70 º. The remaining shoots are gently removed on the ring.

The tier of the second order must be laid using the same technique, leaving 2-4 branches that will move away from the branches of the first tier by half a meter. Over time, you need to lay a few more tiers of 2-3 branches for each. When the formation of the bird cherry is completed, it is important to ensure that the branches do not thicken. You also need to control the height of the bird cherry, so that it does not outgrow more than 3.5-4 meters. For this, sanitary and thinning pruning is carried out: root shoots are removed and large branches are shortened.

Bird cherry top dressing

Bird cherry is unpretentious and its care is minimal, but sometimes fertilizers will not interfere with it. Top dressing for the plant is not required, but it should be borne in mind that they will protect it from diseases and insects, as well as ensure abundant flowering and fruiting. Organics and minerals are suitable, they are brought in during the periods of spring and autumn. In the spring, saltpeter and urea should be used, and in the autumn - superphosphate and potassium salt. Fertilize under the root so that they do not come into contact with foliage and young shoots. At the same time, the concentration and volume of fertilizer are selected according to the age and size of the bird cherry. For effective action, it is recommended not to water bird cherry for the first three days after feeding.

Bird cherry transplant

It is recommended to transplant the plant in the spring, but it is advisable to prepare it for this in the fall. It is necessary to dig a hole of such dimensions that the overgrown bird cherry roots can easily fit into it along with a clod of earth. In autumn, at 5 ºC or less, before the soil freezes, you need to dig the bird cherry around the trunk and water it so that the bird cherry goes into a dormant state with roots in a frozen earth clod. It is impossible for a clod of earth to quickly thaw in the spring, so it is necessary to pour snow on the soil around the trunk, then burlap and sawdust. After it melts, you need to dig the plant, and quickly, so that the earth does not thaw, tie a clod of earth with burlap. So that everything is not disturbed during transportation, it must be well watered, and transferred to a new place in a horizontal position. Planted in a hole along with burlap on the roots. It will not interfere with the roots to develop in a new place. After transplanting, the bird cherry must be held vertically with the help of wire braces: one end is attached to the trunk, and the other to the support. So that the wire does not leave a wound on the bark, it is recommended to put birch bark, rags or cardboard under it. In order for the root system to easily recover after transplantation, it needs to be covered from sunlight for some time. It is also effective to use root formers, which are watered only by the planted plant. When the bird cherry recovers and takes root, care is reduced to the usual, as with the first planting. But it is advisable to prepare bird cherry before the onset of cold weather so that its root system does not freeze. To do this, it is enough to pile the table high with soil and put it on top of humus earth or manure.

Every spring we have a wonderful opportunity to admire the snow-white cloud of bird cherry color and enjoy a bright, unique aroma. These remarkable features distinguish bird cherry from a number of other berry bushes, making it a source of inspiration for people of art. In addition, our ancestors were confident in the magical abilities of the plant, associated various beliefs and signs with it.

Can you plant at home?

Superstitious people know for sure that it is absolutely not worth planting bird cherry near your home. There is a very practical explanation for this prejudice. The fact is that during flowering, the shrub spreads a very strong aroma that causes severe migraines in sensitive people, and asthma attacks in allergic people. However, our ancestors believed that such a neighborhood could bring other troubles.

• It was believed that in a house next to which bird cherry grows, there will never be real prosperity, and all household members will constantly experience various personal problems: unhappy love, constant need and illness, unfair attitude of the authorities and much more.
• Sometimes the seed of a shrub fell on its own next to the wall of the dwelling and took root there, giving life to a new plant. If such an uninvited neighbor was found, then they tried to get rid of him as quickly as possible, otherwise the spouses would face numerous conflicts that could even lead to a divorce.
• If a bird cherry bush planted in the yard has grown so much that its roots are in the basement of the house, then all representatives of the stronger sex are under threat. It was believed that the restless tree would not calm down until, in one way or another, it got rid of the entire male half of the family. And divorce in this case will be the most sparing option. In addition, a father, brother or son may be threatened with a long business trip, imprisonment, a serious illness or an accident with a fatal outcome.

Weather, crop prospects and other predictions

In addition to the negative associated with planting bird cherry near the house, this tree can also serve the benefit of people, turning into a real weather forecaster.

• The most common meteorological sign says that if the first flowers appeared on the bird cherry, then a sharp cooling should be expected. Such a prediction is especially important for farmers and amateur gardeners who have already opened the next agricultural season at this time.
• By the duration of flowering and the abundance of inflorescences, one can judge the coming summer. If the bush is completely covered with flowers so that the foliage is not visible at all, then cold and rains are coming until autumn. But early and long flowering promises a very warm season.
• By abundant and long flowering, they judged the future harvest. The more spectacular the tree looked in the spring, the longer it retained its beauty, the more friendly all the crops ripened.
• For a long time, people have been guided by bird cherry, choosing the right time for planting potatoes and sowing wheat. It was believed that work can begin immediately, as soon as the plant is decorated with the first inflorescences.
• Even for anglers, the predictor tree served as a guide. Feeling the aroma of bird cherry, all lovers of river "hunting" rush to the banks of reservoirs. After all, it is at this time that the moment of biting such a favorite fish as bream, asp and pike comes.
• There is another amazing sign associated with bird cherry. For a long time, ladies and girls have been sure that it is best to pierce their ears exactly when the enchanting smell of bird cherry is in the air.

For many people, bird cherry is invariably associated with the onset of spring, because it is its aroma that fills the fresh spring air, and the way bird cherry blossoms , evokes inspiring thoughts. This genus of plants is extremely unpretentious to the selected soil, its quality, organic composition, as well as watering and lighting. Thanks to this, caring for her is quite simple and understandable, and the result is invariably pleasant.

Planting bird cherry, in addition to the obvious advantages, allows you to ennoble and drain the soil in your garden or summer cottage, which is why many gardeners want to know how to grow bird cherry and care for it. This does not require special skills and a lot of time - just follow the rules and recommendations below.

Common bird cherry: description

The first mention of bird cherry dates back to the time of the ancient Greek scientist Theophrastus. Bird cherry is known far beyond the borders of our state. For example, in Africa, Asia and Europe, it is considered one of the most attractive plants, great for decorating areas.

All varieties of bird cherry belong to deciduous trees (less often shrubs) of the Pink family. Bird cherry is a fruit ornamental crop. Eleven varieties of bird cherry are the most widespread in our region.

Did you know? This tree got its name due to the fact that after eating berries, a blackish-purple coating remains in the human mouth.

The tree begins to actively bloom in April-May, dissolving white fragrant brushes. Bird cherry inflorescences and fruits are small in size, but at the same time they are extremely nutritious and saturated with sugar compounds and glycosides. Bird cherry is filled with useful properties and substances, due to which, in one form or another, it is often used in medicine and cosmetology.

Did you know? The World Classification of Plants classifies bird cherry in the genus Plum. And for the ability to steadfastly withstand difficult climatic conditions and prolonged frosts, the bird cherry got the name "Siberian plum" at all.

It is important where the bird cherry grows . This plant loves constant moisture. In the wild, you can meet bird cherry in the temperate zone. It grows in dense forests, in wetlands or on the banks of rivers. It is noteworthy that, under conditions of proper care and proper planting, bird cherry can be planted in any summer cottage and household plot of our country.

Bird cherry is a bush or tree that can reach a height of up to 10-15 meters. The diameter of the bird cherry crown can reach 5-7 meters. This plant is very unpretentious, which allows it to grow on any soil, regardless of its composition and acidity level. In some cases, bird cherry can also be found on sandy soil.

The tree has a massive, rapidly developing root system. Thanks to these properties people often planted bird cherry to create natural drainage of the earth near the dwelling. Moreover, bird cherry is able to ennoble the soil, and its falling leaves can reduce acidity and increase land productivity.

Choosing a place for planting bird cherry

The choice of a site for planting bird cherry, without exaggeration, can be considered one of the most important stages, which determines the result of the further growth of the tree. That is why you should carefully follow the recommendations based on the bird cherry's preferences for light and soil quality.

How much does bird cherry need sunlight

Due to the large size of bird cherry, for proper growth and sufficient nutrition, it must receive a large amount of sunlight.

Thus, it is desirable to plant a tree in well-lit areas.

Important!As a rule, young bird cherry trees are more resistant, which allows them to withstand temporary light shade.

What kind of soil does bird cherry like

This plant is quite unpretentious and steadfastly withstands growing in poor quality soil, even despite the general acidity. However bird cherry takes root better and grows faster in loose, nutritious soil with a moderate level of moisture. To do this, before planting, it is worth processing the soil, and after disembarking, ensure timely regular watering.

The basics of planting bird cherry in the garden

The pickiness of bird cherry in the care and cultivation process in many ways attracts people, but the final result is determined precisely at the planting stage. Mistakes and inaccuracies can be detrimental to a seedling. In order to properly plant bird cherry in the spring , during the main stages of preparation and disembarkation, it is strongly recommended to follow simple but effective recommendations.

How to properly prepare a planting hole for a seedling

The preparation of the landing pit is carried out in several stages. Its dimensions must be at least 50 × 50 × 50 centimeters.

This is due to the rapid development of the root system of the tree, the soil around which must be fertilized and loosened, which is done in the preparation process. The dug hole is watered abundantly, after which it should be covered in layers in the following order: loose earth (5-7 cm), sawdust (3-5 cm), loose earth (15-20 cm). After each subsequent layer, it is advisable to add a little water to the pit, possibly even with nutrient solutions, fertilizers.

Technology and scheme for planting bird cherry in the garden

The technology and scheme for planting bird cherry is quite simple and consists in observing only a few requirements.

First of all, you need to properly prepare the landing pit, preventing sand from getting into it, since bird cherry does not grow well in sandy soil. In addition, the landing site should be well lit during the day so that the young tree receives enough light. The distance between trees should be at least 2 meters in radius.

The planted stalk is immersed in the prepared pit to a depth of 20-30 cm and is evenly covered with loose soil from all sides.

Every 10-15 cm of bulk soil can be sprinkled with sawdust and watered abundantly. After that, the hole should be carefully tamped.

It is necessary to continue backfilling the planting pit until the bird cherry stalk is completely strengthened and a small hill is formed, which should later be filled and mulched with sawdust and peat.

Features of growing bird cherry, how to care for the plant

The process of growing bird cherry is quite simple and understandable, and, no less important, does not require much time.

To obtain the desired result and quickly grow a tree, one should take into account not only the characteristics of the region and the location of the land, but also recommendations for the comprehensive care of bird cherry.

How to water a plant

Watering should be carried out under the root of the tree, applying twice a month up to 20-30 liters of water for each plant.

In the driest weather, you can also additionally spray the leaves of the trees with clean water, thereby protecting them from drying out. Depending on the weather and temperature, it is allowed to increase or decrease the volume of irrigation, without changing its frequency.

Rules for feeding bird cherry

Bird cherry, planting and caring for which rarely causes problems, sometimes also requires top dressing. Fertilizing the tree is not necessary, but nevertheless it is it that helps prevent bird cherry diseases and extend its life, so most gardeners invariably resort to top dressing.

It is noteworthy that mineral and organic fertilizers are suitable for bird cherry. You can make them in spring and autumn, but you should take into account seasonality. So, in the spring it is better to use saltpeter or urea, and in the fall superphosphate and potassium salt.

Top dressing should be applied directly under the root, preventing fertilizer from getting on the leaves and young shoots. The concentration and amount of top dressing applied should take into account the age and size of the tree, as well as the concentration of the substance. In this regard, you should unconditionally follow the recommendations on the packaging of the fertilizer.

Important!For effective top dressing in the first 3-4 days after fertilization, watering the bird cherry should be abandoned.

soil care

Care of the soil on which the bird cherry grows is obvious and applicable to other trees. So, first of all, you should monitor the weeds, removing them in a timely manner. The earth needs to be loosened 1-2 times a season, avoiding cracks and constantly keeping it moist.

Pruning bird cherry

Along with constant watering and timely feeding, bird cherry, care for which is minimized in the spring, sometimes requires pruning. Bird cherry pruning in spring and autumn is carried out after a thorough visual check of the tree for lesions, diseases and pests. Sick and damaged branches, as well as unnecessary shoots, are certainly removed.

A separate option is shaping pruning. There are two ways of formation: in the form of a multi-stemmed shrub and a tree on a high trunk. To create a bush, you need to cut the first tier at a height of about 70-80 cm. After the appearance of the first shoots, only the most developed of them are left. It is noteworthy that for a more attractive look, it is desirable to leave the branches symmetrically to each other. In the same way, with an interval of six months or a year, the second and third tiers are formed.

The formation of a high trunk is carried out according to the same principle, but in this case the lower branches and shoots are removed. It is important to note that the pruning of bird cherry in autumn and spring should end with the processing of log cabins with garden pitch.

How to propagate bird cherry in the garden

To obtain an acceptable result and further self-cultivation of this tree, you should know and understand how the bird cherry breeds.

Bird cherry reproduction is possible in many ways: seed or vegetative (cuttings, layering, offspring, grafting). Each of them has positively proved itself and showed high efficiency.

Propagation by seeds is more actively used for species bird cherry. In this case, the seeds are extracted by carefully opening the ripe bird cherry fruit, after which they are mixed with dry sand and stored in a cold place. Sow prepared seeds in autumn or early spring in moist fertilized soil. Sowing depth 1-3 cm, depending on the looseness of the soil.

It is worth noting that seeds for spring sowing must be pre-stratified.

Important!Stratification of seeds significantly increases their resistance to difficult climatic conditions and diseases, and also significantly increases the chance of germination. Stratification should not be neglected, since it is it that determines the success of the spring planting of bird cherry seeds.

Stratification should be carried out for 3-4 months in wet peat, moss, sand or mixtures thereof at a temperature of 0 to +5 °C. The substrate must be kept moist at all times. Caring for seedlings is simple and consists in timely watering, weed removal and thinning at a distance of 5-10 cm. During the stratification period, the plant manages to reach 40-50 cm in height, after which it can be planted in open ground in a permanent place.

For varietal bird cherry, eye budding is often used (carried out in the second half of July) and improved copulation (during the spring), while using seedlings of common bird cherry as a stock.

Did you know?Connoisseurs and experienced gardeners use fallen bird cherry leaves to fertilize the soil in their own area. Embedded in the soil and rotten leaves help reduce acidity and increase yields.

Bird cherry should be planted when the weather allows planting - as soon as a stable temperature (over 10 ° C) and a constant level of humidity are established. In the spring, planting bird cherry in May is considered the most correct. At the same time, it is important that the prepared planting pit is of sufficient size to accommodate the root system of the tree without its kinks and bends. To improve growth, before planting bird cherry, mineral and organic fertilizers can be applied to the soil of the pit, but not more than 20-30 g of each.