Green beauty - this is how it is customary to talk about pine trees that delight the eye with their freshness and unfading beauty all year round. In ancient times, for many peoples, these trees were considered sacred. And in China, they were planted near the emperor's palace as a symbol of immortality.
General information
Crimean pine is a tall tree. Its trunks were often used in shipbuilding. In height, the green beauty can reach 30-50 meters. Its bark is dark, all cracked, from brown-brown at the bottom to orange-reddish at the top.
The size and shape of the crown of this pine changes with age. In the early years, it is a pyramidal, dense, fluffy beauty, the branches of which cover the trunk from the bottom to the top. In an adult multi-meter tree, the crown is more like an umbrella. The branches are sprawling and mostly located in the upper part of the trunk.
Coniferous needles of this species of pine are long, can reach 20 cm, pointed at the end. Densely arranged on the branches in bunches, 2 pieces in one. They are painted dark green and slightly matte. On the branches can remain up to 5 years, after whichturn yellow and fall off.
Cones on the Crimean pine grow on short petioles and appear at the ends of large branches. Their shape is ovoid and oblong. It consists of many scales, tightly adjacent to each other, which, when ripe, open like flowers. Cones are painted brown-brown, glossy. Hidden behind each scale is a seed that can grow into a new tree or feed a multitude of forest dwellers.
Reproduction
Among the many types of propagation for most coniferous species, the easiest and most appropriate way is to plant seeds. When cuttings, rooting is very difficult and the percentage of losses is high. And this tree does not let go of basal processes. Therefore, young pines are grown in nurseries from seeds that germinate in special greenhouses.
Seed preparation
Before sowing the seeds of any plants and trees, they are subjected to stratification. For Crimean pine, it is better not to carry out such a process at home. Since with improper stratification, the seeds can rot. Before sowing, they can be kept in wet gauze for a day. This will speed up the germination process. At home, the seeds can be kept moist until they hatch, and after that, carefully spread in the prepared soil.
Tree from seedlings
Sowing is done in light soil, preferably peaty and loose. This is due to the fact that the seeds are small in size and through dense soil, the sprouts candon't break through. It is recommended to sow on top of the soil, after which it is slightly loosened so that the seeds do not go deep.
It is also worth observing the distance between crops, at least 0.5 cm. There is also a reason for this. When closely planted seedlings germinate, the soil rises, which can lead to the drying of young small roots and, accordingly, the death of a small sprout.
The container in which the seeds will germinate should be deep enough - 15-20 cm. Drainage should be laid at the bottom, and sand should be poured on top. This must be done so that excess water leaves and the roots do not rot. It is also recommended to ignite the drainage and sand for disinfection.
It is necessary to water regularly and with a spray bottle, especially until the moment when the seedlings get stronger. Then they can be planted in separate pots, transferring a small sprout along with a lump to a new place.
Ornamental forests
Increasingly recently, the owners of private houses near the house arrange decorative forests. Consequently, more and more coniferous and deciduous trees are bred in nurseries. One of the most popular trees among needles is the Crimean pine, the price of which depends on the age and size of the tree. The older and more magnificent the tree, the higher its value will be. The price of a small pine is from 5000 rubles. But this does not stop buyers, since by planting mature trees, you get a ready-made home forest almost immediately. And fluffy branches and constantly green needles will perfectly decorate any site. Crimean pine, photo of whichcan be seen in this article, in the early years has the shape of a pyramid and dense branches.
Planting a mature tree
The older the plant, the more difficult it is to transplant and move to new places. Therefore, the best period for such a process is from late autumn to early spring, that is, during the dormancy of trees. Planting Crimean pine is not difficult, but if necessary, you can contact the experts.
For landing it is necessary to prepare a hole. In size, it should be larger than the earthen clod with which the Crimean pine is dug from the old place, about 50 cm in diameter and 30 cm deep. Drainage must be laid at the bottom of the pit, and the earth mixed with sand and compost.
Next, the tree is installed in a hole and sprinkled with ready-made substrate, trampled down well. After this, abundant watering is necessary. You can also mulch the ground around the tree by sprinkling it with sawdust.
Caring for a transplanted tree
Crimean pine is a drought-resistant plant, but requires high humidity in the first year after transplantation. This is due to the fact that the disturbed roots have weakened, and the tree, recovering, evaporates a large amount of water. It is also necessary to carry out regular washing of trees, 2-3 times a week, pouring water over them.
Fertilizers are applied only under young pines, if the plant is old enough, then after transplantation it should not be overloaded.
Pine tree tolerates wintering well. You can cover small trees, large and adults in thisneed.
Application
Crimean pine is a landscape tree. It looks great in parks and near houses, it is planted on the streets and squares. The needles perfectly purify the air, releasing useful substances, and have a beneficial effect on the human body.
Also, since ancient times, pine wood has been valued as a building material.
Crimean pine, due to its soft wood structure, was used in the construction of houses and ships. Furniture, carts and various household utensils were made from it. Many churches built from this material back in the 17th-18th century still stand and are historical monuments.
Crimean pine is often used to celebrate the New Year holidays. A photo near the decorated forest beauty is in the album of a large number of people. Also, artificial substitutes for holiday pines are made in her likeness.
Healing properties
Crimean pine is highly valued in folk medicine. From young cones, jam is prepared, which is healing and helps against colds and flu, gum disease and bronchial diseases. Pine fruits contain many substances that contribute to such a beneficial effect.
Crimean pine pollen also has many healing properties. It is used to improve immunity, with a sharp drop in vision, allergies and heart disease. Such pollen strengthens blood vessels and increases the strength of capillaries.
Pollen is collected during the flowering period of the tree - in mid-May. Fortreatment suitable yellow cones-inflorescences in which there is no juice. This can be checked by clicking on it. It is necessary to collect pollen from yellowed inflorescences and dry it. Apply it by mixing with honey in proportions of 1 to 1.
Such a collection is quite complex and it is necessary to guess with the time of flowering. Therefore, if necessary, pollen can be purchased at a pharmacy.
