Green beauty - it is customary to talk about pine trees that all year round delight the eye with its freshness and unfading beauty. In ancient times, for many peoples, these trees were considered sacred. And in China they were planted near the palace of the emperor as a symbol of immortality.
general information
Crimean pine is a tall tree. Its trunks were often used in shipbuilding. In height, a green beauty can reach 30-50 meters. Her bark is dark, all in cracks, from brown-brown in the lower part, to orange-reddish at the top.
The size and shape of the crown of this pine varies with age. In the early years, this is a pyramidal, thick, fluffy beauty, whose branches 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 spreading and are mainly located in the upper part of the trunk.
Coniferous needles in this species of pine are long, can reach 20 cm, at the end they are pointed. They are densely arranged in bunches on the branches, 2 pieces in one. They are painted dark green and a bit dull. On the branches can remain up to 5 years, after which they turn yellow and fall.
Cones on the Crimean pine grow on short petioles and appear at the ends of large branches. Their shape is ovate and oblong. It consists of many scales, tightly adjacent to each other, which, when ripe, open like flowers. Cones are painted brownish brown, glossy. There is a seed hidden behind each flake, from which a new tree can grow or it can become food for many forest inhabitants.
Breeding
Among the large number of breeding species for most conifers, the simplest and most suitable way is planting seeds. When grafting, rooting is very difficult and the percentage of losses is high. And the root shoots of this tree does not let go. Therefore, in the nurseries young pine trees are grown from seeds that germinate in special greenhouses.
Seed preparation
Before sowing the seeds of any plants and trees, they are stratified. For Crimean pine, such a process at home is better not to carry out. Since, with improper stratification, the seeds can rot. Before sowing, you can hold them 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 then gently spread them into the prepared soil.
Seedling tree
Sowing is done in light soil, preferably peaty and loose. This is due to the fact that the seeds of a small size and through dense soil sprouts may not break through. It is recommended to sow over 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. With the germination of closely planted seedlings, the soil rises, which can lead to the drying of young small roots and, accordingly, the death of a small sprout.
The capacity in which the seeds will germinate should be deep enough - 15-20 cm. Drainage should be laid at the bottom, and sand should be put on top. This must be done so that excess water leaves, and the roots do not rot. It is also recommended to calcine the drainage and sand for disinfection.
It is necessary to water regularly and with a spray gun, 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.
Decorative forests
More and more often recently, owners of private houses near the house have been arranging decorative forests. Consequently, coniferous and
deciduous trees are being bred more and more in nurseries
. One of the most popular among the needles of trees is Crimean pine, the price of which depends on the age and size of the tree. The older and lush the tree, the higher its value. The price of a small pine - from 5000 rubles. But this does not stop buyers, since when you plant mature trees, almost immediately you get a ready-made home forest. And fluffy branches and constantly green needles will perfectly decorate any site. The Crimean pine, the photo of which can be seen in this article, in the first years has the shape of a pyramid and thick branches.
Adult tree planting
The older the plant, the more difficult it is to transfer transplants and movements to new places. Therefore, the best period for such a process is from late autumn to early spring, that is, during the sleep period of trees. Planting Crimean pine is not difficult, but if necessary, you can contact the specialists.
For landing, you need to prepare a pit. In size, it should be larger than an earthen coma, with which Crimean pine is dug from the old place, about 50 cm in diameter and 30 cm in depth. Drainage must be laid at the bottom of the pit, and the earth mixed with sand and compost.
Next, the tree is installed in the pit and sprinkled with a ready-made substrate, well trampled. After this, abundant watering is required. You can also mulch the earth around the tree, sprinkling it with sawdust.
Transplant tree care
Crimean pine is a drought - tolerant plant, but in the first year after transplantation it requires high humidity. This is due to the fact that the disturbed roots weakened, and the tree, recovering, evaporates a large amount of water. It is also necessary to regularly clean the trees, 2-3 times a week, dousing them with water.
Fertilizers are applied only under young pines, if the plant is old enough, then after transplanting, do not overload it.
Pine tree tolerates wintering. You can cover small trees, large and adults do not need this.
Application
Crimean pine is a tree-landscaper. It looks great in parks and near houses, it is planted on the streets and squares. The needles perfectly clean the air, releasing beneficial substances, have a beneficial effect on the human body.
Also, from ancient times, pine tree is 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 in the 17-18th century still stand and are historical monuments.
To celebrate the New Year holidays, Crimean pine is very often used. A large number of people have photos in the album near the decorated forest beauty. Also, in its image, artificial substitutes for festive pines are made.
Healing properties
Crimean pine is very much appreciated in folk medicine. Jam is prepared from young cones, which is healing and helps against colds and flu, gum diseases and bronchial diseases. Pine fruits contain many substances that contribute to this 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 helps strengthen blood vessels and increases the strength of capillaries.
Pollen is collected during the flowering period of the tree - in mid-May. For treatment, yellow buds-inflorescences in which there is no juice are suitable. This can be checked by pressing on it. From yellowed inflorescences, it is necessary to collect pollen and dry it. Apply it, mixing with honey in proportions of 1 to 1.
This collection is quite complicated and it is necessary to guess with flowering time. Therefore, if necessary, pollen can be purchased at the pharmacy.