Thuja mix planting and care in the open field

Among the variety of conifers, thuja is especially loved by summer residents, owners of private houses. This is not surprising - thuja is frost-resistant, unpretentious, aesthetically attractive. Planting and care in the open field will not require significant work from the summer resident, but its presence on the site will be positive from any point of view. It is great for the formation of hedges, with its help you can create unique green shapes for landscape design of the site, arrange paths.

This tree, like its coniferous counterparts, exudes a wonderful aroma, enriches the air with useful phytoncides. Thuja carries a lot of positive qualities.

Thuja differs from pine or spruce in that it has no needles, its branches are covered with small green scales, soft, pleasant to the touch. It is tacitly called the "royal tree" - it is well deserved. We will consider the nuances of planting, caring for the coniferous beauty thuja, so that it takes root on your site too.

↑ to contents ↑ Thuja tree - selection of seedlings

If you do not plan to reproduce thuja independently, then you can purchase ready-made, grown seedlings. They can be purchased from ephedra nurseries or specialist shops. There, among the declared assortment, you will choose the desired variety, buy a healthy tree, adapted to the local climate.

Small thuja from nurseries vary in size and age.If you have a small seedling, then it will not be difficult to "grow" it yourself until it is planted in a permanent place of growth. You can also purchase a large copy, ready for the decoration of the site or the local area.

When choosing, always pay attention to the conditions of the plants, the degree of soil moisture in the containers, the strength of the coniferous scales on the branch. The branches of the seedlings should be elastic, the needles should not crumble, they should not have any spots or signs of disease. Upon arrival home, hurry up to transplant them to a shaded place, water.

↑ back to contents ↑ Planting thuja in the ground

Thuja will perfectly take root on your site at any time of the year, except in late autumn or winter. Experienced gardeners advise exactly the spring period - April, May. Planted in spring, it will hurt less, grow faster, and adapt better to the environment.

The landing site should be slightly shaded, consider this factor when planning the landscape design of the site. In direct sunlight, the tree will wither, and subsequently it will be worse to endure the winter cold. In a completely dark place, thuja will slowly develop, the branches will not be lush, bright. The ideal territory for it will be a windless section of the site, with light shading, close occurrence of groundwater.

Thuja - planting and leaving, phased actions:

1. First, we dig a fairly deep hole - 80-100 cm deep, with the same diameter (if you, of course, have a large seedling, and not the one in the photo above). The deepening should be such that a tree with an earthen lump can freely enter there. At the bottom we pour a little earth mixed with wood ash or other organic fertilizer.
2. We put it in a hole, while its root collar should be at the same level with the soil surface.
3. Mix the dug earth with sand, peat (1: 1), fill a depression with a seedling with this mixture, and then slightly trample.

The distance between the trees should be determined according to the characteristics of the variety, since thuja are very small and, conversely, very tall. Small trees can be planted a meter apart, large trees about 4-5 meters. Some varieties of thuja reach 15-20 meters in height, and their crown grows in breadth up to 3-4 meters (for example, thuja western Brabant). For full development, such a tree needs space, but when decorating alleys, green corridors, hedges, thuja are planted at a distance of 1 meter, regardless of the variety and type.

Tui Western Smaragd and globular Danica↑ back to contents ↑ How to care for thuja

Competent care of this ephedra means watering, feeding, loosening the trunk circle, and forming a crown. After the tree is planted at its permanent place of residence, primary feeding is done. For these purposes, natural growth stimulants are often used (most gardeners choose "Epin"). The components of such dressings contribute to better rooting of the tree, improve resistance to diseases. In the spring, you can feed it with potassium-phosphorus supplements, it is better to do this twice, the break between fertilizers should be 10-15 days.

In spring, the frequency of irrigation is influenced by the amount of rain, with the onset of summer it is enough 2 times a week, in the spring - 1 time. If the rains are frequent, then there is no need to water, there will be enough rain moisture. Thuja requires high-quality watering at all stages of life (seedling, adult tree), while the crown also loves irrigation. In order for the branches to be elastic, shiny, to please you with the brightness of green shades, the minimum amount of water for the root area should be 10 liters per watering (once a week, if the summer is very dry, then up to 3 times). Determine the lack of moisture by the state of the top of the thuja - it begins to turn yellow. It is better to water the trees early in the morning or in the evening.

Tuya is very fond of irrigating the crown, for these procedures, the acquisition of a special nozzle becomes relevant. From such sprinkling, dust is washed off, a fresher appearance of the tree is provided, a pleasant coniferous aroma begins to stand out. Do not be afraid to overdo it with irrigation, 1-2 times a day will only benefit thuja.

Returning to fertilizers, it is worth noting that too frequent fertilizing for thuja is not required. Special mineral compositions for conifers (for example, "Fertika") or compost, which has already become a classic additive, is sufficient to use twice a season - in spring and summer. Fertilizers are applied during loosening: they are laid out in a near-trunk circle, and during plowing they are mixed with the top layer of the soil. In summer, the additive can be diluted with water and used for irrigation.

The near-trunk area must be periodically cleaned of weeds, loosened, mulched with sawdust or compost. Decoratively painted sawdust (they are painted with natural ingredients) or nutshells look very attractive. Mulching creates some barrier to weeds, retains moisture, and improves the condition of the tree as a whole.

As for a haircut or artistic pruning, it is better not to touch it for the first two years of a tree's life, it should take root in its place. You can start caring for the crown from the third year from the moment of planting. Initially, dried, weak branches are removed, and the degree of density is determined. Excessive thinning negatively affects the decorative qualities of the tree, everything should be in moderation.

The main pruning is carried out in April, and then only the shape is corrected. For high-quality air circulation, maintaining the "vigorous" appearance of thuja, gardeners recommend removing all branches of annual growth.

If the artistic intention requires the tree to grow in breadth, then only the upper part of the crown should be trimmed. You can create various geometric shapes, columns, figures of animals or fairy-tale characters from tui. For beginner gardeners, it is quite easy to give the crown of a tree the shape of a ball, cascade, border. Trimming or pruning is best done in dry weather.

↑ to contents ↑ Tuya - preparation for winter

For colder regions of the country, frost-resistant varieties of tui (western) should be chosen. Despite their unpretentiousness, they also require preparation for the cold season. In the fall, it is necessary to provide the trees with abundant watering, since even in winter the thuja continues to develop, albeit at a slower pace.

In the first years of life, young representatives must be insulated. With the help of a dense plastic film, non-woven spunbond or other suitable covering material, a kind of cocoon is formed, which will retain heat and let the sun's rays through. You can even buy special covers designed for this very purpose, they are sold by the garden departments of supermarkets or online stores.

For the winter, the roots are covered with fallen leaves, which are harvested with the onset of spring, as soon as the upper layer of the earth thaws. The overgrown crowns of adult thujas are neatly tied with a wide ribbon to prevent the accumulation of snow on the branches.

To please the eye, there was a healthy thuja, planting and care in the open field should be done competently, in a timely manner. This tree is quite unpretentious, but the result of simple care is expressed not only by its external beauty, decoration of the territory. A green hedge made of thuja will absorb noise from the street, neighboring territories, and also protect your site from prying eyes.

Thuja has long gained popularity among gardeners.

It is used to create various landscape designs, as a hedge (with the help of a haircut, a plant can be given any look).

It is durable, very unpretentious (it can grow on different soils, in urban conditions).

In addition to its decorative function, thuja sanitizes the air, releasing phytoncides.

Variety and species diversity allows thuja to be grown even in northern and middle latitudes.

Thuja: growing. The choice of planting material

It is recommended to purchase a thuja taking into account the following criteria:

1. The appearance of the plant - the branches should be elastic, and the needles should be bright, shiny, lively. If it is dull and crumbles when touched, then the plant has died;

2. The earthy clod must be preserved - bare plant roots are unacceptable;

3. If possible, you should examine the root system. It should be healthy and not dried out: the ends of the roots are white or yellowish in color, elastic (if you scratch them, juice is released);

4. It is also necessary to take into account the indicators of the thuja variety: the color of the needles, the splendor of the crown, frost resistance.

Types and varieties of thuja

In natural conditions, there are 5 main types of thuja: Japanese, Korean, folded, eastern, western. The most popular of them is western thuja. It is a pyramidal tree, reaching a height of 15-20 m, with a crown of 3-5 m in diameter. Due to its frost resistance, it is suitable for growing in all regions of our country. Many varieties of this species have been bred, having various shapes, needles color, height. The most famous are:

• Brabant - a frost-resistant, fast-growing variety. The diameter of the crown is 1.5 m. The color of the needles is green in summer, brown in winter.

• Emerald - is a tree reaching a height of 4-4.5 meters. The shape of the crown is conical. It grows slowly, dark green needles practically do not fade in winter. Tolerates a haircut well.

• Columna - a fast-growing variety in the form of a tree with a dense narrow crown. Possesses high winter hardiness, prefers semi-shady areas.

• Wagneri - a variety with gray needles, which acquire a copper tint in winter. Prefers fertile soils in open areas. Possesses increased frost resistance.

• Globoza - a slow-growing variety with a spherical crown (it reaches a height of 1 m by the 10th year of vegetation), winter-hardy and drought-resistant.

• Danica - a low-growing shrub with a rounded dense crown up to 0.6 m high. It grows slowly (the growth reaches only 5 cm per year). The needles are light green in color. The variety is shade-tolerant, drought-resistant and frost-resistant. Propagated only by cuttings. Ideal for landscaping small areas.

• Golden Globe - the variety has golden-green needles, grows slowly, is used in single compositions, rockeries, rock gardens and low borders.

Thuja: growing. Sowing and planting (timing, shelter, temperature, soil, etc.)

For growing thuja, both a sunny place and partial shade are suitable. If you plant this coniferous plant in the shade, then its crown will thin out and lose its decorative effect. Although thuja is moisture-loving, it does not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, if groundwater occurs on a site close to the surface, then drainage must be carried out on it before planting.

Thuja can grow on different soils, but it is still better to plant it on moisture-permeable fertile soils. On heavy clay soils, it is susceptible to root rot. Therefore, such areas must first be enriched with humus or compost, sand and peat must be added to improve aeration. Acidic soils are made alkaline by adding wood ash or lime.

Planting thuja

• Dig a hole 70-80 cm deep and 90-100 cm in diameter;

• Drainage from crushed stone, expanded clay is poured at the bottom of the pit;

• Pour prepared soil onto the drainage, add complex fertilizers and 2 glasses of ash;

• The seedling is placed in the pit so that the root collar is at ground level;

• The distance between plants depends on the size of the variety. If thuja are planted in a group, then the interval between them ranges from 1 to 5 m, and when creating a single-row hedge, it is one meter.

Growing thuja from seeds

The process of growing thuja from seeds is quite long in time: 3-5 years will pass from sowing to planting seedlings in a permanent place. In addition, plants from seeds do not retain varietal characteristics.However, if you need to get a lot of strong seedlings at minimal cost, adapted to the climatic conditions of your region, then this method is perfect.

Like all conifers, thuja seeds are unpredictable in their germination. They can lie in the ground for more than six months before shoots appear.

Seed cones are harvested in the fruiting year. They are laid out in a warm room in one layer, after a couple of days they will open and then small reddish seeds easily spill out of them. Suitable for planting healthy seeds that have undergone natural or artificial stratification (exposure to cold).

In the first case, they are sown in open ground after harvesting in late autumn. In the spring, seedlings will appear, similar to the seedlings of dill. The first branches of seedlings will grow only after 6 months. To prevent seedlings from getting lost among the weeds, they can be sown in boxes dug into the ground. In the third year, the plants dive. Young thuja can be planted in a permanent place in the fifth year of the growing season.

In the second case, the seeds are sown in a bowl with wet sand, covered with glass or foil, placed in a cool room or refrigerator on a shelf with a temperature of + 5 ° C for 2-3 months. Periodically, crops should be ventilated and condensate removed. After stratification, the seeds are sown in February in boxes. The substrate is made from turf, peat, sand, taken in equal proportions. For disinfection, it is spilled with a solution of potassium permanganate. After sowing, the soil is moistened. Seeds germinate at a temperature of + 20 ° C and above. As soon as the shoots appear, the boxes with the seedlings are transferred to a cooler place with good lighting. Twice a month the plants are fed with complex mineral fertilizers for conifers. Seedlings dive in the second year in spring. In summer, pots with them are taken out into the garden in partial shade. For the winter, they are brought into a greenhouse or into a house. In the third spring, the grown thuja are transferred to larger pots. When the plants reach 50 cm in length (4-5 years of vegetation), they are transplanted to a permanent place.

Sowing thuja seeds

Growing thuja from cuttings

With this method of reproduction, plants retain their varietal characteristics. Some varieties of thuja can only be grown by cuttings (for example, the Danica variety).

Thuja cuttings are carried out in April. For cuttings, healthy strong twigs of a young plant (2-3 years) are chosen. If there are no such specimens, then semi-lignified branches of an adult thuja are used. Cuttings should be torn off with a "heel" - a piece of bark.

Thuja cuttings with "heel"

The lower end of the cutting is 1/3 cleaned of needles, soaked for a day in a root formation stimulator and planted in a garden bed in a greenhouse, deepening by 2-3 cm.The substrate for planting is made from a mixture of equal proportions of leaf (sod) earth, sand and peat, which must first be spilled with a solution of potassium permanganate. Saplings need diffused light and high humidity (about 70%). Therefore, cuttings planted in pots should be covered with jars. After planting, the plants must be sprayed and ventilated so that decay does not begin. The emergence of new shoots means that the rooting has been successful. In autumn (September), young plants are planted in a permanent place. They need shelter for the winter. For this, spruce branches, sawdust, dry leaves are used.

Thuja: growing. Care, feeding

Care for growing thuja consists in watering, feeding, cutting and preparing for the winter period.

The irrigation regime of the thuja depends on the weather conditions. Thuja is very sensitive to soil moisture content. With a moisture deficit, its needles grow dull and acquire a yellow-brown color. This is especially true after summer pruning. The minimum amount of watering per plant is 10 liters. In hot weather, watered every 3-4 days. Better to do this in the morning or evening. Sprinkling has a good effect on the appearance of the plant. Daily spraying washes away the dust from the needles, which begins to exude its phytoncidal odor.

In the spring, compost or mineral fertilizers are applied for conifers. If top dressing was applied during planting, then fertilize next time after 2 years.

Thuja trunk circles are mulched with sawdust, compost, crushed bark or nutshells. Mulch will retain moisture in summer, protect the roots from overheating and freezing in winter.

They start pruning in the third year of the thuja growing season. The main pruning is carried out starting in April. At the same time, dry and diseased branches are removed, the selected crown shape is formed. When cutting a hedge, shoots are cut off no more than one third of the length.

Preparing thuja for winter. In central and northern Russia, young thuja (even frost-resistant varieties) need shelter for the first few years. The trunk circles are covered with dry foliage, and the plants themselves are covered with spunbond or a thick greenhouse film. On adult plants, branches are pulled together with twine to the trunk to avoid breaking off when snow accumulates on them.

Shelter thuja for the winter

The main pests and ways to control them

Thuvaya aphid - insects that live in colonies and feed on plant sap. Damaged needles turn yellow and crumble. To destroy aphids, insecticides are used (for example, Fufanon).

Spider mite spreads quickly in dry warm weather. You can notice it on the branches covered with cobwebs. The needles are covered with yellow spots and crumble. In case of severe damage, acaricides are used. The tick does not like high humidity, therefore, to prevent thuja, it is necessary to spray it with water more often.

Speckled moth - a small butterfly, the larvae of which gnaw through the passages in the needles. Shoots first turn brown and then die off. To control pests, the affected thuja are treated twice with pyrethroids with an interval of 8 days.

Thuya false shield - small light yellow insects. Affected plants wither, the needles partially dry out. In the period from May (until the buds dissolve) and until mid-June, thuja are sprayed with karbofos, actellik or actara.

Click Beetles (Wireworms) - polyphagous pests. The larvae feed on small roots and humus, and as they grow, they move on to thick roots. As a result, thuja stops developing, the needles dry out and crumble. Most often, clickers settle in moist areas with acidic soils. To prevent the spread of these beetles in the fall, it is necessary to dig up the soil, because adults (adult insects) hibernate shallow in the ground. Low-lying areas should be drained and alkalized. In case of massive damage by wireworms, thuja and surrounding vegetation are sprayed with drugs such as Fufanon, Actellik, Decis. To destroy the larvae, chemical agents with diazonin (Kapkan, Bazudin) are introduced into the soil.

Bark beetles - small beetles gnawing passages and laying eggs in the bark of a tree. The affected tree dies quickly. There is no universal remedy for bark beetle protection. It is recommended to spray the plants with insecticides at intervals of two weeks. The damaged branches are cut and burned.

Schütte and rust - diseases caused by various pathogenic fungi, in which the needles darken and fall off. Mostly young thuja are ill. Affected branches should be cut and burned to prevent the spread of fungal spores. For prevention, all conifers on the site are sprayed with Hom (40 g per bucket of water), Topsin-M (15 g per bucket of water) or Bordeaux liquid. Trunk circles are spilled 2 times per season with a foundationol solution.

Root rot - one of the most dangerous fungal diseases of thuja. As a result of the destruction of young roots, the shoots become pale yellow, turn brown over time, the plant dies. Diseased specimens must be destroyed, and the ground under neighboring plants must be shed with a fungicide solution (for example, Fitosporin).

source

Among the variety of conifers, thuja is especially loved by summer residents, owners of private houses. This is not surprising - thuja is frost-resistant, unpretentious, aesthetically attractive.Planting and care in the open field will not require significant work from the summer resident, but its presence on the site will be positive from any point of view. It is great for the formation of hedges, with its help you can create unique green shapes for landscape design of the site, arrange paths.

This tree, like its coniferous counterparts, exudes a wonderful aroma, enriches the air with useful phytoncides. Thuja carries a lot of positive qualities.

Thuja differs from pine or spruce in that it has no needles, its branches are covered with small green scales, soft, pleasant to the touch. It is tacitly called the "royal tree" - it is well deserved. We will consider the nuances of planting, caring for the coniferous beauty thuja, so that it takes root on your site too.

↑ to contents ↑ Thuja tree - selection of seedlings

If you do not plan to reproduce thuja independently, then you can purchase ready-made, grown seedlings. They can be purchased at ephedra nurseries or in a specialized store. There, among the declared assortment, you will choose the desired variety, buy a healthy tree adapted to the local climate.

Small thuja from nurseries vary in size and age. If you have a small seedling, then it will not be difficult to "grow" it yourself until it is planted in a permanent place of growth. You can also purchase a large copy, ready for the decoration of the site or the local area.

When choosing, always pay attention to the conditions of the plants, the degree of soil moisture in the containers, the strength of the coniferous scales on the branch. The branches of the seedlings should be elastic, the needles should not crumble, they should not have any spots or signs of disease. Upon arrival home, hurry up to transplant them to a shaded place, water.

↑ back to contents ↑ Planting thuja in the ground

Thuja will perfectly take root on your site at any time of the year, except in late autumn or winter. Experienced gardeners advise exactly the spring period - April, May. Planted in spring, it will hurt less, grow faster, and adapt better to the environment.

The landing site should be slightly shaded, consider this factor when planning the landscape design of the site. In direct sunlight, the tree will wither, and subsequently it will be worse to endure the winter cold. In a completely dark place, thuja will slowly develop, the branches will not be lush, bright. The ideal territory for it will be a windless section of the site, with light shading, close occurrence of groundwater.

Thuja - planting and leaving, phased actions:

1. First, we dig a fairly deep hole - 80-100 cm deep, with the same diameter (if you, of course, have a large seedling, and not the one in the photo above). The deepening should be such that a tree with an earthen lump can freely enter there. At the bottom we pour a little earth mixed with wood ash or other organic fertilizer.
2. We put it in a hole, while its root collar should be at the same level with the soil surface.
3. Mix the dug earth with sand, peat (1: 1), fill a depression with a seedling with this mixture, and then slightly trample.

The distance between the trees should be determined according to the characteristics of the variety, since thuja are very small and, conversely, very tall. Small trees can be planted a meter apart, large trees about 4-5 meters. Some varieties of thuja reach 15-20 meters in height, and their crown grows in breadth up to 3-4 meters (for example, thuja western Brabant). For full development, such a tree needs space, but when decorating alleys, green corridors, hedges, thuja are planted at a distance of 1 meter, regardless of the variety and type.

Tui Western Smaragd and globular Danica↑ back to contents ↑ How to care for thuja

Competent care of this ephedra implies watering, feeding, loosening the trunk circle, and forming a crown. After the tree is planted at its permanent place of residence, primary feeding is done. For these purposes, natural growth stimulants are often used (most gardeners choose "Epin"). The ingredients of such dressings contribute to better rooting of the tree, improve resistance to diseases. In the spring, you can feed it with potassium-phosphorus supplements, it is better to do this twice, the break between fertilizers should be 10-15 days.

In spring, the frequency of irrigation is influenced by the amount of rain, with the onset of summer it is enough 2 times a week, in the spring - 1 time. If the rains are frequent, then there is no need to water, there will be enough rain moisture. Thuja requires high-quality watering at all stages of life (seedling, adult tree), while the crown also loves irrigation. In order for the branches to be elastic, shiny, to please you with the brightness of green shades, the minimum amount of water for the root area should be 10 liters per watering (once a week, if the summer is very dry, then up to 3 times). Determine the lack of moisture by the state of the top of the thuja - it begins to turn yellow. It is better to water the trees early in the morning or in the evening.

Tuya is very fond of irrigating the crown, for these procedures, the acquisition of a special nozzle becomes relevant. From such sprinkling, dust is washed off, a fresher appearance of the tree is provided, a pleasant coniferous aroma begins to stand out. Do not be afraid to overdo it with irrigation, 1-2 times a day will only benefit thuja.

Returning to fertilizers, it is worth noting that too frequent fertilizing for thuja is not required. Special mineral compositions for conifers (for example, "Fertika") or compost, which has already become a classic additive, is sufficient to use twice a season - in spring and summer. Fertilizers are applied during loosening: they are laid out in a near-trunk circle, and during plowing they are mixed with the top layer of the soil. In summer, the additive can be diluted with water and used for irrigation.

The near-trunk area must be periodically cleaned of weeds, loosened, mulched with sawdust or compost. Decoratively painted sawdust (they are painted with natural ingredients) or nutshells look very attractive. Mulching creates some barrier to weeds, retains moisture, and improves the condition of the tree as a whole.

As for a haircut or artistic pruning, it is better not to touch it for the first two years of a tree's life, it should take root in its place. You can start caring for the crown from the third year from the moment of planting. Initially, dried, weak branches are removed, and the degree of density is determined. Excessive thinning negatively affects the decorative qualities of the tree, everything should be in moderation.

The main pruning is carried out in April, and then only the shape is corrected. For high-quality air circulation, maintaining the "vigorous" appearance of thuja, gardeners recommend removing all branches of annual growth.

If the artistic intention requires the tree to grow in breadth, then only the upper part of the crown should be trimmed. From tui, you can create various geometric shapes, columns, figures of animals or fairy-tale characters. For beginner gardeners, it is quite easy to give the crown of a tree the shape of a ball, cascade, border. Trimming or pruning is best done in dry weather.

↑ to contents ↑ Tuya - preparation for winter

For colder regions of the country, frost-resistant varieties of tui (western) should be chosen. Despite their unpretentiousness, they also require preparation for the cold season. In the fall, it is necessary to provide the trees with abundant watering, since even in winter the thuja continues to develop, albeit at a slower pace.

In the first years of life, young representatives must be insulated.With the help of a dense plastic film, non-woven spunbond or other suitable covering material, a kind of cocoon is formed, which will retain heat and let the sun's rays through. You can even buy special covers designed for this very purpose, they are sold by the garden departments of supermarkets or online stores.

For the winter, the roots are covered with fallen leaves, which are harvested with the onset of spring, as soon as the upper layer of the earth thaws. The overgrown crowns of adult thujas are neatly tied with a wide ribbon to prevent the accumulation of snow on the branches.

To please the eye, there was a healthy thuja, planting and care in the open field should be done competently, in a timely manner. This tree is quite unpretentious, but the result of simple care is expressed not only by its external beauty, decoration of the territory. A green hedge made of thuja will absorb noise from the street, neighboring territories, and also protect your site from prying eyes.

Experienced gardeners have long been using not only beautiful, but also useful plants and shrubs for planting in their summer cottage. Thus, thuja gained popularity - an evergreen perennial plant that releases phytoncides into the atmosphere, which have antimicrobial properties.

Planting and caring for thuja outdoors for experienced gardeners is not difficult. That is why thuja can also be planted at home, where the features of care may differ slightly.

Content

• 1 Types and varieties of thuja
  • • 1.0.1 Which is better: juniper or thuja? Video:
• 2 Breeding methods and cultivation features
  • 2.1 Growing a seedling from seed
  • 2.2 Growing a seedling from a twig
    • 2.2.1 How to propagate and grow thuja, video:
• 3 Correct planting and care of thuja outdoors
  • • 3.0.1 How to plant thuja correctly, video:
• 4 Thuja: home care
• 5 Self-forming bonsai
• 6 Diseases and pests
• 7 Common plant varieties
  • • 7.0.1 The genus of evergreen shrubs, and sometimes trees, belonging to the Cypress family, includes 5 species:
    • 7.0.2 Of the numerous and varied varieties of evergreen long-liver, the following stand out:
• 8 Landing in open ground
  • 8.1 How to choose the right seedlings?
  • 8.2 Soil preparation and site
  • 8.3 How and when to plant?
    • 8.3.1 Landing is carried out as follows:
• 9 Thuja: outdoor care
  • 9.1 Watering, loosening and mulching
  • 9.2 Top dressing
  • 9.3 Crown formation
    • 9.3.1 Formative pruning is required when using thuja as a "green" fence or in group plantings, while:
  • 9.4 How to transplant correctly?
    • 9.4.1 If it becomes necessary to transfer an ephedra, which easily tolerates a transplant, from one place to another, it is worth considering the age of the bush:
  • 9.5 Preparing for winter
  • 9.6 Disease and pest control
• 10 Reproduction of thuja
  • 10.1 Cutting
    • 10.1.1 To propagate a plant in this way:
  • 10.2 Dividing the bush
• 11 Thuja in landscape design
  • • 11.0.1 A variety of forms enables conifer lovers to implement various ideas for the design of parks, squares and summer cottages:
• 12 Secrets of thuja breeding
• 13 Spring planting of thuja. How to choose a seat?
  • 13.1 Watch the video: How to plant thuja correctly
  • 13.2 Features of growing thuja
  • 13.3 Useful video: Causes of yellowing of thuja. Thuja care

Types and varieties of thuja

There are a huge number of species and varieties of the presented plant. The main 5 types are distinguished here, which include:

• Chinese;
• Korean;
• Japanese;
• west;
• folded.

Each of the species includes up to several dozen varieties, but only the most unpretentious representatives are suitable for growing in garden plots.

The following are distinguished here:

Thuja spherical

- it was due to the shape of the crown that it received its portion of popularity in cultivation in summer cottages.

Danike is one of the most popular varieties with a spherical crown.

... They prefer to plant it near gazebos or try to dilute the created woody composition. This variety reaches a height of

60 cm

, which makes it attractive in appearance and easy to clean.

Thuja Brabant

- a cone-shaped plant variety that can grow 40 cm in height and increase in size up to 15 cm in diameter in a year. This variety, when grown in summer cottages in Russia, can reach a height of all

or even

5 m

... Therefore, it is used less often. Such bushes can be found in the garden plots of elite residences, where thuja plays the role of a hedge.

Thuja Smaragd

- the same conical crown shape attracts most gardeners. An adult bush in diameter reaches

2 m

... The crown is quite dense, so it can also be used as a hedge. The presented variety pleases with its longevity - the shrub can grow up to 150 years.

Each type and variety of thuja Deserves attention. They need to be studied due to the need or desire to plant a particular variety in the garden. Such actions are necessary for the normal and full growth of the plant.

Which is better: juniper or thuja? Video:

Breeding methods and cultivation features

The shrub is grown at home, and only then planted in open ground in the garden.

You can use a simple and easier way - to purchase a ready-made seedling, which must be planted immediately after purchase. But self-cultivation is much more interesting.

So, you can grow thuja from a seed or from a selected cuttings. Both methods are worthy of detailed consideration.

Growing a seedling from seed

If you are new to gardening, then the question is, how to grow thuja from seeds, should be considered in more detail. The seeds of the presented plant can be purchased at a specialized store, or you can get it yourself.

Thuja has woody cones, from which seeds are extracted from September to December.

Cones are placed in a ventilated place under diffused light. After a while, they open, and you can safely remove the seeds.

Further growing thuja from seeds at home happens as follows:

1. The first method of planting seeds involves using a regular flower pot and soil mixed with peat and humus.

The seeds are preliminarily kept for a day in a damp cloth. You should not plant the seeds deeply, just sprinkle them with earth or sawdust on top.

As necessary, the planted seeds are watered (with drying out of the soil) and kept under diffused light. Sprouts should be planted with warming up the soil in the garden in the spring.

2. The second method of planting seeds gives a germination rate of about 90%. Here, in September, you should remove the seeds from the cones and put them in a bag, which must be stored in a cool place until it snows.

As soon as the snow completely covers the earth's surface, the seeds are buried in snowdrifts and kept there until spring. In the spring, it is already possible to plant the preserved thuja seeds also shallowly into the soil of the garden plot at a distance of 10 cm. It is important to water the garden abundantly.

Thus, sprouts grow for 3 years, taking care of them properly - removing weeds and watering regularly as the soil dries. In the fourth spring, you can plant the sprouts in a permanent place.

From the above, it becomes clear that such a cultivation takes a long time.

Therefore, gardeners resort to the second method of self-growing seedlings using cuttings.

Growing a seedling from a twig

How to grow thuja from a twig, if there is no plant presented on your garden plot?

In April, when the buds are ripe on the branches of the plants, visit a fruit tree nursery or visit your neighbors whose garden is decorated with this unique and interesting shrub.Ask to cut a lignified stalk about 40 cm in size.

Then you will need to perform the following actions:

• Divide the stalk yourself into 2-4 specimens so that each of them has a part of the mother bark.
• The resulting branches must be treated with any solution that stimulates rooting, and left for 12 hours to process.
• Prepare the soil in your garden - add some peat and sand to the soil.
• Plant the cuttings into the ground to a depth of no more than 3 cm.
• The soil should be well moistened, but also do not forget about spraying - this is an important condition in the presented method of growing a seedling. When the cuttings are rooted, watering is significantly reduced.
• For the winter, new mini-shrubs are covered with polyethylene if the planting took place in a region with a harsh climate. In other cases, it will be enough to cover with fallen leaves or spruce branches.

Similar thuja propagation by cuttings can be done at home. Branches are planted in a container with soil and covered with a greenhouse - such an action will lead to faster growth.

Just do not forget about the appropriate daily airing, watering and spraying until the cuttings are completely rooted.

How to propagate and grow thuja, video:

Correct planting and care of thuja outdoors

Thuja planting depends on the size of self-grown seedlings. If an acquired plant is planted, then this is done according to the following principles:

1. The place for further growth of thuja should have a beneficial effect on the growth of the plant - it is a sunny place, protected from the winds. You should not choose a place on the site that is constantly exposed to direct sunlight - the plant will begin to wither. Also, you can not plant a shrub in the shade - it will begin to thin out.
2. The dimensions of the dug hole for planting depend only on the existing root system. The diameter of the planting pit can be up to a meter.
3. A layer of stones is laid at the bottom of the hole as drainage - the presented plant does not tolerate stagnant water well.
4. A layer of soil is laid on top of the stones, where turf, peat and sand are mixed in equal quantities.
5. Now you should set the seedling so that the root collar is at the level of the soil.
6. "Fix" the seedling with the remaining soil or turf soil.
7. After planting, the seedlings can be watered with a moderate amount of water.

When planting, the distance between the seedlings should be observed. Depending on the variety, it can reach from 2 to 5 m. Consider the possible diameter of the type of shrub used.

This is especially necessary to do if it is implied thuja hedge... In this case, the calculation of the distance takes place without taking into account the free space between the future grown bushes.

As for the care of thuja in the open field, difficulties are not foreseen here. It is important to regularly water the shrub, which is done as the soil dries. Periodically, the soil can be hilled, and it is also necessary to constantly remove the weed.

Top dressing of the plant is carried out in early spring, when snow covers the surface of the soil. At this time, nitrogen fertilizers are used.

Such procedures are carried out until mid-summer no more than 2 times a month. Next, you should resort to the use of potash fertilizers, feeding which is extended until late autumn.

At 2-3 years of age, thuja shrubs may require pruning, the whole principle of which is to give an attractive and correct crown for this shrub.

As a rule, in the early years, pruning is only preventive in nature. The full formation of the bush is carried out already in adult specimens.

How to plant thuja correctly, video:

Thuja: home care

In the absence of your own garden plot, you can grow a small miniature tree at home. Thuja in a pot today it does not seem strange, but quite an adequate solution for those flower growers who want to have a coniferous plant in their home.

There are no additional aspects of care here. It is only important to carry out timely watering and provide the plant with fertile and nutritious soil.

For planting the presented plant at home, choose the eastern thuja and the Ploskovetochnik variety. Planting a plant for self-cultivation in a pot is carried out according to the same principle as described above.

An exception is the absence of a transplantation point to a permanent place - after planting a seed or cutting in a pot with soil, the plant remains in place until fully ripe. The small volume of the container will not allow the shrub to grow as high and wide as possible.

Principle, how to care for thuja at home, is concluded in the following order:

1. Planting a plant in a pot requires good drainage at the bottom of the pot. You can use a regular tray, which will also help remove excess moisture.
2. The soil can be enriched with useful microelements by mixing four parts of sod land with two parts of coniferous. Only part of the sand is added to the mixture - the result is a soil suitable for planting seeds or cutting.
3. The pot must be placed on a north or west window - this will provide diffused light suitable for normal growth for the shrub.
4. For optimal cultivation, an already mature tree is provided with a temperature of 10-15 ° C. In the summer, it is necessary to take the pot with the plant to the balcony so that it receives its portion of air procedures.
5. Watering is carried out as needed as soon as the soil dries out. It is important not to allow excessive moisture or dry out of the soil, all this will lead to the death of the plant.
6. Thuja can calmly tolerate any whims of air humidity in the room. However, excessive "air drying" should not be allowed. It is better to maintain a moderate climate in relation to indoor humidity. In summer, in the heat, the plant should be sprayed.
7. For the normal formation of the bush, the plant is pruned.

When growing thuja, one should not forget about timely feeding with special universal fertilizers, which are carried out in the spring and during the summer for a favorable and rapid growth.

From August to September, you can start propagation by cuttings.

Self-forming bonsai

Surprisingly, some growers give the bush-like thuja the shape of a bonsai tree. This is not easy to do. It is not enough just to pinch and cut the plant.

To form a bonsai, it is necessary to give the shrub an appropriate shape, subjecting its branches to a forced change in the direction of growth, slightly breaking them at the same time. The curved branch is fixed in a new direction and all branches are cut off.

After a while, the shrub will begin to form into a bonsai tree, where you should monitor the formation of the crown, constantly pruning.

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Diseases and pests

Proper care of the presented plant allows you to achieve an attractive green shrub.

If you make any mistakes, the thuja branches can thin out, and the rich green color will change to pale gray.

But this is not the worst thing that can happen to a plant. Much more dangerous is a fungal infection or an invasion of harmful insects, the fight against which can take a long time. The most common and dangerous diseases of thuja include:

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• Fungus - appears in the form of spots characteristic of the fungus, often affecting young shoots. The shrub should be treated immediately. To begin with, all affected areas are completely cut off, and then you can resort to treatment with any antifungal solution.
• False shield - yellow spots form on the branches, which are often perceived as a real shield. To remove them, the plant should be treated with Rogor or Karbofos solutions.
• Speckled moth - often appears when growing thuja in the open field. It manifests itself in the form of the transformation of branches into brown color and the withering away of the top of the tree. You can get rid of pests by treating the shrub with solutions containing pyrethroid.
• Aphids - leads to the fall of the needles from the bush. Here you can use Karbofos according to the instructions.

The correct cultivation of a coniferous plant at home or in the open field will give flower growers and gardeners great pleasure.

Such plants should be "kept" nearby, as thuja needles have excellent beneficial properties.

Thuja needles can be used to treat wounds, as a hemostatic agent, and also for colds.

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Ephedra are very popular for decoration, both in the city part and in private estates, decorating the territory throughout the year. Among the variety of coniferous representatives of thuja, planting and care in the open field for which they do not require large labor costs, is the biggest favorite of landscape designers and summer residents.

Common plant varieties

The genus of evergreen shrubs, and sometimes trees, belonging to the Cypress family, includes 5 species:

• thuja western;
• thuja Korean;
• thuja folded;
• Japanese thuja;
• thuja sichuan.

The most common variety that can be found in park areas, near the entrances to administrative buildings and in private territories is thuja western, characterized by slow growth rates, resistance to frost and winds.

Of the many and varied varieties of evergreen long-liver, the following stand out:

1. "Smaragd" is a low-growing cone-shaped bush, not exceeding 2 m, with weak branching. The branches grow vertically, being at a considerable distance from each other.
2. "Brabant" is a cone-shaped variety with a significant height of 15-21 m, at which the diameter of the widest section of the crown can reach 4 m.
3. "Danica" is a spherical dwarf thuja with a peeling bark of a reddish color. With the onset of winter, the green scales of the needles are set off with a light brownish tone.
4. "Woodward" is a low-growing form of a spherical conifer, distinguished by its insignificant maximum dimensions - height - 2.5 m, width - 5 m.

Landing in open ground

Despite the unpretentiousness of the thuja, the evergreen beauty needs a competent approach already at the planting stage, on which the success of the further cultivation of the plant largely depends.

How to choose the right seedlings?

Planting material should be purchased in nurseries or specialized points of sale, focusing on the purpose of the purchase: adult specimens are immediately purchased to decorate the site, and if there is time, then you can opt for young plants, which also take root well. When choosing a seedling, it is examined for the presence of spots, lesions by diseases and pests.

Important! High-quality planting material should have elastic shoots with well-kept needles and a moist rhizome.

Soil preparation and site

The site for thuja is selected with little shading: direct sun access leads to drying of the shoots, which negatively affects wintering, and an excess of shade harms the decorative qualities of the ephedra, expressed in growth retardation, loss of intense color and splendor. A high level of groundwater is not afraid of thuja, however, in combination with heavy soils, stagnation of water can be observed, which is not permissible when growing a crop. In this case, a drainage layer of 15 cm from crushed brick is placed on the bottom of the hole.The culture is undemanding to the composition of the soil, while preferring a loose and fertile soil, consisting of fertile soil, peat and sand in equal parts.

How and when to plant?

The timing of planting seedlings is extended: the procedure is carried out from spring to autumn. The optimal time is considered the second half of spring, when the planted bushes are able to quickly adapt to the new environment and take root. Planting a thuja in the fall has certain risks due to the uncertainty that the plant will have enough time to take root in the chosen place before the onset of cold weather.

Landing is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. Planting holes are dug at a certain distance, depending on the characteristics of the variety and the purpose, of such a size that the plants are freely placed in them along with the soil clod.
2. At the bottom of the hole, a drainage layer is organized, which is sprinkled with a small amount of soil with wood ash and organic matter in the form of compost.
3. The seedling is lowered into the hole so that the root collar is flush with the earth's surface.
4. Thuja is covered with a substrate of earth, sand, peat.
5. The soil around the trunk is compacted and watered well.

Advice! With an open rhizome, the ephedra is planted in the spring for successful rooting. Plants are planted from containers with soil mixture throughout the growing season.

Thuja: outdoor care

Competent care of thuja provides for the implementation of a set of measures designed for the full growth of the bush.

Watering, loosening and mulching

Ephedra responds well to watering, especially sprinkling. Only a planted seedling must be watered every week with a volume of water of 10-50 liters, depending on its size. In the case of sprinkling, not only the earth is moistened, but dust is also removed from the crown, thereby providing the plant with free access to air and accelerating all physiological processes. After irrigation, the soil in the near-trunk circle is loosened to a depth of 10 cm so as not to damage the surface roots. Mulching is carried out using peat, compost or pine bark to protect the roots of the plant from overheating or hypothermia.

Carefully! The mulch should not cover the trunk or the lower shoots that may begin to rot underneath.

Top dressing

Additional feeding of the ephedra is carried out by the spring application of complex mineral fertilizers with a rate of 50-60 g / m2. If fertilizers were applied during planting, then the first feeding is organized only in the third year of growth.

Crown formation

Pruning stimulates branching of shoots: the more often it is carried out, the greater the density and splendor of the crown. The timing of pruning is not strictly regulated, however, according to experts, it is better to carry out the procedure in early spring before the buds open. Single plantings need a sanitary and thinning haircut.

Formative pruning is required when using thuja as a "green" fence or in group plantings, while:

1. The formation of the crown is carried out after the thuja reaches the desired size and age of three years.
2. Typically, the plant is pruned twice - in spring and early fall.
3. When pruning, it is cut into more than ⅓ part of the shoot, so as not to weaken the plant.

How to transplant correctly?

If it becomes necessary to transfer an ephedra, which easily tolerates a transplant, from one place to another, it is worth considering the age of the bush:

• If the specimen is small, then the soil at a distance of half a meter from the trunk is pierced with a shovel, after which the plant is removed with an earthen clod and transported in a wheelbarrow so as not to destroy the clod.
• Large specimens are stitched a year before moving, so that they have time to grow young roots in a limited area - during this time the soil will bond well, and the procedure will be practically stress-free for the culture.

Preparing for winter

From the middle of autumn, watering and feeding stops, so that the thuja begins to prepare for a state of rest.Young plants, before reaching the age of five, need a shelter of spruce branches, in front of which the plant is huddled, and the near-stem zone is mulched with a thick layer of peat.

Important! Adult specimens do not need to be covered, but mulching, which protects the root from freezing, is required at any age.

Disease and pest control

Shoots and needles of a crop are often affected by fungal diseases such as fusarium, shute, cytosporosis. Bordeaux liquid or antifungal fungicides are used as measures to combat the beginning of spring. Three-time treatment is carried out with an interval of half a month. Of the pests on the thuja, false shields and aphids are noted, which often cause yellowing and dumping of needles. For protection, a single treatment with an insecticide is carried out in early spring and after the arrival of summer, double spraying with a two-week time interval.

Reproduction of thuja

Since the varietal characteristics are not preserved with the generative method of reproduction, vegetative methods of breeding thuja are most often used - cuttings and dividing the bush.

Cuttings

To propagate a plant in this way:

1. In June, cuttings in the form of lignified three-year shoots 30 cm long or semi-lignified parts of the current season of 15 cm are separated from the mother plant with a heel.
2. The separation sites are treated with a rooting stimulant.
3. Cuttings are placed in a light and loose substrate, previously disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate, to a depth of 3 cm.
4. Landings are covered with plastic wrap.
5. After the formation of roots and hardening of the cuttings, the film is removed, and new plants with a cold snap are covered with dry foliage or sawdust.

Dividing the bush

The procedure is advisable to apply to bush undersized forms. For successful reproduction by this method, it is enough to carry out work as during transplantation, but with only a small nuance: the rhizome with an earthen lump is divided into several parts.

Thuja in landscape design

A variety of forms makes it possible for lovers of conifers to implement various ideas for the design of parks, squares and summer cottages:

• Tall varieties are used to form hedges;
• Undersized representatives are excellent for borders that delimit recreation areas.
• Spherical forms of thuja are often found when decorating alpine slides.
• Group plantings of thuja with needles of different colors contrast perfectly in parks and squares.
• Thuyas are used to decorate patios for air purification.

With minimal maintenance, this elegant evergreen tree will grace your garden for years to come.

Among the many coniferous trees, thuja won the great love of gardeners. It is often used in landscape design, not only urban, but also for the design of summer cottages. The king's tree or thuja is a perennial frost-hardy plant with leaves unusual for conifers in the form of flat scales, which is ideal for creating a hedge or alley. This plant, like many conifers, spreads a wonderful aroma, releasing phytoncides into the environment. If you are interested in this type of tree, then in this article you will find the basic rules for growing, reproduction and thuja care.

Thuja breeding secrets

Reproduction of thuja is possible in three ways:

- growing from seeds;

- planting cuttings (twigs);

- planting ready-made seedlings.

You can experiment by trying to grow thuja in different ways. But, as experienced gardeners say, the most effective, reliable method is propagation by cuttings.

Let's consider all three ways:

1. Growing a thuja from a seed is not very popular, since it is a rather troublesome and long process. A full-fledged, young tree suitable for planting can be obtained only after 5 years. At the same time, there is a high probability of loss of varietal traits, which will lead to the transformation of the seedling into a wild tree.There is one positive point - it turns out a seedling adapted to local conditions.

Thuja seeds

To carry out the stratification process, we leave the selected healthy seeds for the winter under the snow, after which they will better sprout and germinate. With the onset of spring, we prepare the box, pour nutritious soil into it, and then sow the seeds. Pour a mixture of earth and coniferous sawdust on top. Young plants are demanding to care for: they need protection from the bright sun, weeding, regular moistening and fertilizing.

2. Propagation by cuttings is the most effective and fastest way to obtain a thuja seedling, and the new tree will retain all varietal characteristics. So, in April we start preparing cuttings. The best option for cutting is a 2 - 3-year-old shoot from the top of the plant. Experienced summer residents recommend harvesting cuttings without a pruner, pulling it out so that a small heel remains - a piece of wood from the donor tree. The size of the cuttings is about 15 - 30 cm. The lower branches, needles are removed from the shoot, disinfected in a weak manganese solution and left for a day in a growth stimulator. At this time, we fill the boxes with nutritious soil, adding sand and peat there. We place the cuttings in the soil with a slight slope, up to 5 cm deep, no more, lightly tamp the earth around and spill it.

Cuttings root well at an average air temperature of +20, at high humidity, i.e. the ideal location for the first months will be a greenhouse. In the fall, we take cuttings that have already taken root over the summer, and plant them in open ground, not forgetting to cover them before winter. Young trees that have survived the winter are ready for further planting in the selected places.

3. Buying ready-made thuja seedlings is the fastest and easiest way to immediately start decorating the site. This option will be reliable only if you purchase plants in special nurseries, where you will be guaranteed the purity and varietal quality of the products.

When buying seedlings, pay attention to the temperature of the content of the plants, the moisture content of the soil in the pots, the condition of the needles, twigs for diseases. By the way, younger plants take root better. At home, immediately plant the purchased seedlings in a shaded place and shed well.

Spring planting of thuja. How to choose a seat?

Spring is the most favorable period for planting thuja outdoors. Of course, you can plant it at any other time. Thuja is a fairly hardy plant that grows quite well on any piece of land. But, having found the optimal place for growth, you will achieve its best decorative effect.

In too lit places, thuja dries, does not tolerate frosts, in the shade it grows worse, becomes faded, less lush. The best would be to plant a thuja in a shaded place, protected from the winds, with surface groundwater.

Watch the video: How to plant thuja correctly

So, let's move on to the process of planting a thuja:

- we dig a hole, which is 70 cm deep, and has a diameter of about 1 m. The plant with a clod of earth on the roots should easily fit into it.

- We pour organic-enriched soil into the hole.

- We place the plant in the hole so that the root collar is at ground level.

- Mix the main soil, adding peat and sand in equal parts, fill the hole and lightly tamp the surface.

Thuja care

When planting several seedlings, they are placed at a distance from each other, depending on the variety. As a rule, the interval for small-sized varieties is set within one meter, for large, high ones - five meters. Creating a hedge, seedlings, despite the variety, size, are planted 1 m from each other.

Features of growing thuja

Young plants, however, like adults, thrive better in high humidity, so special attention should be paid to regular watering.The minimum water consumption is 10 liters under the root of one tree; in hot weather, the consumption doubles. In the absence of proper watering, the thuja turns yellow, many cones appear. The plant should be watered early in the morning or in the evening.

Thuja diseases

I like thuja and such a process as sprinkling - irrigation of branches. The tree is sprayed at the time of watering, while the dust is washed off, the plant becomes clean, elegant, and the air is filled with a pleasant coniferous aroma.

Experienced gardeners are advised to regularly clean the trunk circle, gently loosening it, mulching to maintain a moist environment.

Useful video: Causes of yellowing of thujas. Thuja care

An important point is the timely feeding of the tree, thanks to which it grows more actively, develops, and improves its appearance. Thuja does not require frequent fertilization, it is enough 1 - 2 times a year to make compost, a universal fertilizer for conifers.

Until the age of three, the thuja is not pruned, allowing it to take root well, determining its needs. Starting from the 3rd year, pruning is carried out, dried branches are removed, and given the desired shape. Shoots are cut off no more than 1/3 part. Circumcision is carried out in late spring and early autumn.

Pruning thuja

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Even if you have chosen frost-resistant varieties of thuja, they need preparation for winter. In late autumn, trees shed well. Young specimens are protected with a covering material that allows light to pass through. The roots are covered with fallen leaves. Older trees are not sheltered for the winter, but they need protection from strong winds and snow. For this, the branches are pulled together with a rope and pressed against the trunk, the snow cover is promptly removed. Excessive snow cover causes mold to form.

Thuja figures in landscape design

Thuja can become a real decoration of your landscape design and freshen the air with a pleasant aroma. Caring for this tree with your own hands is absolutely easy, so buy ready-made seedlings and equip the area around the house in the best possible way.

A plant like Thuja is also called the "life tree". It is directly related to the genus gymnosperms conifers of the juniper family, for example, such as sequoia, cypress, juniper, taxodium and cypress. Thuja got to European countries from America or East Asia. The Latin name for such a plant has an ancient Greek root, which means "incense", "sacrifice". This indicates the connection between the name of thuja and the fact that some aromatic species of this plant are ritually burned as incense. This genus unites 6 species. Each such plant is capable of living on average up to 150 years, but there are also older specimens. Several types of thuja and about 120 varieties of this plant are cultivated, which differ in quality and color of needles, and their crowns can be of different shapes. In landscape design, such plants are cultivated as tapeworms or in a group, and they are also decorated with borders and alleys. Thuja is also suitable for creating hedges.

Thuja features

Thuja is represented by evergreen trees or shrubs. Under natural conditions, their trunk diameter can be equal to 6 meters, and the height - 70 meters. In horticulture, the height of this tree, as a rule, does not exceed 11 m. In young specimens, soft, needle-like needles have a pale green color. At the same time, in older specimens, the needles are scaly, oppositely opposite, and it has a dark green color. In such monoecious plants, the fruits are represented by small cones that have an oblong or oval shape, while their seeds are flat. Ripening of seeds occurs already in the first year. This plant is undemanding to care for and is resistant to cold and smoke. And western thuja is able to withstand frosty winters.

Planting thuja in open ground

Boarding time

Before proceeding with the actual planting, you need to choose the area that is best suited for this plant. Such a tree loves light, but at the same time it is harmful for it to be exposed to direct rays of the sun throughout the day. The fact is that this contributes to the dehydration of the plant and leads to the fact that it tolerates wintering much worse. In this regard, the best option for thuja is a well-lit place, however, at noon, when the sun is most active, it should be in the shade. It should also be remembered that such a tree reacts negatively to drafts. Experts advise choosing nutrient-rich soil for such a plant. So, sod land is perfect, to which peat and sand should be added. But not too rich soil (sandy loam, swampy or clay) is also suitable for growing. It is possible to plant thuja in open ground both in spring and in autumn. But at the same time, it should be borne in mind that in the autumn time the plant may not have time to get stronger and therefore will endure the winter poorly.

How to plant thuja

The size of the planting hole directly depends on the size of the root system of the seedlings, taken with a lump of earth. So, the depth of the fossa should be 15–30 centimeters deeper, and its width by 35–40 centimeters. When planting several seedlings, the size of an adult specimen affects the distance between them and can vary from 100 to 500 centimeters. If the plant is planted along an alley, then the distance between them should vary from 350 to 400 centimeters. At the bottom of the planting hole, soil should be poured, which must be mixed with a not very large amount of rotted manure or compost. Before planting thuja, its roots should be immersed in water. And you need to pull them out only when air bubbles stop coming out to the surface of the water. Then the seedling is lowered into the hole and set exactly in its center. After that, the root system straightens out, and you also need to pay attention to the fact that the root collar of the seedling should rise slightly above the soil surface. After that, you should hold the tree with one hand, and fill the hole with a good soil mixture with the other. Then it is good, but at the same time gently tamp it, try not to damage the base of the trunk. After that, water the thuja, using 15–20 liters per specimen. After the liquid is absorbed into the soil and it settles a little, its surface will need to be covered with a layer of mulch (peat, pine bark, wood chips or compost). Mulch will significantly slow down the evaporation of moisture from the soil, as well as protect the root system of the plant on too hot or too cold days. But it should be borne in mind that the mulch should not fall either on the branches at the very bottom or cover the trunk, since in these places the thuja can begin to sweep.

Thuja care in the garden

Watering

Such a plant loves moisture and reacts positively to the sprinkling procedure. After the plant is planted, in the first weeks, watering should be done weekly, with 1 to 5 buckets of water used for 1 copy (depending on the size of the tree). Sprinklers are especially beneficial for young trees, so that the soil and roots are saturated with water, and impurities are removed from the needles, which greatly improves the respiration of the plant, and it not only looks much better, but also grows and develops much faster. Since the roots of this tree are superficial, loosening of the soil surface, which is recommended after each watering, should be done to a depth of no more than 8-10 centimeters.

Top dressing

In spring, the plant needs feeding and for this it is recommended to use a complex mineral fertilizer, for example, a solution of Kemira-universal (for 1 square meter from 50 to 60 grams). In the event that fertilizers were introduced into the soil during the planting of the seedling, then the next time you need to feed the plant no earlier than in a couple of years.

Pruning

This plant reacts very well to pruning. So, if you cut it often and strongly, then it will become very lush and thick. Pruning can be done at any time, but it is best done in the spring, before the buds begin to open. In the event that this tree is grown as a hedge, then it must be cut off without fail and this should be done systematically. If the thuja grows as a single plant, then it will still need thinning pruning, as well as sanitary ones. In the same case, when these plants are cultivated in a group, they need formative pruning, otherwise they can get an unsightly sloppy appearance. You need to start shaping the crown only when the thuja grows to the size you need. In some cases, thuja may only need one haircut, which should be done in spring, but in August or September, most often the plant has to be cut a second time. There are varieties that require relatively frequent formative pruning, but should be taken into account so that the tree does not weaken, you do not need to prune more than 1/3 of the stem at a time. Thuja undergoes the first pruning only after the tree reaches two or three years of age. For pruning, you will need a very sharp and powerful pruner, so it should never chew on the stems.

Transfer

There are times when it is simply necessary to transplant an already adult thuja. Such a plant is transplanted quite easily, but at the same time you need to know a few fairly simple rules. If the tree is not very large, then around it it is necessary to pierce the soil with a sufficiently sharp shovel, while it is necessary to retreat from the trunk from 0.4 to 0.5 meters. Then you need to carefully pry off the tree and pull out the root system along with the trunk circle. After that, the plant must be moved with the help of a wheelbarrow to the planting site, while you need to try so that the clod of earth does not collapse. Then the thuja immediately lands in a new place. If the tree is relatively large, then it should be pierced in advance, or rather, 12 months before transplanting. The fact is that during this period the plant will be able to grow young roots inside a clod of earth, which was limited to a "circle". As a result, the soil will not crumble during the transportation of the tree, and the transplant for the thuja will be completely painless. This tree will take root quite easily and quickly after transplanting.

Diseases and pests

Plants infect such fungal diseases as fusarium, brown schutte and cytosporosis. They are capable of damaging both stems and needles. In order to cure the thuja, it is treated with Cartocide or Bordeaux liquid. A diseased plant must be sprayed from the beginning of the spring. Treatments are carried out 2 times a month until the thuja recovers.

Aphids and false shields are capable of settling on this tree. After this happens, the needles will begin to change their color to yellow, and then die off. To get rid of pests, it is recommended to use Rogor, Karbofos or Decis, while closer to the end of June it is necessary to carry out 2 treatments with Chlorophos or Aktellik, with an interval of 14 days.

Reproduction of thuja

For reproduction, both vegetative and seed methods are used. In the event that the plant is species, then seeds are quite suitable for its reproduction. However, varietal and shaped plants should be propagated only by vegetative methods, which include: bush division and cuttings. The fact is that the seeds of such plants do not retain the varietal characteristics of the parent plant.

Thuja propagation by cuttings

In order to propagate such a plant by cuttings, cuttings should be prepared in June. For this, lignified stems are cut, which are 2 or 3 years old, while their length can vary from 25 to 40 centimeters.You can also use those stems of the current year that are semi-lignified, while their length varies from 10 to 20 centimeters. Cuttings should not be cut, but pulled out with a heel. The place of separation from the parent plant should be treated with a Heteroauxin solution. Then the stalk must be planted, deepening it by 15–25 mm. For planting, an earth mixture is used, consisting of peat, sod land and sand, taken in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. It must be disinfected and a tepid solution of potassium manganese is used for this. The handle must be covered with polyethylene film. Only after the cuttings are completely rooted, they should be aired and hardened. After some time after this, the shelter is removed for good. In late autumn, these plants should be covered with sawdust, dry leaves or spruce branches. After the air temperature drops to minus 5-7 degrees, then a film should be placed on top of the shelter.

Growing thuja from seeds

Growing from seeds is a rather lengthy process, so it can take 3-5 years. Only freshly harvested seeds are suitable for sowing. Previously, they must be subjected to natural stratification, for this they are placed under the snow on the street or on the shelf of the refrigerator, where they must stay from autumn to spring. Sowing is carried out in the spring in open ground, while a place in partial shade is selected. Seeds are buried on the floor a centimeter deep, and on top of them a relatively thin layer of sawdust from coniferous trees should be poured. After that, the beds must be sheltered from direct sunlight and shields are used for this, while making sure that the soil is constantly loose and slightly damp. When the seeds germinate, the surface of the garden bed must be covered with peat. 1 time in 2 weeks it is necessary to apply a solution of complete mineral fertilizer to the soil. At the end of the first season, the height of young thujas will be 7–8 centimeters. Before the onset of winter, these plants need to be covered with spruce branches, on top of which a film is laid. With the onset of the spring period, the shelter must be removed and it is necessary to continue to care for the young thujas in the same way as in the first year of their life (watering, weeding, feeding and mulching). Only in the third spring, after the height of the trees is half a meter, it will be necessary to transplant them to a permanent place.

Thuja in the winter at the dacha

Autumn

In the autumn, you should stop both watering the plant and applying fertilizers to the soil. The fact is that it must prepare for the coming winter.

How to cover thuja

Young trees less than 5 years old should be covered with spruce branches. But before the plant can be sheltered, it should be highlighted, and the near-stem circle should be sprinkled with a thick layer of mulch (peat). It is not necessary to cover adult specimens for the winter, however, it is necessary to sprinkle the trunk circle with mulch.

Wintering thuja

In the event that the winter period is characterized by heavy snowfalls, then this can cause injury to the branches of the plant even in mature and sufficiently powerful trees. To avoid this, in the autumn, the crown of the plant is tied with twine. At the end of February, a non-woven covering material should be thrown over the tree, which will help protect it from the too intense spring sun. In some cases, cracks appear on the bark, this is due to a sharp change in temperature. In springtime, they should be putty with garden pitch, while the bark must be well pulled together so that the wounds can heal.

Types and varieties of thuja with photos and descriptions

Thuja western (Thuja occidentalis)

Western thuja is the most common cultivated species of this plant. In gardens, alleys, parks and squares, you can see a large number of varieties and varieties of this species. In European countries, it began to be cultivated in the 16th century. The tallest representatives of this species grow up to 8–12 meters.This plant is a long-liver of the plant world, so it can live up to 1 thousand years. While the plant is young, its crown has a pyramidal shape, but over the years it becomes ovoid. Thuja cone-shaped, kegle-shaped or columnar forms are most often used for landscaping. For instance:

1. Brabant - the height of such a plant varies from 15 to 21 meters, and its diameter is 3-4 meters. The crown is conical. The bark is light red or brownish-gray, flaking. There are green scaly needles. Light brown cones reach 1.2 centimeters in length and have an oblong-ovoid shape.
2. Emerald - such a squat variety in height can reach 200 centimeters. This weakly branching plant has a conical crown. The stems are placed vertically, and on them are shiny evergreen branches that are far apart from each other. This variety is quite popular with gardeners.

The most popular among thuja with a spherical crown are such varieties as:

1. Danica - this dwarf form is the result of the work of breeders in Denmark. The peeling bark is colored light red or brownish gray. Scaly green needles are soft, thick and glossy, in winter they have a light brown tint.
2. Woodwardy - dwarf variety with a spherical crown. Its height does not exceed 2.5 meters, while the crown diameter can reach 5 meters. The branches and stems of this variety are straight and flat. The needles are colored dark green.

Also in culture there are varieties with a threadlike, cascading crown, for example, Filiformis. Plant height is not more than 150 centimeters. It has a wide conical or dense rounded crown. Hanging stems are long, threadlike, weakly branching. Young needles have a pale green color, in winter they have a brownish tint.

More recently, a heather-like form of such a plant has been born, for example, Erikoides. The height of such a plant does not exceed 100 centimeters. Outwardly, it looks like a juniper. The wide-conical multi-vertex crown is rounded. Many thin elastic stems can be curved or straight. The subulate needles are rather soft. In the upper part of the plant, it is painted in a matte greenish-yellow color, and in the lower part in greenish-gray.

There is also a variety with 2 types of needles (scale and acicular) on the same plant. Such a plant has a rather bizarre crown. So, after the plant turns 8-10 years old, it is divided into several peaks, it seems as if there is not one thuja in front of you, but several.

Thuja folded (Thuja plicata)

This is also called giant. It can be found in natural conditions along the Pacific coast. This species is the most mountainous. The height can be up to 60 meters, while the trunk diameter is 3-4 meters. But in culture, the tree is not so tall. The plant has several ornamental varieties and the most popular is Zebrina.

Thuja Korean (Thuja koraiensis)

This is a wide shrub or tree, the height of which is 9 meters. There is a very spectacular whitish needles, almost silvery. For wintering, the tree must be covered.

Thuja Japanese (Thuja standishii)

Originally from the mountains of Central Japan. In nature, it reaches a height of 18 meters. The crown is wide, conical in shape. The bark is copper-red. The lower part of the branches has a silvery color. If you grind them, you can smell the lemon and eucalyptus caramel. Plant growth is quite slow in areas with cool climates, while in warm areas it is much faster.

Thuja orientalis (Thuja orientalis), or flattened (Platycladus)

This plant is classified as a subgenus of biota, while it is considered its only representative. Under natural conditions, it can be found in China, while it has been cultivated in Central Asia for several centuries. It is a spreading tree or a large shrub with an openwork crown.There are about 60 garden forms, but they are all frost-resistant.