AT A GLANCE
How does drought affect spruce?
The spruce responds to drought by closing its stomata to keep water inside. However, if the drought persists, dry cracks appear in the trunk area, which attract fungi and pests and can possibly lead to spruce dieback.
How does spruce react to a lack of moisture?
The reacts to a lack of moisture Spruce with an altered sap flow. This means the transport of water from the soil to the needles.
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In case of moisture: During the day, the tree transports the water into all of its needles, whose stomata are accessible at this time.
When dry: The tree closes its stomata. In this way he tries to keep the water inside himself. If the soil is excessively dry so that the spruce can no longer fill up its water reservoir overnight, it becomes a problem.
How does drought affect spruce?
Persistent dryness leads to cracking in the lower trunk area of the spruce. These so-called drying cracks are injuries affecting both Mushrooms as well as pests like that
bark beetle attract. Both pose massive threats to the coniferous tree and can cause it to die off.But with short or moderate dry spells the spruce, on the other hand, usually gets along well. Such phases can even help the tree more resistant to drought stress and thus also against fungi and pests.
How is spruce dieback related to climate change?
Due to climate change, the spruce is increasingly being pushed back into its natural range. This is at high altitudes, for example in the Alps. Global warming has Lack of rain in the lowlands As a result, the spruce lacks the moisture it needs to thrive and stay healthy.
In this sense, climate change has a direct impact on spruce. We will probably not be able to admire them in the lowlands for much longer - a fact that is also economically critical, as the tree provides good timber.
How to protect spruce from drought?
In the Spruce in your own garden is meticulous to ensure that they are always enough moisture receives. This means that you have to water them regularly - even more so during dry summers. In general, great importance should be attached to care.
In addition, root injuries - for example by building a fence - must be avoided at all costs, as they could impede the absorption of moisture and nutrients and consequently promote drought.
Tip
If in doubt, choose a more resistant tree
If you do not want to take any risks, it is better not to plant a spruce. With the fir or the Douglas fir, there are beautiful and at the same time more drought-resistant alternatives for the garden in the lowlands.
