Watering rowan (mountain ash)

• Rowan origin
• Rowan care and location
• Pruning rowan
• Fertilizing rowan
• Watering rowan

Rowan origin

The deciduous rowan, also called mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia), belongs to the genus Sorbus It belongs to the rose family. It reaches a height of about 10 to 15 meters and usually lives up to 100 years. Birds have a fondness for the red berries of the rowan tree, which is where the name "bird berry" comes from.

It originated in Europe, Asia, and western Siberia. The Germanic peoples revered the rowan as the tree of the thunder god Thor, and its leaves, blossoms, and fruit were used in medicine. For the Celts, it was a spiritual tree that grew in sacred places, and their druids used its wood to make their staffs.

From May onwards, the alternate leaves emerge, usually consisting of 15 toothed leaflets. Their leaves resemble those of the ash tree. In autumn, they turn yellow-orange to a vibrant red. After bud break in May, the flowers appear in corymbs up to 15 cm wide.

Rowan berries ripen from mid-August to October. The fresh berries contain small amounts of parasorbic acid, which is mildly toxic, and the seeds contain hydrocyanic acid. Parasorbic acid causes nausea in large quantities but is neutralized by cooking. Rowan berries are used to make jam, chutney, juice, and schnapps.

Rowan care and location

The rowan tree is very adaptable, but prefers loose, humus-rich, moderately acidic soils and does not tolerate waterlogging. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal. 

Pruning rowan

The rowan tree is an easy-care tree that requires no pruning. It's best to leave it to grow undisturbed. Dead wood can be removed at any time.

Fertilizing rowan

Rowan trees thrive in various soil types and generally do not require fertilization. However, if the soil is very sandy or nutrient-poor, occasional watering can be beneficial. fertilizeto promote its growth and improve flowering and fruiting. In spring, a layer of compost or organic fertilizer can be applied around the trunk. Too much fertilizer can affect the health of the rowan and negatively affect its growth and fruiting. The rowan tree should only be fertilized occasionally and in moderate amounts.

Watering rowan

The water requirements of a rowan tree depend on various factors, such as the age and size of the tree, the location, the soil, and the climate. Global warming is leading to longer periods of drought and increased heat in our regions. This has an impact on the environment and especially on trees. In some cases, trees may need to be watered more frequently than before.
Newly planted rowan trees still need to establish roots and require plenty of water, but even with mature trees, care should be taken to ensure that the soil remains consistently moist.

The water requirements of a rowan tree depend on several factors, such as the duration of the dry period and the condition of the tree. As a general rule, young trees require 75 to 100 liters per watering, while older trees require 150 to 200 liters. 
If too much water suddenly falls on the base of the tree, there is a risk that the moisture will evaporate or run off before it can reach the roots. For this reason, one should... tree bath watering bags water more efficiently and even save water.
Attaching and filling the water bags is simple and straightforward. The bag is placed around the tree trunk like a jacket and zipped shut. The next step is to fill the bag with enough water so that, after further adjustment, no wrinkles remain in the bottom area, and then let it fill.

For trees with larger trunks, several bags can also be connected with the zipper. 
Two small holes release water evenly and over several hours as drip irrigation into the soil. This allows the water to be absorbed more effectively by the surrounding soil and roots than with conventional watering. The irrigation bag covers the soil surface, thus reducing water evaporation.