Care of the tree Sorbus domestica or Service tree |
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The genus Sorbus, family Rosaceae, comprises 100 species of trees and shrubs native to temperate and cold areas of Asia and Europe. Some species are: Sorbus domestica, Sorbus aria, Sorbus aucuparia, Sorbus alnifolia, Sorbus torminalis. Common names: Service tree, Sorb tree, True service tree. This species is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia. They are deciduous trees with a rounded and leafy crown that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height and live for more than 200 years. They have compound leaves of 11-21 oblong-lanceolate leaflets with a serrated edge. The flowers appear in corymbs, are small (1.5 cm/0.59" in diameter) and creamy-white in color. They bloom in spring. The fruits, in the shape of small pears, are edible and are harvested in late summer. These easy-to-grow plants are used as isolated specimens, as fruit trees, for hedges and in large pots. Jams can be made with its fruits by letting them ripen in straw baskets until they turn brown. Sorbus domestica can grow in full sun, semi-shade, or shaded exposures. They resist frosts not very persistent. They prefer slightly chalky soil but do well in normal orchard or garden soil. Planting is done in spring or autumn. Water moderately all year round increasing irrigation in summer; wait for the soil to dry out before watering. Fertilize in fall with compost or manure. Prune dry or damaged branches in late winter. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They are propagated from seeds but it's a slow process; it's recommended to make cuttings from the suckers that they produce at the base. |
Images of the tree Sorbus domestica or Service tree |
 Sorbus domestica  Sorbus domestica  Sorbus domestica  Sorbus domestica  Sorbus domestica |