Service tree

Sorbus (Sorbus domestica) is a rare, medium-sized to large deciduous tree with a natural area of ​​distribution in southern and central Europe.

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Service tree

Latin name

Sorbus domestica

Family

Rosaceae

Origin

Southern Europe, sporadically also in North Africa and the Caucasus

Crop classification

miscellaneous fruit, pomefruit

Growing shape

tree

Spacing

10 x 7-10m

Soil type

loose and nutrient-rich soils

Soil pH

around 7.0

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Interesting

The dense and tough wood of the tree is suitable for special products such as mechanical parts, gauges, marquetry or tools; however, wood production is minimal due to its low yield and especially the rarity of acorns. As with other species of the Sorbus genus, Sorbus fruits are an important food source for a variety of birds and animals. The tree is also valuable as an ornamental.

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Usage

Can be used for ornamental purposes, wood utilization and fruit production. It is also used in traditional medicine against intestinal problems, dysentery, diabetes and to improve memory. Hard and heavy wood is of good quality and can command a high price; it is often used to make small items such as screws, gears, bearings, rifle stocks, various inlays and furniture. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make jams, juices, fruit wine, spirits and to preserve cider.

Suitable growing locations 

Service tree has optimal growth conditions in loose and nutrient-rich soils, but it is not demanding on light, which makes it a weak competitor in mixed stands. As a result, the tree is usually found in warm, poor and sometimes extremely dry places. The tree is frost-resistant, but prefers a mild climate. In Central Europe, the tree is found on southern slopes below 650 m.a.s.l., while in the Mediterranean it is found at higher altitudes. Oskoruša is considered to be a woody plant with higher temperature requirements, yet it tolerates temperatures down to -30 °C. 

Cultivation technology

It is most often propagated from seed, but when we require an earlier entry into fertility, we can inoculate sorghum to a dormant bud. Trees are mostly grown as solitary trees, but if we plan to plant more trees, we choose a distance of 7-10 m between them. There is very little information on growing technologies in the literature, as this tree is not grown commercially. However, the growing form is most often a tall trunk with a freely growing crown. We cut only to establish skeletal branches in the 1st to 2nd year after planting. Seedlings begin to bear fruit after 8-10 years, grafted individuals a little earlier, in about 5-6 years. year after planting. Compared to other commercially grown species and trees, there is no need for regular and annual pruning. We remove diseased, damaged, overloaded or crossing shoots, as well as shoots that grow in undesirable directions. 

Suitable varieties

We have practical experience with the inoculation of dormant buds in seedlings, or forest plantains of pears, rowanberries, or into the seedbeds of gooseberries. There are no bred varieties on the market, we have to rely only on local sources and locally available genotypes. Most often, there are two basic genotypes on offer, either pear or apple form.

Diseases and pests

diseases: apple cancer, apple scab, rose blight, mulberry leaf spot, black spot

pests: aphids