At the largest intersection in Bolesławiec—Zgorzelecka-Łokietka-Wesoła—a large living Christmas tree has been installed. The tree pleases residents, but suggestions are emerging to simply plant a coniferous tree in this location.

Readers' opinions:

It's a shame no one thought that such a tree could have been planted some time ago and allowed to grow, instead of cutting one down and putting it on a stand every year.

(...)

It's a shame no one thought of planting such a tree there. The idea of having a Christmas tree in this location is great; the execution is costly, but it isn't the officials who pay—it is us. We all shout the motto of the two-name [person]: first and foremost, the residents!!!

Suggestions to plant a living tree there appear every year. If a young sapling were planted, waiting for it to grow would take many years.

Should the city plant a coniferous tree in this location?

Can coniferous trees be transplanted?

Such an undertaking is costly and risky. A larger tree, such as a spruce, may fail to take root. When it comes to conifers, not all tolerate transplanting well. In general, the younger and smaller the tree, the easier it is to transplant, but some species are more “resistant” to this procedure.

Here is a list of conifers that are most likely to establish successfully after transplanting:

1. Pines

  • Especially young Scots pines and Austrian black pines,
  • They have a relatively simple and deep root system, which is easier to move in its entirety,
  • The best time to transplant them is in spring or autumn, before intensive growth begins.

2. Young spruces

  • Spruces up to approximately 1–2 metres tall establish quite well,
  • Older spruces already have an extensive root system, making transplanting difficult,
  • Their shallow root system requires a large root ball when transplanting.

3. Firs

  • Young firs, up to several years old, establish relatively easily,
  • Older trees are sensitive to transplanting, but young specimens tolerate a change of location well if adequate moisture and a large root ball are provided.

4. Junipers

  • Most juniper species are resistant to transplanting, especially when young.
  • Low-growing creeping junipers, such as Juniperus horizontalis, cope very well.

5. Cypresses and false cypresses

  • Young specimens are fairly resistant.
  • Older trees with extensive crowns and root systems are more difficult to transplant.

The easiest to transplant in practice

  • Pines (young),
  • Junipers,
  • Low-growing false cypresses,
  • Spruces and firs—only young, small specimens.

What about conifers' requirements concerning soil and pollution?

Conifers are generally less demanding in terms of soil than many deciduous trees, but their requirements depend on the species. As for air pollution, most conifers tolerate smog, dust and exhaust fumes well, especially pines, spruces and junipers. This is evidenced by the fact that various species grow in different parts of Bolesławiec, for example in parks, squares and home gardens.