Torminalis glaberrima (= Sorbus torminalis)

Wild Service-tree

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.:
Typically 15m, up to 20m 1
12m 3
25m 5
20-25m, exceptionally 30m 6
25m 7

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres:
Ovoid crown up to 15m diameter 1
Spreading, sometimes domed 3
4-8m wide 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Moderate (295 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Moderately dense 1

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Early (Apr to Nov 1)

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Low 4

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: 200+ years 2

Management & Systems

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Coppices well 23

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Requires protection from browsing 3 and formative pruning 6

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Requires pruning for clear timber 3

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: Late winter to early spring 2

(Sorbus torminalis), Ogród Botaniczny UMCS w Lublinie/ Salicyna/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: –

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp:
Timber, especially veneers, higher value for younger wood 2
Max YC 8 4

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Liquers and traditional medicines from fruits

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: –

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: 100-120 years 22

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low to moderate – shallow to moderate root depth and moderate canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Moderate
Medium-term (40 years): Moderate
Long-term (60 years): Relatively low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Native 1

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups:
Likely moderate 5
Highest value for leaf litter, blossom, and seeds 5

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: May-Jun 1

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: Moderate to high 13

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: Root suckers, capable of forming thickets 2, especially in older or felled trees 4. Suckers capable of extending 100m 10

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Moderate
Can be affected by fireblight and silverleaf 35, apple canker and honey fungus 2

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Moderate
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, pear blister mite, red spider mite and sawfly larvae 2

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
High
Highly susceptible to damage from deer and rabbits 57