Spruce under Kunč
The spruce under Kunč is the thickest spruce tree in the Dolenjska region. In addition to its appearance, it shows good vitality with significant annual growth in thickness and regular seed production. Its circumference measures an impressive 4.70 m. Its age is estimated to be over 150 years.
Until the mid-19th century, the natural spruce habitats in the Kočevski Rog area were limited only to certain frost hollows in sinkholes. The introduction of spruce is linked to the beginning of forest exploitation in the Rog forests, when clear-cutting and planting spruce monocultures became prevalent. Intensive spruce planting was also characteristic of the period after World War II, when many areas of abandoned Gottscheer villages were reforested.
The spruce is a characteristic Alpine or boreal species that requires high air humidity and abundant precipitation for growth. It does not tolerate drought or heat, which makes it more susceptible to bark beetle attacks and drying out in such conditions.
ID card / Personal profile:
Height: 51.0 m
Circumference: 4.70 m
Diameter: 1.50 m
Diameter growth: 7.9 mm/year