Home Gardening

Living Christmas Trees
Garden Tips Newsletter - December 3, 2001

If you wish to have a living Christmas tree this season, there are a few that you can choose that will do well in the South. Norway Spruce (Picea abies), Virginia Pine (Pinus virginiana), Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii), and Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) are some that perform well in the Southern landscape.

When using living Christmas trees, be sure to keep them moist while they are inside the home. Keep the tree away from heating vents. Put the tree outside as soon as possible after the holidays and water thoroughly. Allow the plant to sit outside several days before planting. For information on planting trees, see publication Transplanting Trees & Shrubs in the Landscape IS965.

Norway Spruce-Hardy zones 3-7, is not well-adapted to zone 8 conditions. Moderately moist, sandy, acid, and well-drained soils preferred. Needs adequate moisture in the early years of establishment. Full sun preferred, very light shade tolerated.

Virginia Pine-Hardy zones 4 to 8. Will tolerate poor dry soils, prefers clay or sandy loam. Needs full sun.

Japanese Black Pine-Hardy zones 6 to 8. Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Will grow in sand. Requires full sun.

Scotch Pine-Hardy zones 3a-7, is not well-adapted to zone 7b conditions. Will grow in a variety of soils, prefers acid, well-draining soils. Will tolerate some dry conditions. Needs full sun.

For information on choosing a Christmas tree go to:
http://www.msucares.com/lawn/garden/tips/00/001204.html

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.