LIVE CHRISTMAS TREES

CHOOSING THE ONE THAT YOU WILL ENJOY THE MOST

With so many options it may not be as simple or as easy as it appears

BY CLAUDE A. SWANSON


BONUS LINK! Click here to get your free online Christmas Tree Care Guide from flowers.com:

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Pine

White Pine

Also called Eastern Pine, the White Pine is the largest of the pines in the U.S. It has soft, pliable bluish-green needles. The long, soft needles are 2 ½ to 5 inches long, with good needle retention. Branches are not good for heavy ornaments. The tree reaches up to 80 feet tall at maturity, and can grow up to 24 inches a year. White Pines reach Christmas tree size in 6-8 years. Trimming may be needed to help produce a bushier shape.

Scotch Pine

Scotch Pine trees are one of the most popular Christmas trees in America. It is also called "Scots Pine". Scotch Pines are native to Eurasia. They are hardy, fast growing and easy to grow. Mature trees can grow up to 150 feet tall. The branches grow wide. Yearly pruning helps to create the perfect, dense or bushy, Christmas tree shape. Dark green needles are approximately 1 inch long. Needle retention is excellent, even as the tree dries out. About the only knock to Scotch pines, is their trunks tend to grow crooked. Prior to purchase, examine the trunk carefully, to be sure it is straight. Scotch Pine trees reach Christmas tree size in 6 to 8 years.

Virginia Pine

Virginia Pine trees are prolific in the southeastern area of the country. With a strong, classic scent, they are the Christmas tree of choice for the vast majority of people in this region. The straight trunk has lots of sap. Strong sturdy branches are perfect for your heavy ornaments. This dense tree has twisted, 1 1/2 to 3 inch needles, growing in pairs from the branches. Dark green needles turn yellowish during the winter. Trimming the tree yearly, helps to produce a dense, shapely tree. This fast-growing tree, can reach Christmas tree size in just 3-6 years. In the forest, pine trees grow to a little over 100 feet tall. Their trunks tend to grow crooked. Prior to purchase, examine the trunk carefully, to be sure that it is straight.


pine tree chart