Living Christmas Trees
By Bruce Lee Deuley - 12/9/03

People who know me well are always surprised when I tell them I do not object to cut trees at Christmas time.

The trees used at Christmas are grown specifically for use as Christmas trees and are a crop much like sweet potatoes, corn or any other crop raised to be used or consumed. In the past thousands of trees were taken from the forest, I would have objected but now these trees are farmed and used just like any other crop.

Having that said, I personally prefer to promote the use of living Christmas trees. Trees, which can be appreciated during the holidays and then set out into the landscape to beautify the countryside, help clean the air and provide habitat for local wildlife.

Several trees are readily available at the local nurseries and large chain stores that will do well when planted properly here in the hill country. My personal favorite, although sometimes a little hard to find is the Italian Stone Pine. When young its bluish-green needles are very attractive and make a beautiful small tree for the holidays. Afterward, plant this tree in your landscape anywhere there is good drainage and full sun and it will grow into a beautiful medium sized pine tree that is able to withstand our hot summers and limestone soils.

Other good choices for this area are Aleppo (P. halapensis) pines and Deodar Cedar. Both can also thrive here in our area and make beautiful additions to our local landscape.

Mention should be also of the use of a Rosemary Christmas tree. These plants are grown in cones and then shaped into an attractive, very fragrant small Christmas tree. Afterward, they can be put out in the landscape where they do very well and are a great herb for use by the family chef.

The one tree sold with regularity at some of out local outlets, which we now know is not a good choice, is the Afghan Pine, also known as the Elderica Pine. These trees seem to be do fine initially but just when they get big enough to start to fit into the landscape, they begin to fail; very few ever make it beyond the 10th of 12th year of existence without succumbing to chlorosis, disease or terminal pest infestations. Afghan pines are truly desert plants and not suited to the somewhat humid conditions of the Texas Hill Country.

In between the good and the bad is the Leyland Cypress. If drainage is excellent it may do OK but it usually ends up with root- rot and/or mite infestations or a regular basis. The above trees are better choices for our area.

Tree planting guide:

Plant tree as soon as possible, before New Years if possible
Do not plant your tree too deep. The root flare should be just about the ground.
Water it regularly, but allow the soil to dry a little between waterings.
Mulch the surface with some kind of organic matter, to reduce weeds and conserve moisture.
Avoid fertilization until June or July following planting, then any good organic fertilizer will do.