Living Trees Appeal to Owner Taste and Space

Living Christmas trees vary in price, looks and growth habits. This late in the season, there aren’t a lot of trees to choose from, but a few nurseries should have a selection. Check on availability before visiting a nursery.

The following trees tend to do well in this region.

* Aleppo pine: A moderate grower, reaching 40 to 50 feet at maturity. Soft branches and needles. Must be sheared to keep dense and maintain shape. Prune when most of the new growth tips seem to have appeared. Remove two-thirds of new growth. Good for a couple of years in a container, then must be planted in the ground.

* Blue point juniper: This type has a pyramidal shape that does not require shearing. Very dense blue-green foliage. In very hot areas, it is best to plant or keep containers in partial sun. Grows to just 8 feet tall, making it a good long-term container plant.

* Italian stone pine: In youth, this tree is stout and bushy. At maturity, it has an umbrella-shaped head. Eventually reaches 40 to 80 feet. Has soft branches and needles. Must be sheared to keep dense and maintain shape. Prune when most of the new growth tips seem to have appeared. Remove two-thirds of new growth. Lasts longer in containers than Leylandii cypress, Monterey or Aleppo.

* Leylandii cypress: A tall evergreen tree of pyramidal habit that does not require shearing. Soft, fern-like foliage. Does not shed like other pine trees. Grows quickly, reaching 15 to 20 feet in five years. Good for a few years in a container, then must be planted in the ground.

* Monterey pine: A very fast grower that can reach 80 feet. Tree has deep green foliage with soft branches and needles. Must be sheared to keep dense and maintain shape. Prune when most of the new growth tips seem to have appeared. Good for a couple of years in a container, then must be planted in the ground.