If you are planning to purchase a containerized tree for Christmas this year, an eldarica pine would be a good choice. It is a strong and healthy grower and does well in our alkaline soil.

About six years ago we planted an eldarica at the corner of our driveway after we had used it indoors as a Christmas tree. It was 7' tall when purchased and is now over 20' plus high with a trunk diameter over 2 feet. It is a full evergreen with dual needles 4 to 6 inches long. The needles have sort of a soft feeling. The cones are rather small and can easily be used when making a holiday wreath.

The eldarica we planted has been backed over twice; once by a pickup truck and once by a dump truck. The tree not only survived undeformed, but seems to have tolerated the abuse well. We placed lights on the tree the past two years during the holidays and it was a welcome sight on a cold winter night. We have also purchased aleppo pine and Arizona cypress and transplanted them successfully after the holidays. However, the eldarica is the most enthusiastic grower.

A containerized evergreen for holiday use is a sensible choice environmentally. When you plant a tree, you are contributing to resource renewal instead of resource depletion if you cut a tree. If you decided to get one of these evergreens and do not wish to transplant, there are organizations in the county appreciative of such donations.