Sand Pine Christmas Tree

 Sand Pine Christmas Tree

Pinus clausa

The Sand Pine is an underrated Christmas tree native to Florida and small sliver of Alabama. Many may not beleive me, but the most common type of native tree in the state of Florida is Pine. Several species are native in the state. The two most common are Slash Pine and Loblolly Pine. There are a few species of Conifers that are grown as Christmas trees in Florida. However most can only be grown in the North half of the state because the Southern half is too warm. Unlike other Pines, Sand Pine has very short and compacted needles ao its excellent to be grown as a Christmas tree. Sand Pine can grow anywhere in the state from Miami to Tallahassee. So even people who want to cut their own tree in South Florida have to option. Many tree farms exist in Southern Florida that grow Sand Pine. Sand Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. This tree grows in sand dunes in Central Florida and along sandy coastlines. It is intolerant of wet soils. It is also nicknamed the Scrub Pine due to scrubby growth. When young it is very contact and decent looking, but becomes very scraggly with age, and usually not very tall.

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Native Range

Wild Sand Pines

Sand Pine on Florida Christmas Tree Farm

None of these pictures are mine. 

Sources:

http://www.floridachristmastreefarm.com/tree_types.htm

https://www.bonsai-bci.com/index.php/by-common-name/evergreen-conifers/585-pinus-clausa

https://mapio.net/pic/p-40672509/

Giant Sequoia

Giant Sequoia 

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Giant Sequoia is regarded as the largest and one of the oldest trees on Earth. No tree compares to these ancient monsters! Most people know about these trees however because they are so infamous. The are quite adaptable and will grow beyond the Sierra slopes in California. In fact, several cultivars have been bred for better cold tolerance and overall durability to harsher environments. Generally given a little TLC and protection from harsh winds these trees should grow in zones 5 or colder areas of zone 6. However, saplings are the most sensitive. These tree will grow over 2'-4' per year or perhaps faster given optimal conditions. They are somewhat picky for conditions. They require loose draining soils that don't remain super dry through the hot seasons. They also can not tolerate wet sites. So finding the great spot is key. They are adaptable to clay soils so long as Water quickly drains after heavy rains. Saplings were selected back in the '40s from California and were planted along Lake Michigan in Manistee. 3 seedlings out of the 6 survived. 1 is doing exceptionally well. For that climate the harsh cold winds should kill a Sequoia. However, the trees likely had better genes than most sequias, so that is the advantage. The man who owns the trees has been micropropagating them in the millions to plant to slow climate change due to their unique ability to survive Michigan winters. Also a key factor, to their survival Michigan along the coast is slightly warmer due to the lake than inland. That helps the trees survive. The sandy soils aid with water drainage, but being right on the lake prevents them from becoming bone dry. Really the perfect locations for these amazing cultivars. Another breakthrough cultivar 'Glaucum' is a blue cultivar bred for blue needles and much stronger cold hardiness into zone 5 than the species. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9 

(zone 5 with protection)

Mature Size: 100'-250' tall by 25'-40' wide

Light: Full Sun

Water: Dry-Moist

Performs best in loose well draining soils. Does not tolerate wet sites. Does not tolerate very dry soils especially when young. Very drought tolerant once established.

Soils: Prefers Acidic soils. Prefers loose well draining soils. Adaptable to other soil types such as clay or loamy clay, so long as adequate drainage is provided.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen