Christmas trees are arriving from the mainland now. Some folks have already selected a tree, but for those that have not, don’t delay any longer. Now let’s look at the trees available.
One of the most interesting and beautiful trees on the market is referred to as the Norfolk Island pine. This pine is a native of Norfolk Island in the South Pacific. The Cook pine, or Araucaria columnaris is another species that has been grown here as well. What we call the Norfolk Island pine is in most cases a hybrid between the two species and could more accurately be called Araucaria excelsa x columnaris, or the Hawaiian pine, if you like. Of course it is not a true pine like those on the mainland, but is distantly related.
This “pine” is popular in Hawaii as a cut tree because it stays fresh and green longer than the traditional fir, spruce or pine. In Hawaii, some folks just don’t have the heart to cut the trees, so they are available as living Christmas trees in containers. These are my favorite because each year we plant our tree at the Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary. Thanks to the donation of many other trees, we now have a Hawaiian pine forest. Another advantage is that prices are quite reasonable, especially because the tree may be used year after year. The trees are attractive both as an interior container specimen or planted outdoors. In decorating the Hawaiian pine, it is important to keep adornment simple, since the tree itself is so ornamental.
Other good trees on the market this year are the Douglas fir, Mexican or Portuguese cypress, Monterey pine, and spruce. Each of the common types of Christmas trees available has its own advantages that should be weighed.
The spruce usually has good green coloring and stiff branches. These strong limbs and twigs are important in holding a big collection of ornaments. If you plan a highly ornamented tree, spruce and fir should be given strong consideration.
But imported trees have some disadvantages to consider, too. They tend to lose their needles quickly. And, one of the most common of the spruces, the white spruce, has a strong odor which is objectionable to some people. Firs, especially the Noble firs, have rich green coloring and they generally hold needles much better than spruce trees.
Freshness is very important in selecting a cut tree. Don’t buy any tree that has brown needles. A discolored tree is beginning to dry out. Many people wait until the last minute to buy a Christmas tree so that it will have a good appearance on Christmas Day and through the remaining holidays. Actually, just the opposite may be true. Trees held at stores or on lots may not be kept under ideal cool conditions. It is better to buy from early shipments and place the tree in a bucket of water in the garage or storeroom. It will keep better than one left on the lot in the hot sun. You will probably have a better selection if you buy early.
If you decide to cut your own tree, several Christmas tree farms are located on our island. Monterey pines and Portuguese or Mexican cypress are fresh, attractive and have a “piney” fragrance. Selecting locally grown trees also helps keep dollars in Hawaii.
Cut trees may be kept longer if a little soluble fertilizer is added to the water in which the tree stands. Don’t overdo it or the tree will dry out even faster than if you had used no fertilizer.
Several nurseries and garden centers on the Big Island are carrying Norfolk pine, Monterey pine, Mexican cypress, spruce, and others as living Christmas trees. Some are miniatures already decorated. These may be planted in the garden in mauka areas. Fir, spruce and some pines require cold weather found above 6,000 feet. Mexican cypress and Monterey pine will do well and look best at 4,000 to 6,000 feet in elevation. Our Hawaiian pine hybrid, being tropical, is at home below 5,000 feet. It will not tolerate temperatures much below freezing.
While on the subject of pines and other conifers, many may be worked into mauka gardening this season, as well. But in general, locate them as specimen plantings in the front yard or as background and framework plantings around the home.
There are scores of conifers that you may consider in landscaping the homestead, but again, remember that they strongly compete with tropical plant materials.
If you have plenty of room and have problems with wind, plant Casuarinas or ironwoods. These fast-growing trees soon form a windbreak that will protect you from the wild winds.
There are several species of junipers. Some of the most important, including the red cedar, are the Chinese juniper, of compact pyramid form; the Pfitzer juniper, a rather low, flat-growing type; and the Japanese juniper, one of the best prostrate forms.
The junipers are valuable conifers because of the great variety of types, as well as the shades of green available. These shades of color permit the development of many effects impossible with other plant materials.
The arborvitae group is possibly the most familiar of the conifers because they have been favorite plants for ages in America, Asia and Europe. There are two groups — American and Oriental.
Conifers are the favorite of many because once well-established, where they are adapted, these plants thrive on minimum care. They are generally good choices for high mauka areas.