Conifers to Replace Pinons

The characteristics of a variety of Conifer trees that grow well in low water conditions and that also make good replacements for pinon trees that have died.

  • Topics: High Altitude Gardening, Trees & Shrubs
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: pinon, conifer, conifers, bark beetle, drought, pinons dying, dead pinons, Blue Pyramid, Arizona Cypress, Arizona Cypress, Rocky Mountain, Juniper, Juniper, WFir, pine, spruce
  • Date: April 2007

© All articles are copyrighted by High Country Gardens. Republication is prohibited without Permission.

Some people are starting to replace the pinon trees that died a few years ago. And many are thinking of using conifers. This only makes sense. You already know in advance that the location is suitable for this kind of plant.

Conifer means “seed bearing” and the trees have certain requirements:

* They like full sun and most prefer low water conditions * They like harsh settings and will tolerate heavy winds and hot summers * They like slightly acidic soil and display excessive growth in fertile soil * They need minimal fertilization

Conifers are fine, stately trees. When choosing, consider the site—width, height, growing needs. Problem is which one to choose. A partial list follows:

Cypress

* Cupressus arizonica ‘Blue Pyramid’ (Blue Pyramid Arizona Cypress): grows to 24’ high and 12’ wide, low water, adaptable to most soils, wind and heat tolerant. Blue gray foliage. * Cupressus arizonica ‘Blue Ice’ (Blue Ice Compact Arizona Cypress): grows to 15’ high and 14’ wide, low water, tolerates wind. Blue foliage.

Fir

* Abies concolor (White Fir): grows to 40’ high and 20’ wide, moderate water, adaptable to most soils. Whitish needles.

Juniper

* Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper): grows to 30’ high and 20’ wide, low water, hardy, native. * Juniperus scopulorum ‘Skyrocket’ (Skyrocket Juniper): grows to 18’ high and 5’ wide, low water, hardy.

Pine

* Pinus leucodermis (Bosnian Pine): grows to 25’ high and 10’ wide, low water, hardy. * Pinus nigra (Austrian Pine): grows to 30’ high and 25’ wide, low water, variably shaped, hardy. * Pinus sylvestris (Scotch Pine): grows to 50’ high and 30’ wide, low water, hardy.

Spruce

* Picea pungens (Colorado Blue Spruce): grows to 60’ high and 30’ wide, moderate water, well drained soils. * Picea glauca ‘Fat Albert’ (Fat Albert Spruce): grows to 15’ high and 10’ wide, moderate water, well drained soils.

Stroll through the nursery grounds. The tree selection is very large and the staff knows what trees do best in certain locales.