YEAR-ROUND COLOR
Three evergreens do well in NM’s climate, and may even get you a water bill rebate.
Q: In the backyard of our new home we want to plant some sort of an evergreen tree. What type of tree would you suggest we look for? —Mr. and Mrs. C.W., West Side
A: I can think of three trees that sound like they’d fit the bill. In fact, these trees are recommended by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority as trees that’ll thrive here in the metro area. Better yet, they are part of the “Tree-Bate” program offered by the ABCWUA. You can get more info on the TreeBate program at www. abcwua.org/Outdoor_ Rebates.aspx. I found an informational flyer in my most recent water authority bill that gives starter information on the program.
I know a lot of people get wigged when they think about tree planting — not being water-conscious (bunk) and all of the angst that goes with that — but trees are our survival. They make oxygen, they filter the air, provide homes for wildlife, some make fruit and, really important to us, they make shade.
OK, so you want to plant an evergreen tree. The three listed in the ABCWUA program, and I’m in agreement with the description as to them being sturdy, are piñon pine, Afghan pine and Austrian pine.
The piñon, although a slow grower, is a great choice and if the conditions are right grow pinecones that hold the yummy piñon nuts. The needles on the piñon are usually a good green color. Not too dark and have the barest blue cast to them. The piñon can get large at maturity, upwards to 15 feet, but again they are considered slow growers. They are sometimes quirky when it comes to settling in but once they take hold they are a lovely evergreen tree.
Next, the Austrian pine is a favorite of mine. These evergreens grow longer stiff needles and are a good dark green color. It does grow at a faster rate and can get to 30 feet tall at maturity. It grows into a lovely pyramidal shape. The cones grown on an Austrian are about 2½- to 3-inches long, making them a great addition to your winter decorations. Substantially sized trees at maturity, make sure you have the space warranted in order for an Austrian to grow and stay healthy.
The third on this list, the Afghan pine, is remarkably easy to grow in these parts. Initially from a part of the world that mimics our climate, Afghanistan, this pine is the fastest grower of the three. It can, if the conditions are right, easily put on a foot of growth a year. They can stand our harsh winds and aren’t too picky about the soil they are grown in. The needles of this tree are long, upwards to 6 inches in length, and are a dark dusky green color. To me they seem to give off a shaggy look but for sturdy, they are the bee’s knees. I wouldn’t plant the Afghan much farther north than we are as they could suffer from too much winter cold, but grown here in a sunny locale the Afghan is a winner.
Actually any one of these three evergreen trees might be the perfect tree for you to add to your landscaping. Hop on the internet and look at the tree-bate program offered by the water authority to see if you’d benefit by participating when deciding on that perfect tree. Their list makes a good reference piece that you can use to research lots of trees that grow here in our area so you can make educated choices when it comes to growing in these parts. Good luck!
Day lilies show: Don’t forget, if you’re looking for some acclimated,
locally grown day lilies, the Albuquerque Daylily Society’s annual show and sale happens on Sunday, July 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas NE.
Need tips on growing your garden? Tracey Fitzgibbon is a certified nurseryman. Send your garden-related questions to Digging In, Rio West, P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, NM 87103.