Plant Name:  Mondell Pine

Botanical Name:  Pinus eldarica

Origin: Southern Russia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Height/Physical Description:  Evergreen, 30 to 40 feet in height and 25 to 30 feet in width.  Rugged character with 5 to 6½ inch dark green needles in groups of two with 3-inch cones.  

Special Attributes:  Has a dense canopy making it a good natural screen/windbreak.  This tree thrives in desert regions with heat, wind, poor soil and drought conditions.  Resistant to pests and disease. Purchasing:  Private nurseries and online.

Planting Requirements: No special soil is required except to have good drainage.  Plant in Fall or Winter to allow tree to get established.  

Watering:  Young trees require a moderate amount of water until established especially between the months of March through May to support the tree’s new growth.  Do not water next to the base of the tree as this could result in root diseases.  Water only over the outer third of the root system to encourage roots to grow outward.  

Fertilizing:  Compost can be added but away from the base of the tree.

Pruning:  Periodic grooming may be required to remove dead or cross branches.

Additional Information:  Sunset growing zones 6-9; 11-24.