Decorating With Plants: Indoors and Outdoors

Decorate for the holidays with living plants and trees, and then plant them, instead of using artificial ones this year

Instead of chopping down and using dead or dying trees and shrubs to decorate for the holidays this year, why not nurture and plant living greenery? 

Christmas Trees

Pine trees

Many different trees work as Christmas trees, including the Pine tree (most often the Scotch Pine, Virginia Pine, or White Pine.) Commonly used in wreath and garland-making, these trees are known for their superior needle retention when adequately watered. Pine trees are fast-growing, providing shade earlier in their lives than many other trees. Planting a row of Pine trees together creates a beautiful wind, rain, or sun break for a house, too, and they are straightforward to care for in return.

Cedar Trees

Known as the Eastern Red Cedar, the Cedar Tree is native to a few southern states, including Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, and often makes its way into households as the annual Christmas tree there. Not only are they lovely with straight needles and feathery limbs, but they smell divine.

Loblolly Pine Trees

Loblolly Pines are fast-growing, often gaining as many as 24 inches in a single year when grown in ideal conditions. Used in many products, including furniture, flooring, and more, the U.S. wood industry has classified it as Southern Yellow Pine.

The Loblolly attracts numerous birds and animals like the northern bobwhite, Carolina chickadee, brown-headed nuthatch, chipmunk, squirrel, etc. They’re attracted to the seeds of the Loblolly as well as the shelter the trees can provide.

Ponderosa Pine

Named by a botanist for its ponderous, dense wood, the Ponderosa Pine is a thick, sturdy tree, attractive to many birds and other wildlife for its protective nesting limbs. Its seeds are eaten by wild turkeys, grouse, and mice, while their twigs and bark are favorites of elk and porcupines.

Also known as Bull Pine or Blackjack Pine, Ponderosas are the second tallest Pine and can grow to over 200 feet tall. Its thick bark is resistant to wildfires and is the official state tree of Montana.

Spruce Pine

These grow into lovely soft-textured trees and prefer full sun and fertile, moist soil, but will also tolerate other types of land. Used in furniture and musical instruments such as guitars, the Spruce Pine is the Pine most often used as a Christmas tree. The Spruce Pine holds the current record of being the oldest tree in the world.

 

Pitch Pine Tree

They were also known as a Torch Pine. Pitch Pine trees usually grow to between 40-70 feet tall. They’re used predominantly for pulpwood and lumber and are known to be fire-resistant. They’re green all year, make pine cones in groups of up to five, and make outstanding additions to nearly any lawn.

Indoor Pine in Pot

Note: Though trees are known for cleaning the air, bringing them into the home may open up a whole new can of worms regarding indoor air quality -- particularly if you have allergies. Set up an air purifier in the same room with the tree to help guard against mold, pollen spores, etc., if the tree may release that.

Winterberry Bushes

Wintergreen

The green leaves start to fall off these pretty plants as the nights get colder. That often leaves the barren branches and the red berries, and that’s it. But we found creative folks who used just that to make beautiful holiday decorations like this!

 

American Wintergreen

Wintergreen

There’s nothing prettier at Christmastime than an entirely green and red American Wintergreen plant like this. Some send them as gifts or “mini-Christmas trees” for the tabletop. You can also make a bold statement in the correct container with them.

As you can see, there are countless ways to decorate Christmas with living plants and trees. How will you use yours this holiday season?

Buy your holiday plants at TN Nursery.

Pine Trees - TN Nursery

Pine Trees

Pine Trees - Pinus Pine trees are evergreen conifers characterized by needle-like leaves, conical or irregular shapes, and cone production. They are found in various species and are widely distributed across the world's forests. Pinus is a family of conifers that includes at least 121 species. They're typically located in the Northern Hemisphere and can be as small as 10 feet or as large as 268 feet. Pine Trees Bark and Cones For the most part, they have a scaly, thick bark. The branches are highly tight spirals, which are often referred to as 'pseudo whorls.' These whorls typically grow one set of branches per year. The cones, meanwhile, provide the plant with a source of reproduction. Both genders appear on each of these evergreens, offering a unique appearance. Cone hunters often collect the cones, which have been displayed in any number of baskets over the years. The needles of these conifers can be sharp, but they're yet another thing that offers a visual feast for wildlife lovers. Interestingly, more mature ones do not typically have any needles. Instead, they only stick around for up to 40 years. While they're still there, though, they feed butterflies and moths. The seed leaves come in a whorl of four to 24. Not only do these help distribute additional evergreens, but they also offer a food source to squirrels and a wide array of birds. Height and Life Expectancy of Pine Trees Although the extreme height range is listed above, most can grow to approximately 50-150 feet tall. Even more impressive, though, is their expected lifespan. Most will live anywhere from 100 to 1,000 years. However, the oldest known ones are around 4,800 years old! In other words, anytime you plant one of these evergreens, it'll likely be around for many subsequent generations. They Are Perfect for Christmas Everyone who envisions their ideal Christmas tree immediately thinks of them. These evergreen types have just the right mixture of greenery and heavy-bearing limbs to make them suitable for holding all your Christmas decorations. Of course, you probably won't want to cut down these beautiful conifers, but you can still decorate them in your yard! They Are Extremely Hardy If you're looking for something beautiful and durable. You should definitely consider planting Pine Trees!

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cedar tree

Cedar Tree

Cedar Tree - Cedrus Cedar Trees are known for their aromatic wood, needle-like leaves, and distinctive conical shape. They are often used for lumber and ornamental landscaping. They are widely used in landscaping for their aesthetic appeal and numerous practical benefits. These majestic trees are native to various regions, including Eastern North America and Canada. When incorporated into landscaping projects, they can transform the environment, enhance property value, and offer many advantages. It is primarily ornamental and is a member of the conifer family. Of course, this item can offer several benefits to the natural landscape, making it a good investment both now and for future generations. Cedar Trees are Evergreen Conifers They typically grow between 100 and 130 feet tall, but in some cases, they can grow as tall as 200 feet. Its diameter is about 10 feet, making it much thinner than the oak or maple. Instead of leaves, they grow pine needles in addition to cones that yield fruit with seeds in females. In male types, the cones will produce pollen. There is also a sticky resin inside of them that helps protect them against predators. The Cedar Tree Can Last for Centuries Assuming favorable conditions, they typically live for about 100 years. However, they can live for up to 300 years and stay in your family for generations. In addition, they are easy to propagate, meaning you can get great value for your money both now and for the rest of your life. One of their most significant benefits is a fragrant aroma you'll notice when you walk outside. Depending on how close to your product's house is planted, it may be possible to smell the familiar pine scent just by opening your window. Therefore, growing just a few in your yard can help improve indoor air quality inside and outside your home. This type of Cedar Tree tends to prevent soil erosion or at least stabilize the soil impacted by its root system. It can also attract squirrels, birds, and other creatures, which will help rejuvenate the local landscape further. Ultimately, this can help protect the viability of your property while possibly increasing its value as the landscape heals.

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Loblolly Pine Tree - TN Nursery

Loblolly Pine Tree

Loblolly Pine Tree - Pinus Taeda Loblolly Pine Tree is a tall evergreen with long, slender needles and large, brown cones. It is recognized for its economic importance in the timber industry and widespread distribution in the southeastern United States. The tree is an evergreen member of the conifer family. Instead of leaves, it grows pine needles and brown cones that contain seeds that produce the next generations of them. Physical Characteristics of Loblolly Pine Tree This conifer typically grows to towering heights near 60-100 feet. The needles fall off every two years, most during the late fall or winter months. On average, they will grow about two feet per year. The Loblolly Pine Tree Is Highly Versatile If you want something that will soak up a significant amount of water, acquiring this product may be in your best interest. Alternatively, you can use smaller versions of these as landscaping tools to add color to your garden or create a natural border that will make your garden pop. As these tend to grow relatively quickly, you can use them as a privacy shield to keep your neighbors from prying into your business. As with other conifers, the needles on this natural resource will create a strong and favorable aroma throughout the year. The pinecones also tend to create their own aroma, which can help make your home more relaxing and comfortable. You may also be able to use the needles or cones to create cleaning products that offer a natural scent. Highly Fragrant In addition to their fragrant aroma, the trees can take excess carbon dioxide out of the air. Interacting with higher carbon dioxide levels can help protect the tree during cooler weather. Therefore, you benefit from better outdoor air while helping yours survive for many years.  Wood is appreciated because of its high mechanical properties and wide application area. It is used in framing, flooring, furniture, and paper and pulp production because it is fast-growing and available in large quantities. Characteristics of the tree The tree's outer layer is reddish-brown with deep furrows and scaly plates, making it look tough. This species does not have remarkably distinct bark in the juvenile stage. However, mature bark becomes thicker and slightly darker. They grow best in light, deep, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral; the trees require full sun. These trees grow best in the southern region of the United States and may not survive in areas that experience severe winters, but more specifically, they seem to adapt well to hot, humid climates. The Loblolly Pine is an evergreen tree with bright green leaves throughout the year. This has made it renowned for offering uniform, permanent shade and beauty in any landscape.

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Shortleaf Pine - TN Nursery

Shortleaf Pine

Shortleaf Pine: Pinus Echinata Shortleaf Pine is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States. It is valued for its straight, slender trunk and is an important timber species. It offers significant advantages when integrated into landscaping projects, offering many benefits beyond its potential herbal uses. This native North American tree brings aesthetic and practical value to outdoor spaces, making it a favored choice for various landscaping designs. They are botanically known as Pinus Echinata. It's native to the southern United States and can be found in 22 states. Gardeners have a variety of names for this tree, including spruce, rosemary, southern yellow, and two-leaf. The tree gets its primary common name from its short leaves ranging from three to five inches. Long-leaf evergreen leaves, by contrast, can reach lengths of up to 18 inches. Gardeners love this tree because of its aesthetically pleasing appearance and ability to draw wildlife. Identifying Characteristics of the Shortleaf Pine The tree averages between 80 and 100 feet. However, it's been known to reach heights of up to 130 feet with widths of up to 30 feet. Its bright green leaves are needle-like. It produces short cones that average up to two and a half inches in length. Homeowners prefer this conifer because it remains green all year. Landscaping With Shortleaf Pine Due to its height and spread, the Pinus Echinata does well in large yards. Gardeners love it because it adds color in the winter. From February to March, the tree develops yellow blooms. Homeowners can plant this evergreen as a focal point or along the edges of their property for privacy purposes. What to Plant Around This Evergreen Tree The tree can be planted around other trees, including the scarlet oak, sourwood, black gum, and sweet gum. Great shrubs around this evergreen tree include the azalea, Oregan grape, creeping junipers, false cypress, and barberry. Great perennials to plant around this tall evergreen include foxglove, asters, bleeding hearts, and catmint. It is known for attracting various birds and bees. Birds nest in the branches, and bees love the blooming flowers in the early spring. Additionally, this evergreen's branches may provide cover for other small animals. Gardeners and landscapers revere the tree because of its green foliage and ability to provide natural privacy. What is this tree?  They are a long-stalked conifer with a flat bole, narrow leaves in twos or threes, and fine, pointed cones. It's also typical of them: they're tough, and they like all kinds of soil, including sand. It has little craters of resin embedded in the bark.  How tall do they get?  They are medium trees that range from 50 to 100 feet tall and have a trunk diameter of 1 to 3 feet. In the right growing environment, they can get even taller.  So how long do they live?  They are the eldest types, on average, at 200 to 300 years old in this type. They enrich ecosystems, because they are durable and will return after a burn or disturbance.  Where do they grow best?  These (and all types, for that matter) grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils in full sunlight. It requires temperate temperatures (usually obtained at low rainfall rates in arid regions) and most widespread habitats are tropical and subtropical wet broad-tailed forests, uplands and ridges. Spaciness is also very helpful for tree development.  So, what is the good of this tree?  Due to their sturdiness, they are used for construction, paper, and furniture. They're also important habitats for birds and small mammals and are employed for soil conservation and reforestation activities.

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Pitch Pine Tree - TN Nursery

Pitch Pine Tree

Pitch Pine Tree - Pinus Rigida P The Pitch pine tree is a rugged, evergreen native to eastern North America, characterized by its long, dark green needles, rough bark, and the production of resin-rich "pitch" that has various commercial uses. Also known as Pinus rigida. The latter term means that it is stiff (rigid) and has needles, which are thin, long, and sharp leaves. Those needles are stiff as well. They can live for 200 years and have been used to make things like paper, lumber, pulp, and turpentine, while their high levels of resin, which preserve them from decay, have resulted in them being used in the building of ships in the past years. Locations Of The Pitch Pine Tree They are predominantly located in an area that covers much of the Northeast United States and stretches down to around the Tennessee-North Carolina border—i.e., an area focused on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Small parts of Georgia and South Carolina are included as well. North of the border, this type of greenery is found in limited numbers in Ontario and Quebec.  Size Of The Pitch Pine Tree This type is on the smaller side. It usually grows to around 20-100 feet in height and extends by about a foot per year for the first 60 years of its life, assuming that the conditions are optimal. Its needles are usually about 2-5 inches long, while its cones tend to be 2 inches long. One way they stand out is through their irregular shape. For example, they tend to possess twisted branches and do not effectively engage in self-pruning, which is the shedding of damaged or shaded branches. However, this type's trunk is usually mostly straight with a gentle curve. Pitch Pine Trees Can Take Lots Of Heat Pitch Pine trees can regenerate at a high level, utilizing their basal roots, which dig far into the soil if necessary. This helps them survive fire damage, and their thick barks help protect their trunks against that threat. In addition, their cones are sealed with resin, which requires heat, such as from a fire, to open. So, in the worst-case scenario, those cones would open, and their seeds would be spread, resulting in a new generation being grown in the area. What is it used for? It is a natural product that comes from them and can be utilized for many applications. It had once been applied to a boat as a glue and to a topical application for small sores and infections in indigenous medicine.  What are the best conditions to plant them?  They do very well for any soil type, in moderately acidic, sandy, and well-draining soil and full sun. They need some rain to germinate, but some species will develop on sand or rocks. Proper spacing and close spacing should also be observed to maintain proper airflow.  Is it waterproof?  Yes, it is very much waterproof, and this is one of its main advantages as far as uses are concerned. For many years, it has been employed in repairing damaged parts of a boat and the sealing of containers.  What are the characteristics of them?  They are middle-sized evergreens that have tortuous limbs and whose trunks are covered in thick, harsh, black-brown bark. They are very adaptable, growing in generally xerophilous conditions, often in sandy nutrient-poor ground, and can sprout back after a fire.  What is the difference between it and normal one?  It is harder than any other evergreen wood and has more resin than any other types. It weighs more and does not decompose as readily as the others.

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