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We just moved into this house and there is a tree right next to the side.

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It is way too big and too close to the house for me to like it. I have big problem in the past with any pine trees near the house in Pacific Northwest.

Questions:

  1. Is it what they call "Christmas" tree?

  2. Is it "trashy" and will drop full of pine needles and cones over the year?

We were debating whether to keep it (if it is nice and valuable) or cut it down.

Thanks.

HP.
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  • Here's an odd question, but it will help with an ID. If you break a needle in two, does it smell like pineapple or citrus? – Jurp Jul 07 '19 at 20:53
  • I think a blue spruce is a nice tree. It takes many years to get that big. I would consider trimming it before eliminating it. – Misunderstood Jul 08 '19 at 19:29
  • The other thing conifers do in huge quantities is drop pollen. If you or someone in the home is sensitive to pollen, this tree may aggravate that sensitivity. Another point to consider. – Tim Nevins Jul 09 '19 at 14:46
  • @Jurp It smells like citrus – HP. Jul 11 '19 at 18:52
  • If it smells like citrus it is most likely a white fir (Abies concolor). The needles should also NOT be prickly, and are usually somewhat flat rather than round (like a spruce) It's a beautiful tree, woefully misplanted. My own inclination would be to try to leave the tree as it is - I don't recall any brittleness or "weak branches" stories about this species. I wouldn't worry about it falling onto the building, either, unless you do something to cut the roots that lead away from it. – Jurp Jul 11 '19 at 23:15
  • @Jurp You are probably right. I don't see much "blue" shade from it to think it's a Blue Spruce. I live in Pacific Northwest so it could be correct. This tree seems stable so far and less messy than others. – HP. Jul 11 '19 at 23:18

2 Answers2

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It looks like a Blue Spruce ; if so the tips of the needles will feel sharp. And the needles will be 1 to 1.5 in. long with "diamond" crossection. You can call it a "Christmas Tree" if you want. Like every conifer it will drop needles and cones from time to time.

blacksmith37
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1

To answer your question 2:

This tree will most likely drop needles and pine cones.

You ask two questions and imply a third by your comment...

We were debating whether to keep it (if it is nice and valuable) or cut it down.

Allow me to focus most of my answer on your final comment.

A tree's value is perhaps similar to beauty - it is in the eye of the beholder.

What is nice and valuable to one person may not be to another...

For example, you might tolerate pine needles in the garden bed beneath the tree, whereas your neighbour might dislike needles falling on their roof and gutter or onto their paths.

For example, this tree when fully mature may pose a significant risk of fire or damage to the residential homes around it and therefore become too great a risk to leave in the ground.

Both these examples are for consideration only - hopefully neither apply to your situation.

I'll provide a few PROS and CONS for pine needles and cones.

PROS of pine needles and cones...

  • needles are a naturally falling mulch for the soil around the tree, that requires no work on your part;
  • and so the needles suppress weeds and conserve soil moisture;
  • as they break down (organically), needles create an acidic soil that is perfect for growing blueberries and flowering shrubs from the rhododendron family (camellia, azalea, etc) (all of which tolerate shade);
  • needles gives off a pleasant aroma;
  • cones are an excellent source of firewood.

CONS of pine needles...

  • needles as a mulch can be messy, easily spilling over the edges of garden beds onto paths and driveways;
  • needles are difficult to collect / clean up;
  • cones hurt if they fall on your head.

In my humble experience, all the CONS can be managed by sensible placement and construction of garden beds and pathways.

So my recommendation is that you consider the option to keep the tree and use the money you save from not cutting down the tree for some landscaping work, suggestions as follows.

  1. Slightly elevated pathway or garden edge, laid in a semi-circular pattern well beyond the base circumference of the tree, to ensure most needles remain beneath the tree and do no migrate onto the lawn or surrounding garden beds;
  2. If pathway, build this from large paving stones or concrete, with gaps in between short sections of the pathway (every 2-3 feet), to allow needles to naturally fall off or be blown or brushed off the path surface;
  3. Purchase some new acid loving plants for this garden bed - blueberry bushes around the edge, with azalea, camellia and/or rhododendron the next row back.

Note that all these suggestions will require an understanding of your local environment and the soil on your property and so I would recommend you discuss these suggestions with a qualified gardener or landscape contractor who works in and is familiar with your area.

andrewbuilder
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