In my current home, I’ve always wanted to have my own Christmas tree planted in the middle of the front lawn. It’s flanked on either side by dwarf crape myrtle bushes, so I envisioned a large blue spruce as the focal point of the lawn.
I could easily imagine it being filled with twinkling lights during the holiday season. She slowly grew and thrived until a few hot summer days and my inattentive watering took their toll. It had no hope of being a Christmas lawn centerpiece.
In order not to be fooled by nature, I decided to have a tree in the middle of the lawn. I have visited several nurseries and garden centers in the area in search of the perfect tree to anchor the front lawn. It will also be visible from the large central living room window. A savvy garden center salesman suggested a highly reliable Scotch Pine. They grow well over seven feet and are planted when they arrive in late spring.
I know I could plant the ever-reliable Crepe Myrtle, but I just couldn’t picture it with a row of brilliant Christmas lights. Do we dare to plant another blue spruce? I do not think so. Once burned…I will not plant any more blue spruce.
When in doubt about planting anything, especially a tree, I consult How to Cheat at Gardening and Yard Work. Author, Jeff Bredenberg, suggests, “Find one that thrives naturally the way it is now.” He notes, “Planting a tree is like the slowest fireworks in the world. Your tree will soar over the landscape, displaying all its glorious color and oohing and ahhing all the time.”
He adds, “A poorly selected or poorly cared for tree will add years of misery, chaos, and extra care to your life.” That means choose a tree that’s native to Oklahoma’s soil and weather conditions. He adds: “Let go of the fantasy of exotic species from alien climates. It makes your life unnecessarily complicated.”
The language of trees can be quite intimidating, he suggests, noting, “You can’t ask a tree to ‘Please speak English’.” Tags also do not always provide sufficient information. He suggests contacting counseling centers or garden center staff for help. Now I can’t wait for my new Scotch Pine to arrive and take center stage in my front yard for Christmas next year.
Micki J. Shelton is a Muskogee Native and master gardener.
