Japanese Umbrella Pine Tree

Add a completely new kind of evergreen to your landscape and enjoy the compliments you receive from family, friends and neighbors. So named for its umbrella-like whorls of evergreen needles, this Asian import is a somewhat slow-growing tree that performs well in full sun with little care or maintenance. Well-drained soil will give it a good foundation for growth and removal of dead or broken branches will help it maintain its nice shape. The unique needle whorls make a wonderfully unexpected addition to cut-flower arrangements, too. Grows 25-30' tall over many years; makes a great privacy screen at maturity. Sciadopitys verticillata
Evergreen shrubs and trees are some of the most versatile plants you can add to the landscape. Not only do they keep their much-needed green color throughout the gray, barren days of winter, they make marvelous backdrops to the vivid bright colors of the spring and summer blooms to come. These wonderful cultivars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each one ideal for a specific space or use. Smaller shrubs or dwarfed trees can be used in a foundation planting or as a border anchor. Taller trees make excellent privacy screens or as a way to jazz up boring fence lines. Any way you choose to use evergreens in your landscape, they are sure to add color, interest and beauty to the entire area.

How do you grow a Japanese umbrella pine?

Japanese umbrella pines are quite easy to care for once transplanted successfully. They're drought-tolerant, and grow at a slow but steady pace once established. The first step is getting your tree planted.

Container trees can be planted year-round, and spring or fall are both fine times to plant your Japanese umbrella tree. Plant your Japanese umbrella tree at the same depth at which it was potted, with the crown at ground level. Stake your tree to help it grow straight and tall in the first season. Use a narrow stake, and be careful of the tree's roots while setting it. Loosely tie the tree to the stake using twist ties or twine, and check it monthly to loosen as needed.

Water your new tree regularly, re-upping its moisture supply when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry. Remember that the tree is obtaining all its water from a small root ball until it can grow roots into the surrounding soil, so water once weekly, soaking the base of the tree. Mulch around the tree to help the roots retain water.

After your tree has become established, it will be fairly drought-tolerant. Water it in the warm summer months. And, consider using a yearly application of a 10-10-10 fertilizer to help keep your Japanese umbrella tree happy and fed.

How much sun does a Japanese umbrella pine need?

Japanese umbrella pines grow best in locations with full sunlight or a bit of dappled afternoon sun. In very hot climates, consider a location where the tree receives shade in the afternoon. Like most pine trees, the umbrella pine enjoys a fairly unobstructed view of the sky and sun.

How do you prune a Japanese umbrella pine?

Japanese Umbrella trees do not take well to pruning, so don't prune them unless absolutely necessary. If damaged, or to maintain its shape, the Japanese umbrella pine should be pruned in winter, during its dormant state. Use a pair of loppers for thinner branches, and a pruning saw for larger ones. Trim back only new growth-growth from the current season-and any dieback.

How tall does a Japanese umbrella pine get?

A Japanese umbrella pine will grow to a mature height of 25 or 30 feet, making it a good-sized tree for a residential landscape. Note that this tree is a relatively slow grower, so its mature height is many years into the future.