Well we aren't really planting them on Mars but compared to the dirt in our yard the dirt where we plan to build our shop looks like it came from Mars. I didn't see in the spring, but I saw last summer and most of it didn't even have weeds growing on it.
I haven't called the extension agent yet, but it looks like granite gravel and some sand. I guess it's kaliche under that, I don't know. The reason I'm asking about great white pine trees is because someone is going to give us some. I told DH that I don't want them until I'm sure they'll do well. Any suggestions?
Will great white pine trees grow on Mars?
silver - I have no idea.. I thought that pines need deep soil but in the Grand Canyon and the Mesa Verde area there are loads of pines in thin soil... There are several pines that would do well there in that type of soil, it would be worth trying at least - would be nice to make a Ponderosa type feeling to the place.. Big Texas Sage, Cactus, agave, it would look sooooo good...
I usually associate white pines, Pinus strobus, with the northeast. Your county extension agent would know if they will do well in your area. Often if a plant is out of its range it's more susceptible to diseases or pests. But, hey, if they're free, you could try them, they are beautiful. Is your friend growing them in your area?
There are several other types of pines that might really look good there if the white pines dont...
This person who's giving us these trees is somebody DH met on the internet. I have my doubts asto whether she really knows what kind of trees she's got. She says it's some kind of tree the paper industry grows because it grows so fast. I told DH that it sounds like something we might not want to mess with because trees that grow really fast usually don't live long and they would be more trouble than they're worth. It would be kind of nice to have some pine trees so I'll have a source of pine needles for mulch. I havent had time to talk to the extension agent, but I will. It's just so incredible that there could be so much difference between the dirt at our house and the dirt there because it's only half a mile away at the most.
I was just talking to DH and he thinks there's not even kaliche under the sand. It's just sand he thinks.
There are some pines that will do fine out there, also look at the native palms - they like the sand and really add a touch to the area. . .
Look at eldarica pines aka Afghan pines. They grow well in our conditions and make beautiful trees. The white pines require cooler, moister conditions than we have in Central Texas.
Thanks, Patrob, for mentioning this tree. There is a
beautiful one growing near the parking lot at my dentist's
office, but nobody knew its name. I have long admired it.
The one I saw is about 8 or 9 feet tall.
Here's some information on growing it. It says to NEVER
water it after planting.
http://www.plantanswers.com/short_lived_trees.htm
Mary Lee, if you plant Pines be sure that they will not overhang the roof of the building, those needles will fall on the roof and become a real nuisance. I know because my son had a house with that problem, and it drove him nuts.
Josephine.