Mondale Pine

Plant Type: tree
Plant Height: 30-60 feet
Spread: 20-30 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Eldarica Pine (Pinus eldarica) – Resilient, Fast-Growing Evergreen for Arizona Landscapes

Enhance your Phoenix Valley garden with Eldarica Pine, a drought-tolerant evergreen tree known for its elegant appearance and ability to thrive in arid climates. Scientifically known as Pinus eldarica and commonly called Afghan Pine, this resilient tree is native to Afghanistan and Pakistan and has become popular in the southwestern United States for its fast growth, attractive dark green foliage, and adaptability to challenging conditions. Perfect for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a stately specimen, Eldarica Pine adds beauty, shade, and structure to Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Eldarica Pine

Eldarica Pine grows to heights of 30 to 60 feet, with a broad, pyramidal shape in its youth that matures into a more open, rounded canopy. Its dense, dark green needles appear in bundles of two or three, giving the tree a lush and full look that adds both color and texture to landscapes. Eldarica Pine is highly valued for its rapid growth, reaching substantial heights in just a few years, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tall, robust tree for privacy or wind protection.

Adapted to full sun, Eldarica Pine thrives in well-draining soil and is extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for Phoenix Valley’s dry climate. Its low water requirements and ability to withstand poor soils make it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and sustainable landscaping in Arizona’s arid regions.

A Water-Wise Choice for Phoenix Valley Gardens

Eldarica Pine’s low water needs and tolerance for drought make it an exceptional option for Arizona’s water-conscious gardens. This hardy evergreen provides shade and privacy with minimal irrigation, supporting sustainable gardening practices in the Phoenix Valley.

Versatile Uses for Eldarica Pine in Phoenix Valley Landscaping

• Windbreaks and Privacy Screens: With its tall, dense growth habit, Eldarica Pine is perfect for creating natural windbreaks and privacy screens, blocking wind and providing shade along property lines.

• Specimen Tree and Focal Point: The tall, majestic form and deep green needles make Eldarica Pine a striking specimen or focal point in larger landscapes, adding vertical interest and structure.

• Xeriscaping and Low-Water Gardens: Adapted to dry, well-draining soils, Eldarica Pine is a natural choice for xeriscapes and low-water gardens, thriving alongside other drought-tolerant plants.

• Erosion Control and Soil Stabilization: The deep root system of Eldarica Pine helps to stabilize soil, making it suitable for slopes or areas prone to erosion.

Care Tips for Growing Eldarica Pine in Phoenix Valley

Plant Eldarica Pine in a sunny location with well-draining soil to encourage healthy growth and optimal foliage color. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots; afterward, it requires minimal supplemental watering during dry spells. Eldarica Pine is a low-maintenance tree, needing little more than occasional pruning to remove dead branches and encourage an attractive shape. Known for its resilience, Eldarica Pine is an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable, water-wise tree for shade and privacy.

Why Eldarica Pine is Perfect for Arizona Landscapes

Eldarica Pine offers Phoenix Valley gardeners a tall, fast-growing evergreen that provides shade, privacy, and wind protection with minimal care in dry conditions. Its tolerance for drought, robust growth, and striking appearance make it a versatile addition to privacy screens, windbreaks, and larger garden settings. Whether used as a focal point, in mass plantings, or to add height to low-water landscapes, Eldarica Pine combines beauty and resilience, enhancing Arizona gardens with its strength and adaptability. For a sustainable, easy-care evergreen that thrives in warm climates, Eldarica Pine is an exceptional choice.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Mondale Pine

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space trees 15-20 feet apart to accommodate their large size and allow for proper air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Mondale Pine may need staking for the first few months to ensure proper upright growth, especially in windy areas

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Mondale Pine is considered established after 6-8 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 3-4 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 24-36 inches away from the base of the tree to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 2-4 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 2-3 emitters per tree for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks