Mondell Pine

Plant Type: Evergreen Pine Tree
Plant Height: 30-60 feet
Spread: 20-30 feet
Flower Color: Inconspicuous (male and female cones)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Mondell Pine: Fast-Growing Evergreen Shade for Arizona

The Mondell Pine (Pinus eldarica), also known as the Afghan Pine, is a hardy evergreen tree well-suited for Arizona’s hot and dry climate. Valued for its rapid growth, upright form, and year-round greenery, the Mondell Pine is a go-to choice for creating shade, windbreaks, and privacy screens. Its tolerance to poor soils and heat makes it one of the most dependable pines for desert landscapes.

Key Features of Mondell Pine

Rapid Growth: Reaches up to 3 feet of growth per year in its youth, quickly creating shade and structure in new landscapes.

Evergreen Foliage: Dark green needles provide a lush, full appearance year-round, offering consistent color in the desert.

Adaptable & Hardy: Tolerates drought, alkaline soils, and high temperatures once established.

Versatile Use: Functions as both a stately specimen tree and as a reliable windbreak or privacy screen.

Growing and Care Tips

• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to sandy, rocky, or clay conditions.
• Water: Moderate water needs during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature with deep, infrequent watering.
• Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring for optimal growth in young trees.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning required; remove only lower limbs if clearance is needed.

Landscaping Uses

• Shade Tree: Provides significant cooling shade for patios, lawns, and driveways.
• Windbreak or Screen: Commonly planted in rows to serve as a natural barrier.
• Evergreen Accent: Ideal as a backdrop in large desert yards or ranch-style landscapes.
• Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter for birds and small desert wildlife.

Summary

The Mondell Pine is a durable, fast-growing evergreen that thrives in Arizona landscapes. Whether used as a shade tree, windbreak, or privacy screen, it delivers reliable year-round greenery and resilience against the desert’s toughest conditions. With low maintenance needs and high adaptability, it’s a long-term investment for functional and beautiful landscapes.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Mondell Pine (Pinus eldarica) Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun (minimum 6–8 hours daily)
Soil: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and clay conditions
Spacing: 20–30 feet apart for individual trees; 10–15 feet apart for windbreak rows
Planting Depth: Set root ball even with surrounding soil surface
Support: Stake young trees for the first 12 months in windy areas

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water root ball immediately after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 3 weeks.
• Amount: Provide 15–20 gallons per session for young trees.

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: 4–6 months after planting when roots have spread outward.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10–14 days. Increase to every 7–10 days if temperatures exceed 105°F.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place emitters 24–30 inches from the trunk to encourage wide root growth.
• Flow Rate: 2–4 gallons per hour per emitter.
• Number of Emitters: 3–4 for young trees; increase as canopy matures.
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering frequency during extreme summer heat; reduce during winter.

General Watering Tips for Mondell Pine

• Soil Check: Ensure the top 4–6 inches of soil are dry before watering again.
• Deep Watering: Always water deeply to encourage strong root systems.
• Mulch: Apply a thin layer of gravel or organic mulch around the base, keeping mulch 6 inches away from the trunk.