Chinese Pistache Tree

Look Forward to Dazzling Fall Colors!

With its whimsical branches and knockout fall color, the Chinese Pistache Tree looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale. The tree’s naturally-rounded, symmetrical canopy adds to its unique appeal.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the Chinese Pistache is its fiery fall colors. In autumn, leaves transform into varying shades of red, orange, and yellow. It also shows off its fall colors later than most trees, so it’s sure to be a standout when others are entering dormancy.

Fall colors are far from the only benefit of the Chinese Pistache. The tree’s dense and dark green leaves offer beauty in the spring and summer. These long and slender leaves grow in unusually paired columns that add impressive visual interest against its dark, curving branches.

Many gardeners plant the Chinese Pistache in spots that need shade because of its adaptability. It does well with urban pollution and heat, so you can plant it virtually anywhere, like over your driveway or in a sunny spot in your backyard. Additionally, this variety thrives in many types of soil, even rocky or sandy conditions!

The Chinese Pistache has been called an “Ugly Duckling” tree because its odd-shaped sapling grows into a beautiful specimen tree. Experience the stunning growth for yourself and order a Chinese Pistache today!

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Your Pistache will benefit best from a location that receives full sun and well-draining soil. Make your hole 4 to 5 times as wide as the root ball. Be sure to center your tree and begin to backfill the hole, tamping the soil down as you fill to prevent air pockets from forming. Water thoroughly and spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base of the tree.

2. Watering: For the first month, be sure to water your Pistache twice weekly. The best way to ensure that you’re watering deeply enough is to place your garden hose next to the base of the tree on a trickle.

3. Fertilizing: For trees that are five years (or younger), fertilizer should be introduced during the spring and fall seasons. Use a nitrogen-based formula with superphosphate if the tree has not grown at least 2 to 3 feet annually. Be sure to follow the application instructions provided on the packaging.

4. Pruning: Prune the top of the tree when it reaches six feet tall between January and February, and this will force more branches to develop. As branches emerge, select one as the tree’s trunk, the other as a branch, and remove the rest. The trunks should be left to grow another three feet and then pruned to a couple of feet above your original cut, which in turn will encourage more branches. Repeat this process until you get a well-spaced and symmetrical look.