Finding the Perfect Austrian Pine Tree: A Guide to Purchasing This Iconic Evergreen

With their striking pyramidal form, rich green needles, and attractive bark, Austrian pine trees are a popular choice for landscapes across many regions. If you’re considering adding one of these hardy, ornamental pines to your own yard, you’ll need to find a reputable source for purchasing high-quality specimens. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about buying the perfect Austrian pine tree.

Deciding on Nursery Stock vs. Online Purchase

When looking to buy an Austrian pine, you have two main options: purchasing from a local nursery or garden center, or ordering the tree online and having it shipped to your door. There are pros and cons to each approach.

Nursery shopping benefits:

• See trees in person before buying
• Often larger selection of sizes/ages
• No shipping stress for the tree
• Can get expert advice from staff

Nursery challenges:

• Limited inventory that sells out fast
• Seasonal availability
• Need vehicle to transport larger trees

Online ordering benefits:

• Convenience of buying from home
• Wider size and age range available
• Shipped at optimal time for planting
• Avoid “impulse” purchases

Online ordering challenges:

• Can’t see the actual tree before buying
• Shipping risks like damage or delays
• Larger sizes may be unavailable

Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs. For smaller, younger pines, ordering online works well For large mature trees, a local nursery may be better

Key Things to Look for When Buying

Regardless of where you purchase your Austrian pine. keep an eye out for these signs of quality

• Straight central trunk – Avoid trees with crooked or double trunks.

• Balanced, symmetrical shape – Should have a nice pyramidal form.

• Healthy green needles – Foliage should be plush and vibrant with no yellowing.

• Minimal root girdling – Restricted roots can strangle the tree over time.

• No visible signs of pests/diseases – Check for fungi, damaged needles, etc.

• Moist soil – Make sure the roots have not dried out.

Taking a little extra time to inspect pines before purchasing will ensure you select the best possible specimen.

Popular Places to Buy Austrian Pine Trees

Now that you know what to look for, where are some top places to purchase high-quality Austrian pine trees? Here are several excellent sources to consider:

Online Nurseries

• The Tree Center – Offers the widest size range of container-grown pines ready to ship. Prices from $39.

• Arbor Day Foundation – Good for smaller, young Austrian pines perfect for planting. Priced $29-$99.

• Fast Growing Trees – Sells hardy 1-2 year old potted pines. Bundle deals available. From $59.

• Nature Hills Nursery – Large online selection of evergreens, trees and shrubs to order.

Local Garden Centers

• Independent nurseries – Best variety and healthiest stock. Shop early as pines sell out fast!

• Big box stores – Home Depot, Lowe’s and Walmart carry smaller container pines seasonally.

• Farm supply stores – Tractor Supply and rural co-ops often stock pine trees.

Other Places to Find Pines

• Club sales – Garden clubs often have discounted bulk pine sales yearly.

• Classified ads – Check for local pine availability from nurseries or farmers.

• Wholesale growers – Order in bulk directly from commercial growers.

Size Options to Consider for Purchase

Austrian pines are available from nurseries and garden stores in a range of sizes, ages, and root types. This gives you flexibility to select the optimal pine for your specific planting goals and budget.

Seedlings – Smallest pines from 6” up to 2’ tall sold in trays. Fast growing but fragile. $5-$15.

1-2 Year Container Trees – Small pines up to 4’ tall grown in pots. Easiest to transplant. $25-$60.

3-5 Year Container Specimens – Larger potted pines from 4-6’ tall. More instant impact. $75-$150.

Balled-and-Burlapped – Mature pine dug from a field nursery. Sizes up to 12′ tall. Heavy. $150+.

For most landscapes, a 3-5’ containerized Austrian pine provides a good balance of size and transplant ease. But consider your needs and space when choosing.

Ordering Austrian Pines Online

If purchasing your pine tree through an online nursery, here are some useful tips for success:

• Buy early – Order in late winter to early spring when inventory is best.

• Note shipping dates – Make sure the company doesn’t ship too early for your zone.

• Check tree arrival policy – Know when to expect the tree and have a plan for planting ASAP.

• Read return/refund terms – Understand options if the tree arrives damaged or unhealthy.

• Prepare planting site – Get new planting area ready before the tree arrives.

• Document unboxing – Photograph any issues with roots, branches, etc right away.

• Water upon arrival – Hydrate the tree immediately and keep the roots moist until planting.

With a little planning, ordering Austrian pines online can be easy and hassle-free.

Ideal Times to Purchase and Plant

To give your new Austrian pine the best start possible, it’s important to buy and plant the tree at optimal times.

Best times to buy: Select and purchase Austrian pines in early spring or fall. This avoids summer stresses and winter dormancy. Supply is also highest.

Ideal planting time: Early spring right after the final frost is perfect in most zones. The tree can establish roots through the growing season. Fall planting also works well if winters are mild.

Avoid purchasing pines in the heat of summer or planting them mid-winter when they are stressed. Proper timing will boost survival rates dramatically.

Prepare the Right Planting Site

Since Austrian pines can live 100+ years once established, take time to prepare the right planting spot for your new tree.

• Sunny location – Pick a site with full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Morning sun is best.

• Well-drained soil – Amend dense or wet soils with compost to improve drainage.

• Ample space – Leave 20-30 feet between pines and other trees/structures for growth.

• Away from pavement – Position the tree at least 3-5 feet from driveways, walks, etc.

• Clear competing plants – Remove sod, weeds etc. from the planting area.

Take soil samples if needed to ensure the site will support the Austrian pine’s needs. Proper site prep now prevents problems for decades to come.

Caring for Newly Planted Austrian Pines

Once your new Austrian pine is planted, it will need some TLC as it establishes:

• Water thoroughly at planting and 2 times per week for the first year.

• Add mulch around the base to retain moisture and reduce weeds.

• Stake the trunk if needed to prevent wind damage for the first year.

• Fertilize lightly in the second year with a balanced, slow-release tree fertilizer.

• Monitor for pests like aphids, borers, mites that can attack young pines.

• Remove any dead branches to encourage new growth.

With proper care and conditions, your Austrian pine will flourish for decades to come!

Finding the Perfect Specimen Pine

Bringing home a beautiful Austrian pine tree for your landscape is an exciting endeavor! By selecting a high-quality specimen, buying from a reputable source, planting at the ideal time, and providing attentive care, you will enjoy a lifetime of beauty from this hardy, ornamental evergreen. Whether you visit a local nursery or have a pine shipped right to your door, use the guidance above to find the perfect Austrian pine tree for your unique space and needs.