Culture of a Chinese Pistache Tree
The versatile Chinese pistache tree (Pistacia chinensis) can bring several attractive elements to your yard. A moderate-sized tree, it has interesting bark and glossy leaves that also bring color to the fall garden. This tree grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
The Chinese pistache tree is moderately fast-growing and usually reaches a height of 25 to 35 feet at maturity, although it can become taller under ideal conditions. It develops an oval to rounded canopy, spreading to about 25 feet and providing light shade. Its branches naturally form a vase-like shape from a single trunk. The tree's leaves are a glossy and dark green and is has interesting bark that peels spontaneously to reveal salmon- or red-colored inner bark. The leaves turn an attractive yellow, orange and red in fall and female trees produce small red inedible fruits that ripen to blue in late summer or fall.
Sun and Soil
The Chinese pistache tree does best in a spot that receives full sun, although it can tolerate some shade for part of the day. In areas that are prone to hot, sunny afternoons in summer, siting the tree near an east-facing wall that gets afternoon shade can help protect it from scorching, especially when young. This tree prefers organically rich soil. Working compost into the soil at planting time can help increase the soil's organic content and benefit the tree. It does well in most soil types, including loam, sand or clay, providing it drains well.
Water and Other Needs
The Chinese pistache tree needs an average amount of water, although a newly planted tree benefits from regular, deep watering during its first season. Once established, the tree is quite drought-tolerant. Its tolerance of salty air and a high salt content in soil is low, so this tree isn't a good choice for a coastal area. Pruning a young tree is sometimes helpful, especially if it's a sapling with an unbranched trunk. You can force the tree to develop several branches by cutting back the top early in spring, then allowing two or three newly formed branches to grow as the main scaffolds. Once its basic growth pattern is developed, the Chinese pistache tree doesn't require any further pruning, except to remove damaged or diseased wood.
Problems and Uses
The Chinese pistache tree is essentially pest-free and not subject to damage from any common insects. It is mildly susceptible to wilt and oak root fungus, but these can be minimized or prevented by siting the tree where soil doesn't tend to stay soggy or wet for long periods. The tree is versatile and does well in most settings, including urban areas. It's also a good choice as a shade tree near porches or patios because its surface roots are small and don't cause problems when they extend under concrete or other paving.
Joanne Marie began writing professionally in 1981. Her work has appeared in health, medical and scientific publications such as Endocrinology and Journal of Cell Biology. She has also published in hobbyist offerings such as The Hobstarand The Bagpiper. Marie is a certified master gardener and has a Ph.D. in anatomy from Temple University School of Medicine.