What kind of tree should I buy for my mom?

p4kphil: What kind of tree should I buy for my mom?
My mom said she wants a live tree for Christmas (but not a “Christmas tree”). What kind of tree can I get for her that would be sweet and symbolic? I want it to be meaningful. Please add references to show meaning.
Thank you. That’s an excellent point. I live in Arkansas.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Cat
You need to say where you live. Different trees are suited to different climates. Do you have winter? How severe? Are you in a subtropical location? For instance – Apple trees grow well in the north, but not in the south.

Trees in general to consider would be flowering ones. Or fruiting ones, is she’s practical, and would like free food eventually from her new tree.

Seeing as you want this gift for Christmas, your biggest limitation might be what trees are AVAILABLE locallly this time of year. Go to your local nursery or garden center, and see what they have (they would also most likely only sell trees that grow in your area). And when you know what you want, if an actual tree isn’t available, you might consider a gift certificate for a tree so she can pick one out come spring, when the new inventory of trees arrives.

Answer by randyerrrb
I think this is a wonderful idea! Your Mom will get many years of pleasure by watching it grow and constantly be reminded of you.

It’s impossible to recommend a specific tree since I don’t know where you live. But I can help some though.

I suggest you get a flowering tree of some sort. One that has flowers of her favorite color would be super good!

You need to find what Zone your Mom is in. Climate is rated in Zone numbers. When you look for a tree, it will tell you what Zones it will do well in. For example, many trees in the South would die in the North during Winter.

I suggest you call a local nursery (place where they sell trees and bushes) and simply say; I’m looking for a flowering tree with pink (or whatever color you want) flowers which is happy in this climate. What are my options?

Great idea!

Answer by Joy
uh maybe a palm tree with some coconuts on it lol if your in snow it might remind her about of a warm place like Florida or California or anything in that category

Answer by greenfingers
What a wonderful idea.
I agree with the previous poster that at this time of the year you may be limited as to what is available. I also think native trees are the best to plant as they will help support the wildlife in your area.
Take a look at this site and see if any of them take your fancy.
Please bear in mind the size of the trees once mature. I have to remove trees more often than I want purely because the customer did not realise or take into account the final size.

Answer by VirtueOfIntolerance
wow, your mom has something in common with me 🙂 I’d love a tree or actually any kind of plant. Well, you know what I would get her?
I’d get her a Meyer lemon tree. They’re awesome, and she can put it in a big pot and bring it indoors if it gets too cold (although they do ok outdoors down to about 20 degrees) I got one for myself recently, and I planted it next to the entrance of my house. In the spring, the blossoms smell incredibly wonderful, and in a couple of years it will bear lots of lemons that make the best fresh lemonade and are great with fish (they’re actually a cross between lemon and mandarin). They don’t get huge (you can get a dwarf one) that can be kept small. They also stay evergreen all year round.

Answer by Chirlgirl07
A magnaolia tree. Beautiful tree, and would do
well in Arkansas.