Red Push Pistache Pros and Cons

The Red Push Pistache is a cross between Pistacia Atlantica and Pistacia Integerrima, providing it a hybrid vigor in its growth and maturation. The young foliage starts out reddish and matures into a rich dark green, similar to Photinia, which is why the common name "RedPush" (the nickname was created by Arizona Pistachio Nursery to distinguish from commercial, fruit-ing varieties). 

It is highly adaptable to desert growing conditions (established trees can be found in central and southern Arizona, the California deserts, Clark County, Nevada, and throughout Texas), is cold hardy to 0 ℉, prefers direct sunlight, and matures to a height and width of approximately 40 to 60 feet. Red Push trees are dioecious, which means they have distinct male and female trees, with males producing anthers and females producing partial blooms. 

Populations of trees developed straight from collected seed will contain both sexes. Cloned trees (vegetative reproduction) could employ male tree source wood while avoiding blossoms and seeds. Unlike Pistachio-producing trees, these seeds are tiny and unnoticeable. Growth rates are known to vary, ranging from moderate to slow. This disparity is most likely due to slower growth in immature trees (the first two years) and more moderate growth as plants establish and mature. 

Trees grow at a moderate rate in the Phoenix metro region with appropriate irrigation, full sun, and well-drained soils. At first, younger trees have an exceptionally open canopy with somewhat randomly dispersed branches approximately 4' above the ground. Pruning with care at this stage of growth aids in the optimization of canopy structure and shadow as trees mature. 

Mature trees have broad, dense leaf canopies that provide great shade with lush, dark green foliage. Established trees are extremely drought-tolerant and allergen-free. When planting trees in the landscape, it is necessary to consider the shading effect on understory plants such as turf and blooming shrubs. 

The dense, spreading canopies are great for windbreaks, secrecy, and summer heat stabilization. Younger trees have highly open canopies and lack the form and structure of mature ones. Pruning younger trees pay off nicely as trees age and their canopies become increasingly dense. 

Red Push Pistache Pros

This hybrid pistachio tree is classified as ornamental, meaning it does not produce nuts. It has a single huge trunk that grows straight up. In the summertime, the large, dense canopy provides good shade. Colors range from dark red to bright orange in the fall. Due to the fact that this tree loses all of its leaves in the winter, it is an excellent choice for planting near south-facing walls of buildings and residences to allow sunlight in and so reduce heating expenditures.

Red Push Pistache Cons

Due to the fact that Red Push Pistache cannot tolerate "wet feet," they require well-drained soils to thrive. Even for established Red Push Pistache plants, incorrect irrigation is a prevalent problem that can result in leaf drop. Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil. To avoid wet soil, let the soil dry on the surface between waterings. During the summertime, apply water once every 7–10 days, then once a month during the winter.