In order to get a nice, tall, non-Christmas-tree appearing pine tree, I might suggest a more natural approach. As it's now winter, stroll the neighborhood and find a youpon holly tree (bush) and trim off a few of the sprigs. They are of variable length and diameter, and with a few snips and some dry-brushed burnt umber oil paint, they make a great trunk for a conifer 'pine' type of tree. You can then dab some white glue to the bare branches and stick Woodland Scenics colored foams and ground cover to it until you have the right look. It works great and can be varied to look a bit battle damaged.
Kendall Brown...NCT, Plano, Texas