Pinus mugo, or mugo pine, is a non-native European evergreen that thrives in cool climates with moist, well-drained soil and full to partial sun. It requires annual pruning in late winter to maintain its compact size. While it faces potential pests like sawflies and scale, along with diseases such as tip blight, rusts, and rots, mugo pine is resistant to deer damage and supports moths and pollinators. It can be somewhat messy due to year-round needle drop, especially in late fall, but the needles decompose quickly.