What tree is this
 

Can anyone tell me what tree this is? I have seen a few of them around but do not know what they are.

It's a Norfolk Island Pine but it's not a true pine. It is recommended for south Florida or Hawaii, or zone 11. We are zone 9a. There are a few scattered around the Villages that would appear to make a liar out of me but each yard is a micro climate. Sooner or later, it will be cold enough here to kill them. Probably the biggest one I have see In The Villages is on Bailey Trail in the Village of Poinciana, could be Sunset Pointe.

Thank you, that is why I have never seen them before.

Norfolk Island Pines are not desirable house trees because of their fragility in high winds.
They will do serious damage to a house because they easily split.
They should be planted in the open, if at all.

I too have admired them
 

Seems others have identified them as Norfolk Island Pines.

We've all made mistakes. Wow, it looks great at the plant center.

The line is,"the right plant in the right place."

I used to have a fantastic peony collection when we used to live in NY. They grew like weeds for me. I laugh when I see them for sale at the big box stores-here they are the wrong plant in the wrong place.

NO-I've not bought them here. I think I read somewhere that you can grow them if you watter them with ice water in the winter? With so many great plants available. Why would you?

Wait. I'm confused. Is it or isn't it a NIP? I have to say, I think those (whatever they may be) that I have seen are really beautiful. I'd love to have one.

Publix often sells little Norfolks at Christmas time as mini trees (house plant) about a foot tall. My neighbors planted theirs outside one year and it’s now 8 or 9 feet tall! It would be beautiful except, not realizing how it would grow, they planted it way too close to a large shrub. There’s a beautiful one on St Charles not far from the gate on golf course side.

Very interesting

That is a Cook's Island (or Cook Island) Pine.

They are both in the family of Araucariaceae. Unless you are a botanist, does it make any difference?

NIP is correct. and yes, it is too cold here in the winters for them. This cold January has ended up with several near us being burned and looking as if they will not make it. But they are a beautiful tree. Just not safe to plant here.

Norfolk Pine

I agree and there is a difference from the Norfolk Island palm.