Guide Note:

A Pine tree is a coniferous tree of the genus Pinus, in the family Pinaceae. There is believed to be 115 species of pine trees. Pine trees grow anywhere from three to 80 meters high. The majority of pine trees only get between 15 to 45 meters tall. Pines typically reach ages of 100 to 1000 years old and some even older.

Foliage

A pine tree has four types of leaves, seed leaves, juvenile leaves, scale leaves and needles. Needles are the adult leaves and are grouped in clusters.

Cones

There are male and female cones on the same tree. Male cones are smaller and only present for a short time. The female cones take one and a half to three years to mature. When mature, the cones will open to release seeds.

Planting and Maintenance

Dig a hole for your pine tree larger than the root mass then fill the bottom of the hole with top soil. Fill the whole putting the best soil closest to the roots. Tap the soil around the pine tree with a shovel handle, don't stomp with your feet. Stake your pine tree if necessary to be sure it stays in an upright position. It is recommended you add a wood chip mulch at the base of your pine tree. Baby pine trees can be easily sunburned and dehydrate so a sunscreen needs to be put over your tree so as not to have sun all day long. Use common sense when watering your pine tree, a soil test will tell you if the ground is to dry.

Fast Facts

1. Scientific Class: Pinopsida
2. Many different species
3. Soft wood, fast growing tree
4. Evergreen; keep their leaves year round
5. Produce both male and female cones
6. Forest dominant
7. Fire adapted
8. Mostly large trees
9. Straight trunk
10. Sun loving
11. Shade intolerant
12. Popular for Christmas trees