Top Varieties of Pine Trees: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pine for Your Landscape
Pine trees are one of the conifers and make up roughly 25 percent of the cone-bearing plant species and, thus, bear cones. Besides pine trees, this family also has larches, hemlocks, cedars, spruces, and firs. A conifer qualifies as a pine tree only if it belongs to the genus Pinus. People plant pines for their ability to provide shade. Others take pleasure in using pine cones for various arts and crafts projects. While it is a good idea to plant a pine tree in one's yard, consideration also has to be given to the variety of pine tree one intends to grow. In the United States, there is a variety of pines that can be suitable for your purposes. What are a few of the top differences that can be found between the different species of pine trees? What is the best way to choose suitable pine trees for your office or home landscape? Read below to find out the answer to the above questions.
Facts About Pine Trees and Their Special Traits
The evergreen tree that is prominent in all landscapes around the North of America is the Pine tree. In addition to these, it also adds to the scenic beauty and the wildlife habitat. It also adds to the environment in a way that is unbeatable by any other tree. It is well accommodated in all climates, whether it is coastal regions or the mountain tops. It is appreciated by the landscape designers and homeowners.
The evergreen trees have unique needle arrangements, and the other parts of the trees do not. Pine needles occupy a cluster, and each cluster is called a fascicle. This is something special about the trees and the other plants. If you ever decide to recognize the types of plants, or check out the other plants in the local nursery, the pines will be the trees with two fascicles. Their stalks are easy to recognize, even to the elementary student.
Not leaving out, some birds make pine trees part of their homes due to their broad tops, while some pine trees like, Chipmunks, Squirrels, and some other song birds make their meals from pine cones. Moister is added to soil while soil erosion is reduced due to the natural mulch. Aromatically pleasanter, they improve the outdoor scent as well.
The Loblolly Pine
The Loblolly Pine Tree is one of the most common trees in the pine family in the southeast region of the country. In fact, close to 50% of the pines in this part of the country are Loblolly pines. These trees thrive in primitive conditions like USDA Zone 5, which means they are well-suited to the particular environment. They can even withstand the occasional snowstorm.
People who know the region well love to plant Loblolly Pine trees because they love the habitat these trees create for various animals that call the region home. This includes turkeys, doves, quails, foxes, deer, and rabbits, to name just a few. Other benefits of these trees include serving as a noise barrier and stabilizing soil.
As more and more people recognize these trees and the benefits they provide, they are more likely to engage in planting them, even to abandon land. If a Loblolly is well taken care of, it can grow to a height of 80-100 ft and a spread of 25-35 ft. This rapid growth is ideal for people wanting to beautify their environment. Young Loblolly pines can grow over three feet in a single year when conditions are favorable, making their presence felt in no time.
The species prefers full sun and seems capable of growing in almost any type of soil, although it does best in moist, well-drained, and acidic soils. After establishment, the Loblolly can tolerate drought remarkably well because of its deep taproots, which also make it unnecessary to water in the first few years. The soft, feathery appearance of the long and slender needles, which are six to nine inches long, is in bundles of three and sway beautifully in the wind.
The White Pine
Mountains in south east of the United States is said to home the white pine tree. The tree is said to thrive in zones 5 to 8. It is capable of growing wet and dry soil. Appreciable is the trees immaculate symmetry. Its elegant, white marmoreed, and lustrous pine needle crown, tend to capture most of the attention. The different types of blue, white, and gold streaks in the pine needles tend to make looking for the tree easier. The needles and their color tones change as the season progresses.
Like the other cultivars, they do well in the east, too, especially in the yard. Uh, white pines prefer well-drained loamy soil, but they'll almost adapt to any soil in the yard. While pruning the white pine isn't mandatory, it also tends to help the tree if done.
The gusty winds are liked by man; if the white pines have withstood the gust, you are normally rewarded, in stark contrast to other trees, which are typically bent over by the winds, but not the white pines. Rather, the white pines tend to have an ethereal resemblance to free-flowing \ windswept hair, which is an unusual yet regal crown that they possess.
The Eastern White Pine is distinguished as one of the tallest Conifer trees in Eastern North America, reaching up to 50 to 80 feet in height. Has a unique pyramidal shape, which then becomes more irregular and picturesque with age; however, the tree also becomes a sight for sore eyes. Features of the tree include soft, flexible needles that are 3 to 5 inches long, which are arranged in bundles of 5. These needles are bluish-green, which is a stark contrast to other pines, helping to give the tree a soft and delicate look.
During the entire year, you can see the White Pines produce interesting cylindrical cones as long as 8 inches. Mature specimens also boast deep furrows, which, along with the character of the bark, give beauty to the landscape. The branches of these trees grow close to each other, making them the ideal species for natural privacy screens and windbreaks.
The Virginia Pine
You can call it a scrub pine, but folks refer to it as a Virginia Pine. This tree stretches along the entire eastern coast and is located in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama too. The average tree height is around 15 meters, but certain conditions can make them shoot above 20 meters.
The Virginia Pine is known to be one of the least maintenance trees. It can withstand quite acidic soil and resource-lacking environments, making this tree ultra versatile. Because of its mass, the Virginia Pine can be used to enhance your entire landscape. Its high compatibility with other trees, flowers, and shrubs makes it a top preferred tree for home and office gardens.
One of the lesser-known but worthy champions of restoration and reclamation projects is the Virginia Pine, whose ability to adapt is astonishing. A Virginia Pine is a medium-sized pine whose height ranges from 40 to 60 feet. An adult's open crown is irregular, but its crown gets fuller and more interesting with age. Grown in pairs and twisted, the Virginia Pine's needles are unique amongst pine species as they are 2 inches long.
This species is one of the better choices for the more treacherous planting areas as it copes with poor soil, drought, and urban pollution. On disturbed sites, the Virginia Pine is able to establish rapidly, and abundant screening and slope erosion control are provided. The compact size of the Virginia Pine makes it one of the few options left for small properties. Unlike other larger species, the Virginia Pine will not overwhelm the space.
The Yellow Pine
The Yellow Pine is another one of the most well-known pines, and its popularity is well-earned. The region is also greatly suited for the Yellow Pine, and in return, this tree produces a great deal of softwood products. One unique characteristic of this tree is its ability to take in nails and commercial fasteners because the wood is indeed stiff and dense. This makes the Yellow Pine a convenient option for residential and commercial construction projects.
The slender pine needles of this tree take on an unusual green hue, while the bark has a nice, deep brown tint. This pine tree will also provide an excellent source of shade in a home or office garden. In the wild, a cluster of Yellow Pine trees is an awe-inspiring sight. This tree is one of the most popular in the world because it is flexible, strong, and very versatile.
To the southeast of the U.S., the term "Yellow Pine" has better known as Longleaf Pine or Shortleaf Pine. It is also one of the most commercially important trees of the U.S. It can grow between 60-100 ft in height depending on the species and conditions. These trees have 12 inch long leaves which are arranged in groups of 3.
The all-year-round beautiful orange-brown to reddish-brown bark, which becomes orange-brown or reddish-brown, layered with deep grooves, enhances the overall landscape. The trees also produce large cones that can be very helpful as a source of food for animals. These species will thrive in the sunlight and drainable soils, while also being able to survive in sandy soils that have very few nutrients.
More Pine Varieties to Consider
The listed varieties are popular choices for pine trees used in southeastern landscapes, but there are some other species that may be more suitable for your specific needs and growing conditions.
Austrian Pine is a salt-tolerant, urban-tolerant pine, which makes it a suitable candidate for coastal properties and roads that are salted in winter. It is native to Europe and has dark green, two-needled pinches and a pleasantly Round, broad crown upon full maturity.
Scots Pine is also quite remarkable to see with its orange-red, pinched painted bark on the upper trunk and sizable and branched top, which makes it an attractive charm in the winter. It is not to be confused with the Scots, who are pine.
Japanese Black Pine comes with an unmatched type of coastal disorder used for sculptural and Japanese gardens, with its irregular branching.
Light Red Pine has a more formal, structured form, which allows more control in designing the landscape. It is remarkable to see with its reddish-brown bark.
Plants that Complement Landscapes with Pine Trees
Evergreen plants are vital to the design of any landscape with a pine tree as they are going to be the companion plants. Knowing which plants are companion pines will facilitate the design of a picturesque garden that will not only be appealing to the eyes but to the yearning souls of local wildlife all year round.
Azalea and Rhododendron flowering shrubs are a dappled shade and flowering pride plantation that are perfect companion plants to pine trees as they thrive on the same acidic soil. Flowering in spring, they add a blooming spring carpet to the pines evergreens which extend the beauty of the design as they are a competition with the acidic soil.
Perfect in the shada, the grey-green leaves of Flowering Dogwood and Redbud make a sharp contrast to the white blooms on the Leaning Pine. They provide a moderate lower height as they add a beautiful mid layer of trees with their raccoon dainty spring blossoms that grace the garden as they drape over the Leaning Pine.
Fiddlehead ferns and Hostas bring a sea of white blooms that arch to the floating canopy as they billow to form sunlight. They create a stunning overall height, all while the ferns such as the Christmas and Lady Fern grow steadily with the posture of the Pillar Pine.Native plants like Wintergreen, Bearberry, and diverse mosses grow naturally under pine trees, forming dense, low-maintenance mats that brighten the environment, prevent weeds, and add to the forest feel.
Pine Tree Maintenance
Good maintenance allows pine trees to stay healthy, vigorous, and aesthetically appealing for many years to come. Following maintenance practices is simpler than for other landscaping trees, however, pines need the same attention to thrive.
Watering is key for the first 24 months post-planting. Younger pines require moisture for root establishment and need to be deeply watered once or twice weekly. After that, many pines need no additional watering during dry spells and are excellent at drought tolerance.
Pine trees benefit from mulching because it lowers competing vegetation, regulates soil temperatures, and conserves soil moisture. Apply several inches of organic mulch from the base of the newly planted pines cutting it 5 inches from the trunk to avoid moisture-disease issues.
Pine trees growing on reasonably fertile soils do not typically require fertilization. In fact, excessive fertilization can harm pines, spawning unnaturally rapid growth, producing wood that is weaker and more prone to storm damage. If growth is particularly slow or needles seem to lack a proper color, a soil test can provide information on underlying nutrient deficiencies.
Pruning should be limited and deliberate. Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches in order to provide maintenance to the tree and improve its appearance. Try not to remove the lower branches because, in addition to the less desirable pruning that has been described, other branches are lower to the ground and are important to the pines capacity to screen and be visually attractive.
Pine trees self defend and defend one another by the use of sap, and, surprisingly, can recognize friends and foes. Defends are achieved by spraying heavy coatings of sap, to the point where the tree is almost incapable of movement; or, with other types of trees with which the tree has no association, to that tree if it is also a tree. When they are sap-banded together, the two trees with the heaviest sap coatings will sap the thinner ones to the point where they are in total bondage, almost unable to break free.
Transform Your Landscape with Premium Pine Trees
The best part of achieving a dream landscape is getting quality trees to form the bones of the design in the initial stages. Depending on specific goals like construction of a wildlife sanctuary, or simply a yearlong view of serene beauty, selection of pine trees is critical.
At TN Nursery, we take pride in accompanying our customers in their adventures of exploring the beauty of nature. We also take pride in helping our customers discover healthy, vigorous pine trees that perfectly fit the southeastern growing regions. We believe in completing the customer's vision. Therefore, we provide loblolly pines that are fast growing, alongside the elegant, hardy Virginia pines, and white pines. All the pines in our inventory are cultivated to ensure vigorous growth, and the buyer embarks on the creation and management phase of the landscaping project.
Our loyal customers feel content and satisfied when they approach our professional team. They are always ready to help you and attend to our customers individual needs. They consider all factors like visuals, unique goals of the customer, and individual needs to develop site-specific solutions. Our team has the determination to provide you the finest pines related to all facets, and the knowledge you need on how to plant properly.
At TN Nursery, we believe in helping our clients fulfill their dreams. We have the pines that you need for your home and yard and know how to plant them for the ultimate enhancement of your property. We are ready to provide assistance, to ensure that the trees enhance the beauty, value and environment of your land for all generations. Come visit to discover our premium pines and see how they add value to your property.
FAQs
What is the best pine tree for a small yard?
The Mugo Pine is the best option for small yards because of its compactness and size. This particular dwarf species averages around 10 to 15 feet tall and has a solid, rounded dense shape without a lot of over pruning. The Virginia Pine is another great option for small sized yards because it grows to around 50 feet tall and has a more open irregular crown which is great so it does not overwhelm a small yard. Both of these species appreciate a variety of soil conditions and do not need a lot of care after they have been planted.
What is the prettiest evergreen tree?
While pine trees are often considered to be the most beautiful evergreens, many people believe that the Blue Spruce, or Colorado Spruce, is the most beautiful evergreen tree. Its silvery-blue, almost metallic, forward-thrusting needles, and its perfect pyramidal shape, contour and form make it a center of and a captivating invading to any landscape. The White Fir is soft and delicate and is said to have magnificent upswept branches that display his bluish needles, and the Weeping Norway Spruce has soft, silvery- blue dramatic, drooping branches which are totally captivating. The Eastern White Pine is also delicate because is has soft and flexible branches and is often considered the most beautiful of all pines.
What kind of pine tree looks like a fern?
Among different species of pine trees, the Norfolk Island Pine is the closest to a fern, even though it is not a real pine. Its branches, which are both dainty and tiered, give the appearance of large ferns due to the soft and feathery nature of the pine. However, if we talk about the actual pines, the White Pine tree is also capable of exhibiting the same fern-like quality, but only when the pines are still young. The flexible and branchy nature of its on the tree surely does earn it a fernelike appearance, especially if the branches are moving during a windy day. Also, the Japanese Black Pine, when artistically pruned, can also develop a fern-like aesthetic when planted in a Japanese garden.
What is the fastest growing pine tree for privacy?
The fastest pine tree that can be planted for privacy is the Loblolly Pine. The Loblolly Pine is able to grow very rapidly, especially when it is optimally cared for, achieving a growth of 3 feet per day. This pine tree grows especially in the Southeastern part of the Loblolly Pine region, producing a very dense screen that provides both privacy and beauty for the viewers. The Eastern White Pine is the second fastest growing tree that can provide privacy. The Eastern White Pine also provides a lot of environmental benefits as it grows 2 - 3 feet a year. The Loblolly Pine and Eastern White Pine trees are ideal choices for homeowners due to the large amount of woody plants that provide beauty to the outdoors.
What is the best quality pine?
No other type of pine is as sought after for lumber as the Eastern White Pine, as it is incredibly easy to work with and has few knots and a straight grain. Historically, White Pine went as far as being the very timber used for ship masts in colonial America. When it comes to landscaping, the answer is rather subjective. Quality in the Loblolly Pine is fast growing and a prime source for wildlife, whereas the White Pine is unmatched in aesthetic value. Of the southern yellow pines, the Longleaf Pine has the best quality timber with strong and dense wood appreciated for its sturdy construction.
What is the prettiest pine tree?
The most beautiful pine tree is up for interpretation, but for most landscape designers, it is the White Pine because of its soft, bluish-green foliage, bluish-green needles, and elegantly sweeping branches which form a delicate silhouette, both upright and inverted. The soft and delicate textures of the Eastern White Pine is a refined tree that, because of its beautiful, artistic structures of its branches, compliments both formal and philosophical landscaping. However, the Loblolly Pine and its grand, showy form and the sculptural form of the Japanese Black Pine are other contenders.
