Pitch Pine - Pinus rigida

The Pitch Pine Tree (Pinus rigida) is an evergreen conifer that has sharp green needles.

Plant Details - Pitch Pine Tree

Family: Pinaceae

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Water Needs: Average

Height: 40 – 60 ft.

Spread: 30 – 50 ft.

Growth Rate: Fast

Wildlife Value: Attracts butterflies, birds

Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Pitch Pine Tree

Pitch Pine Tree is an evergreen conifer that is native to the eastern half of the United States of America, naturally growing in sandy or rocky environments. This tree is great for planting as an accent in your yard or for creating an evergreen border.

The bark of this tree is thick and scaly. The color of this bark begins as red, changing to a dark gray as it matures. Bark is resinous.

Its rigid needles of this tree grow in clusters of three. The needles can grow directly out of the bark of the tree. Its cones are dark brown and are pointed at the tips.

Plant this tree in an area that gets full sun. Avoid planting this tree in shade where its growth will be limited.

This tree prefers well draining, dry, and sandy soil. However, it can tolerate a variety of soils including clay or loam. This tree can handle soils that many other plants cannot – so if you have a difficult spot you want to plant, look no further.

This tree is drought tolerant. Be sure to water this tree thoroughly until it is well established. Avoid overwatering this tree during this time.

As this tree matures, be mindful to prune this tree once a year if it shows signs of diseased or damaged branches.

This is a deer resistant tree.

This is a great source of food for mammals, including squirrels. It will also attract birds that will nest in it.

Noteworthy Characteristics

The Pitch Pine Tree is significantly more salt tolerant than other species of pine, making it a good choice for being planted near roadsides.

This tree will attract plenty of butterflies to your yard. It is the host plant for the Pine Devil Moth.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Height at Maturity

Over 25 Feet

Care

Pitch Pine Trees are hardy and adaptable. Once settled, they prefer well-drained soil and are drought-tolerant. Water them during prolonged dry spells. Trim in winter to hold its shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Watch for pests.

Plant Reproduction

Pitch Pine spreads by releasing seeds from cones and resprouting

How to Grow and Care for Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are shipped dormant without soil, making them lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to plant during the cool months of early spring or fall. To begin, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 4–6 hours before planting to rehydrate them. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and ample space for the tree’s mature size.

Dig a hole twice as wide as the spread of the roots and deep enough to keep the root flare (where the roots begin to spread from the trunk) at or slightly above ground level. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole, spread the roots evenly over it, backfill with native soil, and gently tamp down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) during the first growing season, and apply mulch around the base—avoiding direct contact with the trunk—to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Stake the tree if necessary, and prune only to remove dead or damaged branches. With proper care, your bare root tree will establish quickly and grow strong for years to come.

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