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Pine trees are a staple of backyard gardens and landscapes. There are over 100 species of pine trees; several varieties flourish in each of the USDA growing regions. Pine trees belong to the evergreen family and add color and dimension to yards, gardens, and parks. Pine trees are also generally versatile, adaptable and forgiving of less than optimum conditions. For the amateur gardener, pine trees are easy, low maintenance trees to cultivate.
Pine Tree Care - Growing Conditions
Optimum growing conditions vary from species to species, but, in general, the following guidelines apply. Pine trees do well in a variety of soils, even poor soil conditions, but do best in deep, moist, well-drained soils. Most species are generally adaptable and can survive periods of drought or high water levels and flooding. Nearly all pine tree species can tolerate light shade as they grow, but require full sun as an adult tree. Maintain an area about three feet in diameter around the base of the tree that is relatively free of grass and weeds. You can accomplish this through the use of weed mats or a 2-3 applications of mulch. This allows the tree's root system to gather nutrients from the soil without having to fight over the goodies with the grass and weeds at its base.
Pine Tree Care - Pest Control
Pine trees are susceptible to certain pests that include the pine weevils, Zimmerman pine moths, pine shoot beetles and sawfly caterpillars. Early detection is the key to minimizing damage. Unless the infestation is severe, it will not kill the pine tree but can significantly slow down growth rates. Among disease problems, pines may suffer from needle cast and canker diseases. Depending on the type of invader, there are a variety of organic fungicides, herbicides, and pruning techniques you can use to mitigate the impact of pests and diseases. Finally, pine buds are one of a deer's favorite treats. You may need to protect the bud caps until the tree has grown large enough to put the buds out of reach of the hungry deer. You can do this by using bud caps. Bud caps are simply pieces of regular paper stapled around the terminal bud and leader on the branch. This protects the bud from the deer eating it, but also allows it to grow through the paper throughout the following growing season. You should do your bud capping in the fall before the snow covers the ground.
Pine Tree Care - Maintenance
Regular pruning can shape your evergreen and eliminate branches infested with pests. Removal of branches and needles will retard the tree's growth. Consequently be sure not to remove too many of the branches at any one time. To insure sufficient growth, it is advisable to leave three-quarters of the trees' height with branches. Also, evergreen trees are designed so the branches will interlock and support heavy snow loads in winter. Over-pruning will ultimately weaken the tree's other branches and cause winter time breakage.
Pine trees are a valued addition to any yard or garden. They are easy to care for and adapt to a wide variety of growing conditions. Light pruning will keep them healthy and shapely. A healthy pine tree will also encourage a variety of birds and other wildlife to visit. They are an easy option for casual or serious gardeners.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about Trees and Shrubs and organic gardening at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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