Care and Feeding of Pines
Pine trees (Pinus spp.) are low-maintenance evergreen trees that thrive if you follow some pine tree care tips. There are many species and cultivars of pine, and you can select one that is hardy in your climate and the size you desire. Some only grow a few feet tall, while others reach more than 60 meters tall.
Pine Tree Care Tips
While some general pine tree care tips you can follow to maintain a healthy tree, each species may have different cultural requirements. Discuss these with the nursery when you purchase the tree. Plant your pine tree in fertile, well-drained soil. Pine trees generally prefer the winter sun.
Ensure the plant has room to grow to its full size and ensure that the soil is not compacted and will allow roots to grow and establish themselves. Pine trees typically have a taproot that extends deep into the ground and a shallower root system closer to the soil surface where it can collect water.
Pine trees generally do not require pruning. However, if your tree has damaged, dead or diseased branches, be sure to cut them out. Disinfect your pruning tools before removing branches to avoid transferring any pathogens to the healthy tree. You can soak the tools in a 10 per cent bleach solution or wipe the blades with Lysol.
Feeding Your Pine Tree
In many cases, pine trees won’t need fertilizer. Instead, offer them deep irrigation, as water stress is a more common concern. In addition, adding mulch around the tree will help keep the soil moist and protect the tree’s root system.
The best way to determine whether your pine needs fertilizer is to have a soil test performed. The results will highlight any nutritional deficiencies in your soil and recommend adding fertilizer and soil amendments.
If you opt not to get a soil test or want to speed the tree’s growth, you can feed your tree using a 16-8-8 or 12-6-6 fertilizer. A slow- or controlled-release fertilizer is less likely to damage roots. Be sure to follow all of the package instructions for application. Avoid fertilizing water-stressed trees during the first year after planting to allow the tree time to establish its roots.
Common Pine Tree Problems
Pine trees are susceptible to several fungal diseases, including Fusiform rust and needle cast. Symptoms of Fusiform rust include purple sites near the infection, swollen stems and galls. In addition, the fruiting bodies release yellow-orange spores in the spring that spread to other trees in the wind. Control this infection by removing and destroying infected plant tissue.
Needle cast causes the pine needles to turn yellow and brown and drop from the tree. The fungal spores are present on the fallen needles and get dispersed by the wind. Ensure the trees are getting plenty of sunlight and prune back surrounding trees if necessary to limit shade.
The pine bark beetle is a pest that affects pine trees, and severe infestations can be fatal to your pine. Infested trees have needles that turn yellow, brown and then red. Healthy trees are less likely to succumb to pine bark beetles. In addition, chemical treatments can protect healthy trees. If the trees in your area have these beetles, be sure to consult a tree care professional to determine the best treatment for your pines.
