The pine family contains around 114 species of trees, including common pines (Pinus spp.) and white pines (Strobus spp.) . Common pine trees produce bundles of two to six long needles. These aromatic evergreen trees produce furrowed bark that peels off the back in plates. In a place susceptible to fire, pine trees commonly live as the underbrush is burned off. They bear poor dry sites, but do not grow well in shady wet states. There are varieties of pine trees that grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. The trees provide shelter for animals as well as shade for the lawn.
Dig the dirt up with a scoop in a place with good drainage situated in full sun. Once the dirt is loosened, create a hole as deep and wide as the roots. Spread out the roots in the hole and cover with dirt. Water the pine tree well to settle the dirt.
Water the pine tree when the weather is hot and dry during the first summer. This stops water pressure, which can destroy a newly planted pine tree. Once the tree establishes a very long tap root, then the tree can survive mostly on sand. Always water pine trees right before cold weather strikes if there’s been no rain.
Feed the pine tree with granulated fertilizer developed for acid-loving plants in the fall, starting after the first year. Sprinkle the fertilizer 1-1/2 times the diameter of the canopy, which promotes the roots to spread out beyond the drip line. Use 1 cup of fertilizer for each and every inch of the trunk’s diameter. Stop feeding the pine tree after five years.
Trim away just a third of the new growth each year with pruners to control the size and shape of the pine tree. Do this early in the growing season only after the tree begins growing again. Pine trees flow sap when pruned, so get rid of any items from under the branches. Cut back dead or diseased branches. Maintain the lower branches longer than the upper divisions, exposing the lower branches to more sunlight.
Spread a thick layer of mulch under the pine tree in the spring, which reduces weed growth. Weeds compete for soil nutrients and moisture. Use organic mulch like pine bark or needles under the tree canopy. When mulch decomposes, it enriches the soil with slow-release nutrients. Replenishing the mulch each year will eliminate the need to feed the tree in areas with poor soil.