Considering planting trees on your property? This might be a much more complex decision than you had initially anticipated. While the simple act of planting a tree might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, it will eventually sprout into a very large thing indeed. Every tree requires maintenance, as well as carefully considered placement.
When evaluating these kinds of decisions, it is essential to be familiar with the requirements and needs specific to the kind of trees that you wish to plant. So, let’s take a look at the qualities and properties of the pine tree.
Pine trees are classified in the family ofevergreen trees. This means that they have needles instead of flat leaves and that this foliage will not be shed come winter, rather, these trees are a very attractive sight all year round, instead of being reduced to mere skeletons in the winter. They provide an excellent source of cover and shelter for local wildlife, which is a must if you enjoy animal-watching from your porch. They also provide a degree of privacy, which could be used in lieu of, or to supplement a fence.
You can harvest pine oil from this tree, which is prized both for its scent and chemical/ medicinal properties and the tree’s needles and cones can be used for a variety of homemade crafts, teas and perfumes.
Pine trees are also very hardy and can withstand conditions that would kill most other trees. Their springy limbs and trunk are able to move with the wind and as a result, they can weather storms more easily than the trunks of hardwood, oak or Osage orange. This is a trait that the pine tree developed as a result of its origins in the boreal forests of the north, where snowstorms and near-constant snowfall make flexible branches a necessity for survival.
There are also some unique challenges to consider in regard to the pine tree. First of all, they require special pruning and unlike the branches of most other trees, pine branches cannot simply be cut in the middle. These branches only grow from their terminal buds, so breaking off just the end or tip of the branch will usually cause the entire branch to die. It is necessary then to remove the whole branch from its base. An alternative technique involves trimming the active shoots in the spring and early summer when they are growing at their fastest. Such a method is best left to a professional arborist with the knowledge needed to properly identify a tree and its needs, and proceed with the proper safety requirements – you may want to hire professional arborists this summer to optimize your pine tree’s health.
Another thing to consider is that the pine tree will shed its dead needles all year round, which can create an extensive and consistent blanket of dead pine needles around the base of the tree. Pine trees also tend to break through concrete with their roots, so plant them a good distance from your driveway, patio or walkway.
Pine trees also have relatively shallow root systems, which can become a problem if disease or infestation weakens the roots of the tree, rendering them unstable. As such, consider planting them a decent distance from your house, shed or any other large structure on your property. However, with proper placement, planning and patience, these majestic beauties can bring a truly stunning aesthetic and aroma to your property!
