When you dig a hole for planting, make sure that it is approximately twice the size of the container/root ball of the plant you are planting. Position the tree so that its best side is facing where you want it (generally the most viewed side) and use the soil that you dug out of the hole as backfill. Be sure to separate the roots so they don’t clump up and so that they can establish easier. Make sure that the top of the soil of the tree is flush with the top of the ground. If it is too deep, root rot will occur.
Planting
Once you are putting your Pine into the ground, make sure to tamp down the soil to avoid air pockets. When the hole is halfway full of soil, fill it with water and let it drain, then continue. Do this again when the hole is full. Do not mound soil around the trunk. Mulch can be applied around the tree as long as it does not touch the trunk.
Watering & Soil
Water newly planted Pines every 3-5 days so that the soil stays moist but not soggy. After the first month, watering can be changed to once weekly.
Pine trees love full sun and having enough “personal space” to grow. They also prefer rich, acidic soil that drains freely while remaining moisturized. A good rule of thumb is to dig a foot deep hole and fill it with water. If the water drains out within 12 hours, your soil is good for planting Pines.
Fertilizer does not need to be applied for the first year. After that, you should use anywhere from 2-4 pounds of general 10-10-10 fertilizer for every square. Each year after that, you should only use up to 2 pounds.
Fun Facts about Pine Trees
Pine nuts can be harvested and used during cooking. They are a key ingredient for Pesto alla Genovese.
Young, green pine needles can be boiled in water to create a tea rich with Vitamins A and C, and is called ‘tallstrunt’ in Sweden.
Pines can live anywhere from 100-1,000 years. ‘Methuselah’ is a Pine tree that is aged around 4,600 years and is located in California’s White Mountains.
