How to Plant Pine Trees

Pine trees are a diverse group of evergreen species. Young pine trees require special care and strict protection from animals as well as harsh sunlight during their initial years. Once they become more established, pine trees can grow independently for many decades. Planting pine trees from seeds is only recommended if you're truly determined and ready for the challenges; otherwise, purchasing seedlings will offer a higher success rate.

Choose the most suitable pine variety for the soil and climate conditions in your area. Some commonly used ornamental pine species include white pine, North American pine, and Scots pine. If you live in an area with a different climate or altitude than where the seedlings are sold, be sure to ask the seller about the necessary environmental conditions.

You need to decide whether to choose bare-root seedlings or those with soil balls. Bare-root seedlings should be planted in late fall and winter, during their dormant period. Seedlings with soil balls can be planted at any time, but they must be protected during the hottest summer months from direct sunlight and must be watered regularly to prevent dehydration.

• Most seedlings can be stored for several weeks at temperatures between 2-3 ºC, but it's a good idea to ask the seller if the seedling you're purchasing has special storage requirements.

Water the seedlings and rearrange the roots if needed. The roots should stay moist until planting but never submerged in water, as this can harm the plant. If the roots have formed a dense, ball-like mass around the soil ball, gently rearrange the main roots to allow them to spread out.

• Some seedlings are sold with a small soil ball around the roots. Be careful not to disturb the soil while adjusting the roots.

Choose a suitable location to plant the tree. Every pine tree needs open space, free from nearby saplings or the root systems of large trees. Select a site where the tree can receive direct sunlight, even during the coldest parts of the day.

• If you can't plant the pine in an area shaded from the western sun, refer to the following guide for creating artificial shade for the tree.
• Sand and mulch make the best mixture for pine trees, but only use suitable organic mulches, such as moss, if the soil is hard clay.
• Choose a location with good drainage. A 30 cm deep hole filled with water should drain within 12 hours. If not, you will need to install a drainage system for the tree.

"If you want to plant several pines next to each other, space them 3 to 4 meters apart."

Maggie Moran
Gardener

Choose the right day to plant the tree. Avoid planting on windy, dry days or when temperatures exceed 30 ºC. The soil may not be able to handle water or ice on the day you plant, and it also won’t tolerate drought conditions.

Dig a hole larger than the root ball and line the bottom with a layer of soil mixed with fertilizer. Choose the best quality soil and spread a 10 cm thick layer at the bottom of the hole after digging. Ensure the hole is wide enough to cover the roots, even with the added base soil layer.

• Warning: Contact an environmental company to check the location of underground water pipes before digging.
• Try to plant the tree at the same height it was in the nursery. If unsure, it’s best to plant the tree higher than lower.
• If planting multiple pines, space them 3 to 4 meters apart to allow for healthy growth without interference. Some types of pines may require more space, such as the large Australian pine.

Remove the burlap or wrapping around the tree. While burlap and other biodegradable materials can break down and may be left in place when planting, it’s still advisable to remove the wrapping to promote healthy growth.

Gently place the tree's root ball in the hole and cover it with soil. Fill the hole with soil, using a shovel to compact it gently without stepping on it. Keep adding soil until it’s level with the surrounding ground or slightly lower if you live in a dry climate, as this will help water flow into the tree’s roots.

• If needed, have someone assist in keeping the tree upright while you fill the hole.

Only stake the tree if it cannot stand on its own. Staking should only be done in areas where sudden strong winds are common. If you are concerned that the wind might topple the tree, use one or two stakes tied together, leaving enough space for the tree to grow. Avoid tying the rope directly around the tree.

Protect young pine trees from the sun. You can create a shade shield using tarps or plywood to protect young pine trees from the sun. However, it's better to plant them in locations shaded by larger trees or nearby buildings. Aim to find a spot with shade on the west side of the tree, as the sun will be at its hottest during this time of day.

Regularly apply a mulch layer around the tree's base. Sawdust is an affordable and beneficial mulch for pine trees. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the tree, leaving the area around the trunk clear.

• While mulch helps control weeds and promotes tree growth, it’s essential to remove any weeds or small plants that may sprout around the tree.
• Avoid using plastic sheeting beneath the mulch. The tree needs air and water to absorb nutrients from the mulch.

The water needs of the tree depend on the pine variety, weather conditions, and soil type. Instead of following strict instructions, focus on keeping the soil around the tree moist. Here are some suggestions:

• If the soil feels moist and doesn’t crumble when you squeeze it, no additional watering is needed. Overwatering can cause root rot. Only water when the soil is dry and crumbles, continuing until it becomes moist again.
• Water generously during the fall so the tree can store water for the winter. Supplementary watering in the winter will help prevent the tree from drying out, which is especially dangerous for trees that thrive in humid conditions.

Protect young pine trees from animals. A plywood shade cover can also help keep animals away. However, if you live in an area with deer or other large wildlife, consider using plastic tubing or a mesh fence around the tree.

Protect young pine trees from harmful insects. Pine trees can attract various pests, such as beetles, wood-eating insects like bark beetles, and millipedes that spread roundworms. Whether they cause the tree to die or not, damage is inevitable.

• Many pests can be controlled with chemicals; you can spray fungicides and insecticides on the young trees. To effectively eliminate pests, multiple applications may be necessary, as the larvae of insects may remain beneath the bark and go unaffected.
• Another way to prevent pests is by keeping the tree healthy. A healthy tree is less likely to be attacked by pests. Plant the tree in moderately good soil to ensure strong roots, and regularly inspect the tree to prune dead or withered branches.
• Planting certain types of pine (like white pine) alongside hardwood trees or beneath their canopy can protect them from spruce beetles.
• It’s best to remove damaged trees that are susceptible to diseases. Always uproot and dispose of trees that have died due to wood-eating pests.

Only prune dead or diseased branches. Pine trees do not require pruning to regulate their growth, and in fact, pruning can sometimes negatively affect the tree’s development. Simply trim any dead or diseased branches close to the trunk to maintain a healthy shape between the crown and the base of the tree.

Understand the length of this process. Growing a pine tree from seeds is a long and challenging procedure. You need to harvest the seeds once the pine cones ripen, usually in the spring. The seeds should be prepared for planting within 30 to 60 days, depending on the tree species and climate, following this process before planting in pots. The seedlings grow slowly and might take up to a year before being ready for transplanting outside without risk of dying.

• While most pine cones ripen from August to October, some varieties, such as the Scots pine, may take until March for the cones to mature. The climate in your area is also an important factor. Be sure to read the descriptions of the pine cones to know which ones to select.
• For a faster and simpler planting method, see the section on Growing Pine Trees from Saplings.

Harvesting Pine Cones. Pine cones come in two types: male and female. Only the female cones contain seeds. Choose the larger cones that have not fully opened. If the scales have already spread, the seeds inside may have already fallen out.

• You can collect fallen cones or pick them directly from the tree by gently twisting the cone to release it from the branch. Female cones are often found on higher branches, so you may need a ladder or pole to reach them.
• Choose cones that are brown or purple in color, as green cones are unripe and the seeds will not be usable.
• Pine trees with abundant cones tend to produce higher-quality seeds.

Dry the pine cones on a flat, dry, and warm surface. If possible, place the pine cones directly under sunlight to allow the scales to open, so you can extract the seeds. You may also warm up the room to speed up the process, but avoid exceeding 45°C (113°F).

Separate the seeds. Each pine cone typically contains one or two seeds, sometimes with a thin "wing" to help them catch the wind. Shake the pine cones in a tray lined with coarse fabric or a thick mesh about 1 cm thick to release the seeds from the scales.

• Gently shake the fabric sheet to make it easier to collect the pine seeds.
• You can use tweezers to pick out any stubborn seeds, or simply collect more seeds from additional pine cones.

Place the seeds in a jar filled with water and soak for 24 to 48 hours. Use room temperature water. This step not only provides moisture for the seeds to start developing but also helps determine which seeds are viable. Healthy, high-quality seeds will gradually sink to the bottom of the jar, while empty or damaged seeds will float to the top.

• Try cutting open some of the largest floating seeds to check if they are truly hollow. If the seed appears solid, wait a bit longer for it to sink.
• Discard any seeds that remain floating after this process. These are not usable.
• In larger nurseries, seed bags are often run under running water to remove fungal spores. This is difficult to do at home, but you can change the water every 12 to 24 hours to help ensure seed quality.

Decide whether to store the seeds before planting. Pine seeds harvested in the fall can be planted immediately. However, it can be beneficial to pre-treat the seeds in a specific environment to boost germination rates and reduce the risk of the seeds rotting after planting. This pre-treatment process, which mimics natural conditions, is called seed stratification.

• Different species of pine trees require different conditions. You should look up the species you are planting in a plant identification book or online, and check how long the "seed stratification" process lasts. If you cannot find this information, the method below will still work as long as you monitor the seed's progress regularly.
• Generally, pines grown in warmer southern climates (but not at higher altitudes) do not require stratification before planting. Just store the seeds in a dry, cool place at room temperature. On the other hand, pines growing in colder, harsher climates cannot germinate without undergoing a cold, moist pre-treatment.

For small quantities of pine seeds, stratify them in damp paper towels. If you have a small handful of seeds or less, this is the simplest method. Stack a layer of paper towels about 3 to 6 mm thick. Add just enough water to moisten the entire stack, then hold one corner of the towel upright to allow excess water to drain. Spread the seeds over half of the paper, then fold the towel to cover them. Place the towel in a resealable plastic bag or similar plastic container and store it in the fridge at 5°C (41°F).

• You can insert a straw or plastic tube into the bag before sealing it to allow air circulation, ensuring there is enough oxygen for the seeds.
• Note: The seeds absorb nutrients after several weeks in a warm, dark environment before being placed in the fridge. The warm stratification time varies depending on the pine species. Look up specific information online if you know the species of your pine seeds.

For large quantities of seeds, germinate them in a thin fabric bag. After completing the soaking process, place up to 0.2 kg of seeds into a square mesh or soft fabric bag and tie it securely. Hang or hold the bag for a minute to allow excess water to drain. Place the seed-filled bag into a plastic bag, seal it to continue draining excess water, ensuring the seeds do not become submerged. Hang the bag in the refrigerator at 5 ºC.

• Note: If you can identify the specific pine species you're planting, research the "stratification process" for that species online. Additionally, allow the seed bag to stay in a warm place before storing it in the fridge.

Check the germination progress weekly. As seeds begin to sprout, their outer shells will crack, and roots will begin to emerge. Depending on the species and seed, this process can take anywhere from 3 weeks to several years, though there's no need to wait that long before planting the seeds.

• If seeds haven’t germinated after several weeks, you can try drying them and then repeat the germination process.
• If the planting season has passed or if you plan to store the seeds for the next year, let the outer shells dry but keep the inner part slightly moist and store the seeds in the fridge. Check them regularly to ensure they don’t start germinating.

Plant seeds in tubes or pots filled with a planting mix. Pine seeds are susceptible to diseases and damage from rodents when planted outdoors. It’s ideal to buy specialized plastic tubes designed for planting pine trees, as they encourage the roots to grow longer, supporting tree growth. If you can't find these tubes, small pots will work just as well.

• Instead of using regular soil, opt for a soil mix designed for pine trees, or create your own mix by combining 80% pine bark with 20% sphagnum moss.
• Push the seeds into the soil with the root end facing downward.
• If you’re keeping the plants indoors, place the pots on a high surface to prevent rodents from attacking.

Care for the seedlings. Follow the guidelines in the section on "Caring for Pine Seedlings" for the best care methods. With proper light and water conditions, after one or two years, depending on the species, the seedlings will be ready to be transferred into larger tubes or pots.

• Pine trees grow well in plenty of sunlight, but seedlings are quite sensitive and can easily be damaged during the hottest part of the day. Place the seedling in a shaded area in the afternoon, such as near an east-facing window.
• Ensure the seedling stays hydrated, but avoid letting it sit in waterlogged soil.
• Transfer the seedling carefully into a larger pot once it reaches 5 cm for small plant tubes or 10-15 cm for medium-sized pots or tubes.

• You should consider consulting with a gardening expert or posting a picture of your pine cone or seedling on gardening websites to identify your pine tree. This will help you accurately determine the best care for your tree, especially if you're growing it from seed.
• Check out the list of common problems with pine tree cultivation to learn about issues affecting sickly trees and how to address them.
• While pine trees are evergreen, they may shed a few needles in the fall. Don't be concerned unless this happens during other seasons as well, which could indicate a potential disease affecting your pine tree.

For Seedlings:

• Wood shavings or another type of mulch
• Shovel or trowel
• Stake and tie (usually not necessary)
• Shade (if there's no natural shade in the afternoon)
• Wire mesh or other fencing (if there are large animals in the area)

For Seeds:

• Pine cones (refer to detailed instructions on selecting pine cones)
• Paper towels or a loose fabric bag
• Ziplock bag
• Refrigerator or a cool environment

• While most people use moist sand or peat moss for seed stratification, these methods pose a higher risk of seed infection compared to the recommended techniques outlined here.
• Fertilizers are generally unnecessary for pine trees, and improper use can burn the tree. Only apply fertilizer according to expert guidance.