Buzz
Planting a pine tree sapling can be a fun and educational activity for children. Photo by Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Getty ImagesYou can choose to plant a pine tree either from a seed or by using a sapling.
When planting from a seed:
- To collect seeds, hold pinecones upside down and shake them gently.
- Place the seeds in water. Keep the floating ones and discard the ones that sink.
- Let the seeds dry and store them in an airtight container until the planting season (December or early January).
- Fill a small pot with soil and water it.
- Place a seed just below the soil surface, positioning it vertically with the pointed end facing down.
- Put the pot near a sunny window and water it regularly.
- Be patient as pine needles will begin to emerge, typically around March or April. As they grow, they will lean toward the sun. Rotate the pot regularly to ensure straight growth.
- When the seedling reaches 6 inches to 1 foot (15.24 to 30.48 cm), transplant it into a 1-gallon (3.8-liter) pot and move it outdoors.
- Once the seedling has outgrown its pot, plant it in a permanent location in the ground.
If you're planting a pine sapling, it likely comes with its roots wrapped in burlap. Follow these steps to plant your pine sapling.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the burlap ball but no deeper than its height.
- Place the burlap-wrapped ball gently into the hole, lifting the tree by the burlap ball, not by the trunk.
- Fill the hole with soil while someone holds the tree upright. Avoid packing the soil too tightly so that water can drain properly.
Once your pine tree is in the ground, keep the following in mind:
- If your tree is over 6 feet (182.9 cm) tall or if you live in an area with strong winds or harsh weather, stake your tree to ensure it grows straight.
- When tying your tree, make sure to periodically check that the binding isn’t cutting into the tree as it grows, as this can harm or even kill the tree.
