pinetree hill showflat Profile

There are many different species of pine trees recognized, about 115, but they share many commonalities. Generally speaking, they are coniferous, resinous, evergreen trees (and, on some occasions, shrubs). pinetree hill showflat They tend to live very long lives, and often grow to be between 100 and 1,000 years old. Throughout history, some pines have made it to 5,000 years, and the oldest pine tree currently alive, The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, is actually considered to oldest living organism, at 4,600. For most people, however, the pines we will interact with are much younger. Even in youth, though, they have got that beautifully ancient and timeless look and rugged hardiness to make the perfect addition to any landscape. Here are a few facts and tips about pine trees to help give you a fuller picture of this common tree.

Uses

Besides their use in landscaping, pine trees have several applications, with every single part useful in some way or another. Pine wood is a popular building material for things like furniture and indoor fixtures. It is not, however, ideal for outdoor use because once chopped down the wood has little protection against the elements.  pinetree hill showflat If you are crafty, then pine cones present a world of decorative opportunity, making very nice additions to wreathes, table settings, and can be used as bird feeders (try spreading them with peanut butter, dipping them in bird seed, and hanging them up). The resin can be used to make certain items waterproof. The seeds, called pine nuts, make a tasty treat that is especially good topped on salads. The needles have a few uses. They can be added to potpourri for a fresh, seasonal scent, used as stuffing for a small pillow, spread to dress up landscaping, or even brewed into a tea.

Care

As a general rule, pine trees are pretty hardy. They prefer acidic soil that is sandy and well-drained. Other than a bit of basic annual upkeep, you can leave them alone. They should be mulched at the base annually and pruned annually (though never in the summertime, because pruning can attract beetles). Some diseases that they are susceptible to include canker diseases, needle cast, white pine blister rust, root rot, and various types of beetle infestations. These can each weaken and kill your pines over time, so it is very important to have an arborist or a professional tree service company look them over on a fairly regular basis (annually should be enough).