PINES

PINES

Pines are one of the most recognizable trees on the planet. Closely associated with Christmas and other festive holidays around the world, these majestic and fragrant trees from the Pinus genus, are real crowd pleasers. Fortunately, they are also easy to plant and maintain, which makes them a popular pick for professional landscapers and homeowners alike.

Pines are among the most well-known coniferous trees in the world. They thrive in temperate mountainous regions, but can also survive in tropical spots in the northern hemisphere.

Among the most popular types of Pine trees are:

• Scotch Pine: Commonly found in North America where it is commercially grown as a Christmas tree, the Scotch Pine is known for its beautiful bluish-green needles and full shape.
• Ponderosa Pine: Popular among landscapers, the large Ponderosa can grow up to 80 feet tall. Its pyramidal shape and long needles make it an excellent choice for a windbreaker on large properties.
• Bristlecone Pine: Known for its long life, the Bristlecone is among the shortest types of Pine trees. On average it grows to about 20 feet. Its short stature makes it an outstanding addition to a rock garden.
• Black Pine: Also known as the Austrian Pine, this highly attractive tree is a top pick for homeowners looking to add a Pine to their property. The tree is easy to maintain, doesn't exceed 60 feet in height and features eye-pleasing dense, dark green foliage. 

Botanists estimate that there are close to 125 species of Pines worldwide. Their height ranges from 45 to 135 feet with some Ponderosa Pines exceeding 250 feet. Despite their differences in height, Pine trees share a host of common characteristics that make up their familiar appearance:

• Needles: Instead of traditional leaves, Pine trees feature needles that are thin and pointed. Individual needles range in length from one inch to up to six inches. The needles typically grow in clusters and are traditionally dark green in color, though some trees feature green needles with a light blue tint. Pine trees are evergreens which mean their needles don't change color in the fall and don't shed in the winter months.
• Bark: One of the ways you can decipher the age of a Pine tree is to look at its bark. A young Pine has a smooth, greenish-brown bark, while older trees feature thick, dark brown bark covered with cracks and crevices. The one exception is the Scotch Pine with bark that turns reddish-brown as it ages.
• Cones: You won't find fruit growing on Pine trees. Rather, the towering trees produce cones that contain seeds. The scaly cones are used throughout the world as decorations in wreaths, centerpieces and floral arrangements.

Most Pines live between 100 and 1,000 years, though some have survived to nearly 5,000 years old. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine is recognized as the world's oldest living organism having lived to roughly 4,600 years old.

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