Scots pine. What types of pine trees are there and how to grow them. Distribution and main types of pine trees.

Pine (Pinus) is an evergreen coniferous tree, shrub or dwarf tree, belongs to the class Conifers, order Pine, family Pine, genus Pine. The lifespan of a pine tree ranges from 100 to 600 years. Today there are single trees whose age is approaching 5 centuries.

It has not yet been established exactly which word formed the basis Latin name Pinus pines. According to some sources, this is the Celtic pin (rock or mountain), according to others - the Latin picis (resin).

Pine - description and characteristics of the tree

The pine tree grows very quickly, especially in the first 100 years. The height of a pine trunk varies from 35 meters to 75 meters, and the diameter of the trunk can reach 4 meters. On marshy soils and unfavorable conditions growing height of centuries-old trees does not exceed 100 cm.

Pine is a light-loving plant. Flowering time occurs at the end of spring, but the process occurs without the appearance of flowers. As a result, pine cones are formed, which are distinguished by a variety of shapes, sizes and colors.

Male cones of most pine species have an elongated, cylindrical-ellipsoidal shape and up to 15 cm in length. Female pine cones are mostly round, broadly ovate or slightly flattened, ranging from 4 to 8 cm in length.

The color of the cones, depending on the type, can be yellow, brown, brick red, purple and almost black.

Pine seeds have a hard shell and are either winged or wingless.

Some species of pines (pine pines) have seeds that are edible.

Pine is a tree whose crown has a conical shape, turning into something like a huge umbrella in old age.

The structure of the cortex also depends on age. If at the beginning of its life cycle it is smooth and almost without cracks, then by the age of one hundred it acquires considerable thickness, cracks and acquires a dark gray color.

The appearance of the tree is formed by long shoots that become woody over time, on which needles and needles grow. Pine needles are smooth, hard and sharp, collected in bunches and have a life span of up to 3 years. The shape of pine needles is triangular or sectoral. Their length ranges from 4 to 20 cm. Depending on the number of leaves (needles) in a bunch of pine trees there are:

• two-coniferous (for example, Scots pine, maritime pine),
• three-coniferous (for example, Bunge pine),
• five-coniferous (for example, Siberian pine, Weymouth pine, Japanese white pine).

Depending on the type, the pine trunk can be straight or curved.

Shrub varieties of pine have a multi-peaked, creeping crown formed by several trunks.

The shape of the pine crown depends on the species and can be

• round,
• conical,
• pin-shaped
• creeping.

In most species, the crown is located quite high, but in some varieties, for example, the Macedonian pine (lat. Pinus peuce), the crown begins almost at the ground.

The plant is unpretentious to soil quality. The pine root system is plastic and depends on growing conditions. In sufficiently moist soils, the roots of the tree spread parallel to the surface for a distance of up to 10 meters and go down shallowly. In dry soils, the tap root of the tree goes 6-8 m deep.

Pine reacts poorly to urban, polluted and gassed air. Moreover, almost all representatives of the genus tolerate low temperatures well.

Where does pine grow?

Basically, pine trees grow in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, the boundaries of growth extend from northern Africa to areas beyond the Arctic Circle, including Russia, European countries, North America, and Asia. Pine forms both pine forests and mixed forests together with spruce and other trees. Currently, thanks to artificial cultivation, this type of pine tree, such as radiata pine, can be found in Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar and even South Africa.

There are 16 wild pine species widespread in Russia, among which the common pine occupies a leading position. Common in Siberia Siberian cedar. Korean cedar is often found in the Amur region. Mountain pines grow in the mountainous regions from the Pyrenees to the Caucasus. Crimean pines are found in the mountains of Crimea and the Caucasus.

Types of pine trees, photos and names

• Scots pine(Pinus sylvestris)

grows in Europe and Asia. The tallest pines can be found on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea: some specimens have a height of up to 40-50 m. Other pines grow up to 25-40 m and have a trunk diameter of 0.5 to 1.2 m. Scots pine has a straight trunk with a thick gray-brown bark, cut by deep cracks. The upper part of the trunk and branches are covered with thin flaky orange-red bark. Young pines are distinguished by a cone-shaped crown; with age, the branches take on a horizontal arrangement, and the crown becomes wide and rounded. Scots pine wood is a valuable building material due to its resin content and high strength. Ethanol is produced from pine sawdust, and resin is used to produce essential oils and rosin. Scots pine varieties: Alba Picta, Albyns, Aurea, Beuvronensis, Bonna, Candlelight, Chantry Blue, Compressa, Frensham, Glauca, Globosa Viridis, Hillside Creeper, Jeremy, Moseri, Norske Typ, Repanda, Viridid ​​Compacta, Fastigiata, Watereri and others.

• Siberian cedar pine, she's the same Siberian cedar (Pinus sibirica)

the closest relative of Scots pine, and not true cedars, as many mistakenly believe. A tree up to 40 m high (usually up to 20-25 m) is distinguished by thick branches and a dense crown with many tops. The straight, even trunk of the pine tree has a gray-brown color. The needles are soft, long (up to 14 cm), dark green, with a bluish bloom. Siberian cedar begins to bear fruit at about 60 years of age. It produces large, ovoid-shaped cones that grow up to 13 cm in length and 5-8 cm in diameter. At the beginning of growth they are purple in color, when mature they turn brown. The ripening period of the cones is 14-15 months, falling begins in September of the next year. One Siberian pine pine produces up to 12 kg of nuts per season. Siberian cedar is a typical inhabitant of the dark coniferous taiga in Western and Eastern Siberia.

• Swamp pine (long-coniferous) (Pinus palustris)

a massive tree that grows up to 47 m in height and has a trunk diameter of up to 1.2 m. Distinctive features of the species are yellow-green needles, the length of which can reach 45 cm, and exceptional fire resistance of the wood. Longleaf pine is native to southeastern North America, from Virginia and North Carolina to Louisiana and Texas.

• Montezuma pine (white pine)(Pinus montezumae)

grows up to 30 m in height and has long (up to 30 cm) grayish-green needles, collected in bunches of 5 pieces. The tree received its name in honor of the last Aztec leader, Montezuma, who decorated his headdress with the needles of this pine tree. White pine grows in western North America and Guatemala. In many countries with temperate climates it is grown as an ornamental plant, as well as for collecting edible nuts.

• dwarf pine, she's the same cedar dwarf(Pinus pumila)

a type of low bush-like trees with widely spread branches, characterized by a variety of crown shapes, which can be tree-like, creeping or cup-shaped. Tree-like specimens grow up to 4-5 m, rarely up to 7 m in height. The branches of creeping pines are pressed to the ground, and their tips are raised by 30-50 cm. The needles of dwarf pine are bluish-green in color, from 4 to 8 cm long. Pine cones are medium-sized, ovoid or elongated. The nuts are small, up to 9 mm in length and 4-6 mm in width. In a good year, up to 2 centners of nuts can be collected from 1 hectare. Elfin cedar is an unpretentious plant, adapted to the harsh northern climate. Widely distributed from Primorye to Kamchatka, in the north of its range it extends beyond the Arctic Circle. Varieties of dwarf pine: Blue Dwarf, Glauca, Globe, Chlorocarpa, Draijer’s Dwarf, Jeddeloh, Jermyns, Nana, Saentis.

• , she's the same Pallas pine(Pinus nigra subsp. Pallasiana, Pinus pallasiana)

a tall tree (up to 45 m), with a wide, pyramidal, umbrella-shaped crown in old age. The pine needles are dense, prickly, up to 12 cm long, the cones are shiny, brown, oblong, up to 10 cm long. Crimean pine is listed in the Red Book, but is used as a valuable building material, in particular for shipbuilding, and also as an ornamental tree for park landscaping and creating a protective forest belt. Crimean pine grows in Crimea (mainly on the southern slopes of Yalta) and in the Caucasus.

• Mountain pine, she's the same European dwarf pine or zherep (Pinus mugo)

tree-like shrub with a pin-shaped or creeping multi-stemmed crown. The needles are twisted or curved, dark green, up to 4 cm long. Wood with a red-brown core is widely used in carpentry and turning. Young shoots and pine cones are used in the cosmetics industry and medicine. Zherep is a typical representative of the alpine and subalpine climatic zone of Southern and Central Europe. Mountain pine and its varieties are very often used in landscape design. The most famous varieties are Gnome, Pug, Chao-chao, Winter Gold, Mugus, Pumilio, Varella, Carstens and others.

• Whitebark pine, she's the same white trunk pine(Pinus albicaulis)

It has smooth light gray bark. The straight or twisting trunk of the pine tree grows up to 21 m in height and looks almost white from a distance. In young trees the crown has the shape of a cone, becoming rounded with age. The needles are curved, short (up to 3-7 cm in length), intense yellow-green color. Male cones are elongated, bright red, female cones are distinguished by a spherical or flattened shape. The edible seeds of the whitebark pine are an important source of food for many animals: the American butternut squirrel, red squirrel, grizzly and baribal bears. Golden woodpeckers and blue siales often nest in the treetops. White-trunked pines grow in the mountainous regions of the subalpine belt of North America (Cascade Mountains, Rocky Mountains). Popular pine varieties: Duckpass, Falling Rock, Glenn Lake, Mini, Tioga Lake, Nr1 Dwarf.

• Himalayan pine, she's the same Bhutanese pine or Wallich pine(Pinus wallichiana)

a tall, beautiful tree, widely cultivated throughout the world as an ornamental tree. The average height of pine is 30-50 m. Himalayan pine grows in the mountains from Afghanistan to the Chinese province of Yunnan. Varieties of Himalayan pine: Densa Hill, Nana, Glauca, Vernisson, Zebrina.

• (Italian pine) ( Pinus pinea)

a very beautiful tree 20-30 meters high with a dark green, compact crown, which with age takes the shape of an umbrella due to outstretched branches. Pine needles are long (up to 15 cm), elegant, dense, with a slight bluish tint. Pine has almost round large cones up to 15 cm long. Pine seeds are 4 times larger than pine nuts; up to 8 tons of nuts are obtained from 1 hectare. The famous pesto sauce is prepared from crushed pine seeds, called pinoli in Italy. Due to its exceptionally beautiful crown shape, pine pine is a valuable ornamental plant, actively used in the art of bonsai. In its natural environment, pine grows along the Mediterranean coast, from the Iberian Peninsula to Asia Minor. Cultivated in Crimea and the Caucasus.

• Black pine, she's the same Austrian black pine ( Pinus nigra)

grows in the northern part of the Mediterranean, less common in certain areas of Morocco and Algeria. The tree, with a height of 20 to 55 meters, prefers to grow in the mountains or on rocks of igneous origin and often grows at an altitude of 1300-1500 meters above sea level. The crown of young trees is pyramidal, becoming umbrella-shaped with age. The needles are long, 9-14 cm, a very dark shade of green; depending on the variety, they can be either shiny or matte. The species is quite decorative and is often used by conifer lovers for landscape plantings. Popular varieties of black pine are Pierik Bregon, Pyramidalis, Austriaca, Bambino.

• , she's the same eastern white pine ( P inus stro bus)

Under natural conditions, the species grows in the northeast of North America and the southeastern provinces of Canada. Less common in Mexico and Guatemala. A tree with a perfectly straight trunk, reaching a girth of 130-180 cm, can grow up to 67 meters in height. The crown of young pines is cone-shaped, becomes rounded with age, and more often irregular shape. The color of the bark is slightly purple, the needles are straight or slightly curved, 6.5-10 cm long. Weymouth pine is widely used in construction, as well as in forestry due to its numerous varieties. The most popular pine varieties: Аurea, Blue Shag, Вrevifolia, Сontorta, Densa.

• is an ecotype of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

The species is widespread in Siberia, in the area of ​​the Angara River basin, and occupies quite large areas in the forests of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, as well as the Irkutsk region. Angara pine can grow up to 50 m in height, with the trunk girth often reaching 2 meters. The crown of the pines is pyramidal, with a sharp crown; the bark has an amazing ash-silver hue.

Planting and caring for pine trees

Pine wood is used for landscaping park areas, sanatoriums and personal plots. For this purpose, seedlings aged from 3 to 7 years are used. The best soil for pine is sandy soil. For heavy soils, additional drainage is carried out. A distance of at least 1.5 m should be left between seedlings.

Adult trees do not need additional watering; only young plantings need it. For better survival of seedlings, they are fed during the first 2 years mineral fertilizers. To avoid freezing, young animals should be covered for the winter. Pruning of adult plants is necessary to form the crown and remove diseased branches.

Draijer's Dwarf dwarf pine

The healing properties of pine were discovered by our distant ancestors: clay tablets 5 thousand years old with recipes for extracts from pine needles were discovered during excavations of ancient Sumerian settlements. Pine needles are rich in phytoncidal volatile substances that disinfect the air, which is why medical institutions and children's camps try to locate them in pine forests.

Pine buds and needles have a truly unique chemical composition, containing a lot of substances beneficial to the human body:

• vitamins C, K, B, PP and E;
• carotene;
• essential oil;
• tannins;
• alkaloids;
• terpenes;
• benzoic acid;
• lignins.

In folk and traditional medicine, there are many recipes for using pine buds and needles to help fight many serious ailments. Here are some of them:

• hypoxia (oxygen deficiency in tissues and organs);
• cardiovascular diseases;
• osteochondrosis;
• neuralgia;
• rheumatism;
• BPH;
• bleeding gums.

The highest concentration of useful substances is contained in 2-3 year old needles and in swollen, but not yet blossomed pine buds.

Pine essential oil is used to treat colds (bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.). In psychotherapy it is used to treat nervous disorders.

Resins and pine tar are used to prepare ointments needed in dermatology.

Contraindications for taking pine-based drugs are chronic renal and liver failure and pregnancy.

Pine wood is a valuable material that has been used by humans for many centuries. It is impossible to do without it in the construction of private houses and household buildings, and wood is used both as the main and as the external finishing material. Pine wood is used to produce durable, beautiful and inexpensive furniture, parquet and veneer. Pine wood is indispensable in the construction of certain types of bridges and railway tracks, where it is used in the form of manufactured piles and sleepers. Wood wool is produced from pine wood, and pine firewood is considered one of the best in terms of heat energy output.

Pine for New Year

Traditionally in Russian houses It was customary to decorate the Christmas tree on New Year's Day. But with the emergence of many nurseries where special decorative varieties of pine trees are grown, most Russians are eager to buy pine for the New Year.

Such trees look simply luxurious: they are distinguished by a beautiful compact shape with strong branches and long fluffy needles. In addition, pine, compared to Christmas tree, does not crumble much longer and has a refreshing, pleasant, resinous aroma.

• For many nationalities, pine is a symbol of fertility and immortality, and according to one legend, pine is a beautiful nymph bewitched by the jealous god of the winds.
• In the old days, it was believed that a talisman made from a piece of pine wood protected against damage and the evil eye, drove away evil spirits and relieved many diseases.
• Petrified pine resin (resin) is the well-known amber. If an arthropod animal fell into a drop of hardening resin, then amber with an inclusion more than 1 cm in length is classified as a precious stone.
• Thanks to the powerful antiseptic properties in the pine forest, there are only 500 microbes per 1 cubic meter of air, and in the metropolis - 36 thousand!

Botanical name: Scots pine (Pinus silvestris)

Homeland: Siberia, Ural, Europe

Lighting: photophilous

The soil: sandy, sandy loam

Max Height: 40 m

Average life expectancy: 200 years

Reproduction: seeds, grafting

Synonym – Scotch pine

Description of Scots pine

The pine tree is one of the most valuable in our country. Reaching 35-40 m in height, it belongs to the trees of the first size. The trunk circumference reaches 1 m. It is covered with reddish-brown, grooved, peeling bark. At the base of the trunk, the bark is much thicker than that located at the top. This “idea” of nature has a protective function, protecting the tree from overheating and ground fire. Pines that grow in closed stands have a more slender trunk with an openwork crown. While the tree is young, the crown has a cone-shaped shape. With age, it becomes rounder, wider, and in old age it acquires a flat or umbrella-shaped shape. Pine needles have a bluish-green color. It is quite dense, often protruding, curved, collected in bunches of 2 needles. Length 4-7 cm. The needles are pointed, slightly flattened, have a thin longitudinal strip. The needles live for 3 years. In autumn, usually in September, some of the needles fall off. Before this, the needles become yellow, which makes the crown look variegated.

The cones are located singly or in groups of 2-3 on stems lowered down. The unripe cone is conical in shape and dark green in color. Sometimes a brownish tint may be present. Pine cones ripen in the second year. Ripe buds turn brown or brown in color. Length is 3-6 cm, width 2-3 cm.

Pine is a coniferous tree that is uniquely prepared for winter period. After all, evaporation at “minus” temperatures is detrimental to the plant, while at the same time the needles remain on the branches. The plant copes with this quite simply: with the onset of cold weather, a thin layer of wax is placed on the needles, the stomata close, and therefore breathing stops.

Coniferous plant pine

Scots pine forms a number of forms that differ in the structure of the crown, the color and shape of the cones. They are found with a weeping and pyramidal crown. The color of the needles on young shoots can be golden, whitish or silver. The bark is either scaly or lamellar.

The pine plant has a wide range, which extends to different, from an ecological point of view, areas, so the species is characterized by a large number of ecotypes. Today, ecologists have identified more than 30 such ecotypes. For example, Angara pine, growing in the river basin. Angara is an ecotype of Scots pine. The study and observation of Scots pine seedlings of different origins grown in the same conditions shows the differences in the plants' abilities for drought and cold resistance, growth, and resistance. Also, these plants may differ in morphological characteristics, such as: crown shape, needle length, trunk structure, etc. However, all these characteristics are prone to change and are not used to distinguish the species.

Characteristics of Scots pine

Growing in unfavorable conditions, for example in a swamp, Scots pine can remain a dwarf. Moreover, even hundred-year-old specimens may not exceed 1 m in height. Pine is a light-loving plant, frost- and heat-resistant. Of all the tree species growing on sandy soils, Scots pine is the most resistant to lack of moisture. In such conditions, the roots are able to penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 m. Therefore, even in drought conditions they can supply the tree with water. This ability of plants determined the different root systems of different populations. In dry areas, the tree develops a tap root well, and in conditions close occurrence groundwater, the root system is formed mainly by lateral roots, branching in all directions.

The average lifespan of pine trees is about 200 years. Individual specimens, under favorable conditions, live up to 400 years.

They grow quickly, with a particularly significant increase from one year to 100 years - 50-70 cm. According to this indicator, this representative of conifers is second only to larch. It begins to bear fruit at the age of 15. In conditions of dense planting - from 40 years. Abundant harvests can usually be repeated after 4-7 years.

Grows well on sandy loam and sandy soils. It is extremely rare in the southern steppe regions. Therefore, recently Scots pine is often planted in forest shelter belts on the slopes of ravines, on sand, and in steppe ravines.

Very often you can find information that pine - dioecious plant. This is a mistake, in fact, it is a monoecious plant, that is, with a predominance of flowers of either male or female. Thus, one tree contains predominantly female flowers, while the other tree contains predominantly male inflorescences. Female flowers are located at the ends of the shoots and have the shape of a small cone. And the male ones are located near the base of the shoot. It is believed that the predominance of inflorescences of a certain sex is a hereditary factor. But it turns out that depending on the conditions in which the tree grows, its “sex” can change.

Scots pine blooms at the end of May, when the air temperature is already high. Pollination occurs due to the wind. Fertilization itself will occur only after next year. During the pollination period, a yellow coating can be seen on the trees. This is pine pollen. By and large, the pine plant is characterized by good pollination. This is possible due to the air sacs that pine pollen has, through which it is carried by the wind over long distances. The timing of pollination varies depending on the weather. In clear sunny weather, pollen can disperse in 3-4 days. When it rains, this process is delayed.

What is different about pine wood?

The wood of ordinary pine is dense, sound, containing a lot of tree resin. Young plantings are characterized by straight-grained wood, which over the years turns into cross-grained wood. Density of wood and its mechanical properties, which are important in construction, depend on a number of factors, in particular: soil moisture. Thus, pine growing on dry soil has denser and more damage-resistant wood. Conversely, a plant that grew in well-moistened soil has wood with low mechanical characteristics.

This plant propagates well by seeds. This requires good soil and plenty of sun. It is best to replant seedlings at the age of 3-7 years.

Pine reacts poorly to polluted city air, although it grows there quite often. Over 2 years of living in the city, the resinous surface of the needles becomes covered with dust and soot, which interferes with the photosynthesis of the plant.

Fast-growing coniferous plants, including Scots pine, without pruning, outstrip surrounding trees and successfully dominate their growth. Pruning of conifers is performed to form and maintain the structure of the tree and increase its lifespan. Proper pruning reduces the likelihood of defects and structural deviations of the tree. In addition, the formed crown prevents the pine from falling as a result negative impact weather conditions. Broken, dried out or diseased branches are removed immediately, which prevents the spread of fungal diseases. The living branch may also be removed. This happens in exceptional cases and is necessary to ensure that sun rays and air circulation inside the crown.

Range of Scots pine

This type of conifer is widespread in Siberia and Europe. It forms pine forests on sandy or sandy loam soil, can be found on peaty and very rarely on clay soil. It is a widespread tree in Eurasia. It can be found from Spain and Great Britain east to the river. Aldan and R. Amur in Siberia. In the north, the tree grows as far as Lapland, and in the south it is found in China and Mongolia. It forms both pure stands and together with other conifers, oak, birch and aspen. The plant is undemanding to soil and ground conditions and very often grows in areas unsuitable for other species: sand, swamps.

The Siberian range covers an area of ​​about 5.7 million km2. The largest pine forests are concentrated in the river basin. Hangars, in the upper reaches of the Irtysh, Ob, Podkamennaya Tunguska. In the northern part of the range, the distribution of pine rises to a level of 1000 m above sea level, and in the south - up to 1500 m above sea level.

Scots pine: application

The branches and trunk of a pine tree are permeated with resin passages, which are filled with resin, usually called “resin”. “Resin” is of great importance for the plant: it heals wounds and repels pests. Such resin is obtained by tapping. It is used to produce rosin and turpentine. The main thing is that you can get it not only from a living tree, but also from a pine stump. The air in the pine forest (“resinous”) is rich in ozone and does not contain microbes. Pine forests have long been famous for their beneficial properties for humans.

In medicine, kidneys are widely used, which must be collected in time. in early spring until they blossomed. The buds contain essential oils, resins, starch, tannins and bitter substances. Pine needles contain large amounts of carotene and vitamin C. Due to the value of wood, pine forests are considered the main object of forest exploitation.

Scots pine is one of the most ancient medicinal plants. Its needles were used in poultices and compresses 5,000 years ago. IN Ancient Egypt pine resin was found in embalming compounds. By the way, even now, after 3000 years, these compounds have not lost their bactericidal properties. In Rome and Greece, pine needles were used to treat colds. And in Rus', it was customary to chew pine resin to disinfect the oral cavity and strengthen teeth and gums.

Pine wood is widely used in furniture production. It is also used in the construction of ships and carriages. Today port facilities, dams and piers are being built from it. The pine forest was even called the “ship grove” or “mast forest.” And the ships are “floating pine trees.” Pine resin was intensively used by shipbuilders to treat ropes, ships and boats. All this speaks of the high characteristics of pine wood.

However, pine plantings are also used for other purposes. Thus, the unique pine root system helps prevent soil erosion, ensures an optimal level of humidity, and protects cliffs and ravines from crumbling.

It is used extremely rarely as an ornamental crop. More often used in landscaping country estates, health centers, and sanatoriums. Planted in mixed plantings, singly, in masses or in groups. They can be used in landscaping forest parks and gardening areas, for lining country roads, especially on poor sandy soil. In cultivation it grows in groups or singly in large parks, gardens and squares. The decorative effect of the young planting is insignificant. Trees become highly decorative by the age of one hundred, when the trunk in its upper part begins to be covered with thin orange bark, which gives elegance and attractiveness to the tree. The aesthetic characteristics of individual pines increase as the stand thins out. Old pines are especially unique, attracting glances from afar. In the absence of air pollution, Scots pine has high sanitary and hygienic characteristics.

Pine is perhaps one of the most typical representatives of coniferous plants on our planet. The tree is found in various natural zones from the equator to the Far North. It often forms vast forests (mainly in temperate latitudes). Where do pine trees grow? What are the specifics of their artificial cultivation? How much do scientists allocate? We will answer these and many other questions in this article.

Coniferous trees: general information

Conifers are one of the divisions of the plant kingdom, represented by trees (most often), as well as shrubs and dwarf trees. They grow almost all over the globe, but dominate only in one natural zone - the taiga. Two main distinctive features of this squad:

• The leaves are usually presented in the form of long thin needles.
• Seeds develop in specific shoots - cones.

Conifers are the oldest group of plants on Earth. Their remains are found in different parts of the planet and date back to 60-300 million years ago. Some of them have already died out without a trace, such as Volciaceae or Cordaite. The features and appearance of these plants can only be judged from the discovered fossil fragments.

Coniferous trees: examples

Typical representatives of the coniferous order:

• sequoia;
• pine;
• cypress;
• larch;
• cedar;
• juniper;
• fir.

Of all the listed plants, spruce, pine and larch are most often found in Russia. Where do these trees grow?

• Spruce is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America, and is widely represented in the vastness of Siberia and the Far East.
• Pine has filled the temperate latitudes of Europe and Asia; it also grows in Southeast Asia and North America (from Alaska to Yucatan).
• Larch occupies vast areas in Russia, in particular in its Siberian and Far Eastern parts.

So, we found out where pines, spruces and larches grow. Next, we will dwell in more detail on the botanical description of pine, talk about the distribution and main types of this tree.

Pine tree: botanical description

Pines are a family of conifers represented by more than 130 species. In Latin their name sounds like Pinus. It is believed that this name comes from the Celtic word pin, which translates as “resin”. Pines really emit enough a large number of resin generously enriched with phytoncides.

Pine wood is quite dense and at the same time soft. In terms of strength, it is second only to larch. It has a pleasant color, which darkens (and unevenly) with age of the tree.

Pine shoots are of two types: long and short. The leaves (needles) are thin and elongated (5-9 cm in length), usually collected in bunches of 2-5 pieces. The cones are oblong or ovoid in shape and consist of tightly closed scales. During the period of plant maturity, these scales open, exposing the seeds.

Distribution and main types of pine trees

Where do pine trees grow? In the natural environment, their distribution area is quite wide (see map below). Pine forests are found in different parts of Eurasia, from equatorial to subpolar latitudes. In the tropics and near the equator, pine trees are found mainly in the mountains. These trees grow in North America (including the Caribbean islands), as well as in northern Africa (in the Atlas Mountains).

What is the name of the forest where pine trees grow? The popular name for a pine forest is boron. True, sometimes this word also refers to spruce forests. In a pine forest, as a rule, there is no undergrowth, but rowan, juniper and other low shrubs are often found. The pine trees here are often mixed with aspen or birch.

In the Northern Hemisphere, botanists count over a hundred different species of pine trees. About half of them are cultivated. Among the most famous and common types:

• Scots pine.
• Siberian cedar pine.
• Black pine.
• Weymouth pine.
• Mountain (or European) pine.

Pine in culture, literature and folk art

According to ancient Greek legend, the pine tree is the embodiment of the nymph of the dawn Pitis. One day she turned into this tree in order to hide from the evil god of the north wind Boreas.

Pine is quite common in fine arts, in particular, in Russian. Thus, the image of a tree can be seen on the canvases of Ivan Shishkin, Fyodor Vasiliev, Paul Cezanne, and other outstanding artists. Perhaps the most famous painting depicting pine trees can be considered the work of I. I. Shishkin “Morning in pine forest».

Mention of these trees is often found in the literature. Here, for example, is an excerpt from the fairy tale “Artel Peasants” by the classic of Russian and Soviet prose Konstantin Paustovsky:

“Varya woke up at dawn and listened. The sky turned slightly blue outside the window of the hut. In the yard where the old pine tree grew, someone was sawing: zhik-zhik, zhik-zhik! Apparently they were sawing by experienced people: the saw ran smoothly and didn’t jam.”

There are many folk proverbs and sayings about pine trees. Here are just a few examples:

“Where the pine tree is grown, there it is red!”

“Pine trees seem greener in winter.”

"Getting lost in three pines."

“An apple tree produces apples, and a pine tree produces cones!”

In addition, there are many children's riddles that mention this tree. Here is the most popular of them:

“Where did the old pine tree grow? Where did the red squirrel live? What has she stored for the winter? (Answers: in the forest; in a hollow; nuts).

Where do pine trees grow?

Pine - truly unique tree. After all, she knows how to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. environment. You can find this tree on the swampy northern plains and on the rocky cliffs of the Crimean peninsula. However, in mountainous areas, pine trees, as a rule, rarely rise above 800 meters.

Where do pine trees grow best? If we talk about the geological aspects of the territory, then this tree successfully settles on both sandy and rocky substrates. Some types of pines have even adapted to pure chalk deposits. However, these trees grow best in well-drained sandy or loamy soils.

Often in places where pine trees grow there is a significant excess of moisture. In this regard, they are also quite unpretentious. Pines adapt well even to swampy conditions. As a rule, they are the first to “develop” those lands that are unsuitable for all other trees, gradually fertilizing them with their own needles.

So, we found out in what natural conditions representatives of the pine family grow. And now it’s worth talking in more detail about some types of pine trees. In particular, about those that can be found on the territory of our country. In addition, it would be useful to find out which pine tree grows where.

Scots pine

Pinus sylvestris is the most common species of the pine family. It is photophilous and fast growing tree, reaching a height of 30-50 meters. The crown is through and highly raised, often with a flat top. Bark color: light brown, reddish. The trunk is usually straight with a diameter of 0.5 to 1.2 m. The needles are quite long (up to 6-9 cm), bluish-green, slightly curved.

The distribution area of ​​the tree extends across a fairly wide belt from Central Europe to the Far East. Where does Scots pine grow? She can also be found on quick sand Mongolia, and in the swamps of Polesie, and in the Caucasus mountains. The tree adapts well to various climatic conditions. However, it feels most comfortable in soils of light mechanical composition.

Scots pine grows quite quickly. Lives 300-600 years.

Siberian cedar

Siberian cedar pine (most often referred to simply as cedar) is a majestic coniferous tree with a dense crown and a powerful trunk. Its branches are located tightly to each other and are covered with soft and long needles (up to 12 cm), which are collected in bunches. The shape of the cones is elongated ovoid, the color is initially purple and later brown. The cones contain seeds (“nuts”), which are eaten and used to produce cedar oil. One cone can hide from 30 to 150 such nuts.

Where does the cedar pine grow? The tree is widespread in the forest belt Western Siberia(from 48 to 66 degrees north latitude). Within Eastern Siberia, the upper limit of its range noticeably shifts to the south. Cedar is also found in the forests of Mongolia and northern China, and grows on the slopes of the Altai Mountains (up to 2000 meters). On the territory of the Arkhangelsk region there are artificial plantings Siberian cedar, planted in pre-revolutionary times.

Weymouth pine

A slender and unusually beautiful tree with a very quality wood. The branches extend strictly horizontally from the trunk and are covered with thin, soft and long needles. In the 18th century, eastern white pine (as it is also called) wood was actively used to build ships of the British Navy. Currently widely cultivated in forestry.

The Weymouth pine's natural range is limited. North America. In particular, the tree is common in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada. It is also found in Mexico, Guatemala and the islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon. In the mountains it rises to a height of 1500 meters.

Perhaps, in the entire pine family, the Bunge pine (Pinus Bungeana) boasts the most exotic appearance. It received its name in honor of the Russian botanist Alexander Bunge, who was the first to describe it back in 1831.

The tree stands out for its unusual bark. Initially it has a greenish color. But with age, its scales begin to peel off, and the bark acquires grayish-white shades. The tree rarely exceeds 30 meters in height. The pine needles are hard, dark green, and the cones are resinous and brown.

Bunge pine is native to central and western China. The tree is actively planted in parks and gardens and is used for landscaping city streets and squares.

Economic use of pine

The wood most widely used by humans is Scots pine. It is particularly hard, dense and has high tensile strength. In particular, the following building materials and substances are obtained from it:

• construction logs and beams;
• shipbuilding and deck ridges;
• railway sleepers;
• plywood;
• cellulose;
• rosin;
• tar;
• turpentine, etc.

Pine is also known as a medicinal plant. In folk medicine, almost all parts of this tree are used - buds, needles, bark, resin, seeds. Thus, pine needles contain a number of vitamins and have an excellent bactericidal effect. Turpentine oil is widely used for arthritis, rheumatism and neuralgia. Pine tar is used to successfully treat skin ailments (for example, psoriasis or eczema).

Features of growth and growing conditions of pine

Pine tolerates severe frosts and low air humidity well. The tree is highly resistant to industrial pollutants. The only thing pine desperately needs is natural sunlight. Therefore, it should be planted in open, unshaded areas. A sandy or sandy loam substrate is best suited for planting. If planted in “heavy” soil (for example, black soil or loam), additional drainage of the site will be required.

Pine seedlings are usually planted at the end of April or at the beginning of September. To do this, dig a meter-long hole and fill it with a mixture of soil, turf and river sand. You can also add a little nitrogen fertilizer (about 35-40 g). The optimal age of the seedling is 3-5 years. When planting in the ground, it is extremely important to ensure that the root collar of the young tree is at ground level.

In the first five years of its life, a pine seedling gains, at best, ten centimeters per year. Thus, a five-year-old tree does not exceed half a meter in height. Subsequently, the annual growth of pine increases to 25-60 cm per year, and after ten years of the tree’s life it reaches 80-100 cm per year. In a thirty-year-old pine tree, growth in height slows down and the process of trunk expansion begins.

• Weymouth pine Radiata.
• Pine Aurea.
• Mountain pine Gnome.

Where can you find pine in Russia?

Pine is one of the main forest-forming species in Russia. There are 16 species found within the country. The most common is Scots pine. In general, pine trees occupy about 15% of the area of ​​all forests in Russia. They often reach a height of 50-70 meters. Where does pine grow in Russia?

Pure pine forests are widely represented in Siberia (usually on sandy or rocky soils). To the south of the conventional line Bryansk - Kazan - Ufa, these trees are found extremely rarely and in spots, forming only small forests and groves. However, in the mountains of the Caucasus and Crimea they are widespread.

In addition to Scots pine, Siberian cedar is common in Russia, and within the Amur region, the latter is also distinguished by more elongated cones and seeds.

Perhaps even those who know this majestic tree only from pictures from a school textbook on botany and reproductions of paintings by the great Russian artist I.I. have heard about how pine grows and what it looks like, about its beauty and benefits for nature and people. Shishkina. Those who have ever visited a park with soaring pines or a pine forest will forever remember the incomparable smell of pine cones and the intoxicatingly clean air. And it’s not surprising: scientists have long determined that per 1 cubic meter. meter of air in a pine forest contains only 500 (!) microbes, while in 1 cubic meter. per meter of metropolis air there are 36 thousand (!!!) microbes. Willy-nilly, you will remember how pine air smells... The fact that even within a radius of 5 km speaks about how useful pine is. The air from the pine forest is healing and ionized. It is not surprising that Scots pine is grown with great pleasure both in hospital nurseries and forestry enterprises, as well as in gardens, and recently it has even begun to appear in some private rural houses steppe zone.

First acquaintance with pine

Scots pine (or Pinus sylvestris) is one of 120 species of the large genus Pine, a tree whose distribution range extends from Spain to Lapland and from the British Isles to Mongolia and China inclusive. There are at least three versions of the origin of its Latin species name. According to the first, the word "pinus" comes from the Celtic "pin", meaning "rock", "mountain", and is roughly translated as "growing on the rocks"; the second version derives the word "pinus" from the Latin "pix" or "picis", which means "resinous tree". The third version connects this name with Greek mythology and tells us the sad story of the beautiful nymph Pitis, whom the northern wind Boreas, who was in love with her, out of jealousy, turned into a tree that looks like a modern pine. Another version of the legend says that the nymph herself turned into a pine tree (or asked Zeus to carry out the transformation) in order to avoid the claims of Boreas. How it really was, probably even Clio, who sometimes has a very selective girlish memory, does not know, but each of the versions in its own way reflects the characteristics of the pine tree, which can take root on any, even the most unfavorable soils. True, its trunk directly depends on the conditions in which the pine tree has to live. The picture that is familiar to us in the form of an upright resinous tree proudly directed upward is not the only option that can be found in nature.

The height of the pine tree, depending on its age, ranges from 25 to 40 meters, but there are specimens reaching 42 meters in height. Unfortunately, such tall pines, which were once called “ship pines,” grow only on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea and in some nature reserves. In many areas, it is a very common practice to cut down young pine trees that have reached the age of 70-80 years, at which time they have a height of only 20-25 meters, although the tree can live up to 400-500 years and reach a height of 50, or even 70 meters. Perhaps this is due to the fact that pine, for all its might, often suffers from various diseases, perhaps there are other reasons, but the fact remains: while pines of venerable age and impressive height can only be found in the depths of the taiga, in biological reserves or in those places where a forester or inspector from the nearest forestry has not yet set foot.

In its natural habitat, pine can be found in the most unexpected places:

1. as an admixture in deciduous, spruce and fir forests.
2. in open areas, where it often takes on a spreading appearance.
3. in the mountains, where it rises to the upper border of the forest to a height of 2.5 km. in the south and up to 1 km. in the north above sea level.
4. in the steppe and forest-steppe zones that are alien to it as a fixer of sands and ravine slopes, preventing their spread.
5. like a vast homogeneous forest area (pine forest).

Depending on the area of ​​distribution, scientists distinguish three varieties and about 30 ecotypes within the Scots pine species, often named after the area where they grow. For example, pine from the Angara River basin is classified as “Angara type of Scots pine.” External differences between ecotypes are insignificant, but varieties can differ significantly in height, appearance and growth rate. For example, the lapponica variety, native to Scandinavia and northern Russia, has shorter and stiffer needles, yellowish-brown seeds, and often looks like a creeping shrub, although specimens up to 30 meters high can be found on the Solovetsky Islands (Russia). The mongolica variety, characteristic of Mongolia, southern Siberia and northwestern China, has a more familiar appearance to us. By the way, she also owns the peculiar height record we mentioned in passing: in the Sokhondo Natural Biosphere Reserve (Chita Region, Russia) a “Mongolica” pine grows 42 meters high. Finally, the Steven variety has “climbed” the highest: it can be found in the Balkans, northern Turkey and Transcaucasia at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level.

In addition to them, there are several slow-growing dwarf varieties that attract the eye with their unusual appearance. One of them became known back in 1865 thanks to the famous English breeder Anthony Waterer, who discovered it in the vicinity of his Knap Hill estate (England), and was subsequently named after him. The nursery founded by him in this area also bears the name of the scientist.

Description of pine

Scots pine is so unpretentious that it can be found in soil of any degree of severity and suitability: sandy and sandy loam, rocky mountain and chalk, even in peat bogs and permafrost conditions. True, it will look different everywhere, and a picturesquely gnarled tree growing “lonely in the wild north” or on a mountain slope is unlikely to recognize its “sister” in a one-meter dwarf huddled in a swamp. And even more so, the majestic taiga pine from the Angara River basin or the Baltic ship pine will look down on them both. However, all these will be trees of the same species... The pine owes such unpretentiousness primarily to its root system, which can adapt to any living conditions. If the soil is loose and has good drainage, and groundwater They do not lie very deep from the surface, the root has the appearance of a powerful rod. Dry sands with deep waters promote the development of lateral roots - this is how the pine “expands”, becoming spreading. These same lateral roots allow it to survive in the mountains, anchoring the tree in rocky soil and “collecting” precipitation. But a pine tree growing in a swamp, due to the nature of the soil, has a poorly developed root system, and therefore looks like a weak dwarf even at the venerable age of a century.

Among other trees, pine stands out not only for its unpretentiousness and trunk, which is formed depending on the circumstances, but also for its highly raised crown, cone-shaped in youth, and then round and wide, in the form of an umbrella. Sometimes there are specimens with weeping and pyramidal types of crowns. The average length of needles is about 5-6 cm, although it can vary depending on living conditions, intraspecific forms and age (in young pines the needles are longer and can reach up to 9 cm, in old ones they are shorter). Three characteristics remain unchanged: triangularity, needle-likeness and the presence of bottom side stomata through which the tree exchanges gases with the atmosphere. The needles are arranged in bunches, with two in each bunch. They usually stay on the tree for two to three years, then fall off, giving way to new needles, and lie in pairs on the forest floor. The color of the needles is predominantly bluish-green.

Another remarkable feature of pine is its cones, which are divided into two types: male and female. They form on individual trees, since pine is a monoecious plant. Usually the “sex” of a pine tree is inherited, but there may be cases when it can change under the influence of growing conditions and the environment. That is, a pine tree that once had male cones may well, over time, change them to female ones.

Male cones are oblong, have a length of 8 to 12 cm and are yellow or pink in color, female cones are from 3 to 7.5 cm long, cone-shaped, grow singly or in two or three pieces, their color when ripe varies from gray to gray. light brown to gray-green. Both types of cones are covered with near-diamond-shaped flat or slightly convex scales with a pointed apex, sometimes having a hooked appearance. They ripen slowly, 18-20 months after May-June flowering and pollination - that is, in November-December - and the seeds fly out of the cone another two to three months, in the spring. During this time, not only the formation of seeds occurs, but also the growth of the cones themselves, which can be seen by their color changing from green to light brown. Each seed is 4-5 mm in size. It has a membranous wing, thanks to which it can fly over a considerable distance. True, the survival rate of the seeds is not one hundred percent, otherwise the pines would probably have long ago reached the Cape of Good Hope and the islands of the Indonesian archipelago. In an ordinary pine forest of one hectare, about 120 million seeds fall annually, but less than one tenth of them germinate - only about 10 million seedlings. On average, about 500-600 trees grow in a hundred-year-old pine forest. There are many reasons for this: competition between plants, grass burning in the spring, lack of sunlight... Some seedlings can simply be trampled, and most seeds die without even getting into the soil (this is often prevented by grasses and forest mosses). That is, as you can see, Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection is familiar even to this seemingly powerful plant.

Pine tree in the yard

From all of the above, it is easy to understand that pine will fit perfectly into a country garden or rural landscape, either as part of a group planting or as a tapeworm. The benefits of such a “garden resident” can hardly be overestimated: in addition to the fact that it purifies the air and makes it incredibly intoxicating and healing, pine is also simply a beautiful tree that grows relatively quickly, especially at the age of 10 to 40 years, and retains its decorative value all year round and under favorable conditions it can delight the eyes of even your distant descendants. If you live near a pine forest, then there is a high probability that one fine day a young pine seedling will spontaneously appear behind your fence in the form of a weed. Such an appearance can truly be considered a gift of fate, and it should be treated appropriately, and not like a weed. You can try to plant a pine tree yourself, even if you are a resident of the steppe zone: the probability of success of this undertaking is very high. However, before planting a pine tree, you should consider some nuances:

1. the thickness of its trunk can reach from 1 to 1.2 meters, and the older the pine tree becomes, the taller and more voluminous it will be. Therefore, there should be enough space in your garden for the pine tree to feel comfortable.
2. for all its unpretentiousness, it is light-loving and does not tolerate shading. This can be noticed even in natural conditions: if you have been to a pine forest, you have probably noticed that the pines growing there are the same in height. This is the result of the features we mentioned. That is, you need to choose an open and sunny place for it. An exception is made for young animals: in the first years of life it is recommended to shade them from bright spring sun. In the same forest, young plants are given the necessary shade by their older comrades.
3. if you want to plant several pines, then the distance between them should be at least four meters, and between low-growing ones - at least one and a half meters.

How to plant a pine tree correctly

Planting and caring for pine trees is not particularly difficult. Somewhat more complex and nuanced, as with other trees or plants, is preparation for planting. It is believed that it is best to plant pine in mid-spring, when the soil is warm enough, or in early autumn. The first option is good because it allows her to settle down in a new place over the summer, get used to it and prepare for winter, which always comes suddenly; in the second case, the tree slows down all life processes and is thus able to relatively calmly endure such dramatic changes in its life. You can also find references to later plantings of pine, but in this case the seedling should be insulated and protected from excessive activity of the spring sun, covered with spruce branches, spunbond or any other covering material. You can remove the protection in the spring.

You can get planting material in three ways:

1. grown from seeds (a separate section will be devoted to this).
2. purchased from a nursery.
3. digging in the wild.

Most reliable way– purchase from a nursery: not only will they sell you a seedling of the required age and with intact roots, but they will also give you a whole lecture on how to plant a pine tree on your site. True, this method has a couple of disadvantages. Firstly, there are cases when a pine tree already infected with some insidious disease or pests ends up in a nursery. But, as they say, “if you are afraid of diseases, do not buy pine trees,” especially since this risk is insignificant, and we mention it only just in case. In addition, when purchasing, you always have the opportunity to inspect the seedling offered to you and check it for fragility. If the needles are yellow and the tips of the branches break easily, there is a very high probability that the seedling is sick and will soon die.

Secondly (and, probably, “the most offensive”), there may simply not be the right nursery in your region. In this case, you can try to purchase pine online with home delivery or go to the nursery yourself, even if it is far away. True, this may not be cheap, but if you have such an opportunity, then why not try?

Finally, the freest option is to dig up the pine tree yourself. Not all experts advise resorting to this method, explaining their attitude by saying that the seedling should be dug up very carefully so as not to damage the root system. In addition, in their opinion, pines transplanted in this way rarely take root and often die the next year. There are very different opinions on this matter, but if you still decide to try to get pine yourself, a few tips on this matter will certainly be useful.

It is best to choose a tree that will die if it is not replanted. This does not mean that it must be infected with something: a pine tree can die as a result of “natural selection”, which we wrote about above, or by growing in an unsuitable place for it (yes, there are such things - for example, steep slopes hills on which the pine tree may simply not survive as it grows). Pine trees are also doomed to die in places where there is intense human activity. Replanting such trees can give them a chance to escape, and you can contribute to preserving the atmosphere of the entire planet.

Having obtained a pine tree, you should look for a place for it, prepare a hole and only then plant it. The size of the planting hole should correspond to the size and shape of the soil clod with which the tree will be transplanted. The logic is simple: the larger the lump, the less damage the seedling will receive. For example, for pine trees up to 70 cm high, you need a hole measuring at least 60x60, and for trees over 70 cm, at least 80x80. The depth also depends on the height of the plant, but some experts recommend digging a hole 10 cm higher than the height of the seedling. As for the size of the coma, it’s even simpler here. It is believed that all conifers live in symbiosis with soil fungi and form mycorrhiza - a kind of fungal root. Therefore, the more native land that moves along with the pine tree to a new location, the better.

You need to dig up a pine tree carefully, remembering that it primarily has a tap root, and trying not to cut it or damage it. When digging, you can use a large wet piece of cloth. Having plucked and lifted the earthen lump with the pine tree, you should slip the fabric under the shovel, straighten it, lower the lump from the shovel onto it and wrap the fabric tightly near the lump. You can also use a thin cotton sheet, with which you can plant the seedling in the planting hole. The sheet will rot quickly and will not interfere with the development of the root system. Sometimes it is advised to pay attention to the so-called. “southern branch” - i.e. remember or mark the branch that faces south. When planting a seedling in the yard, it is advisable that it also be oriented to the south. Although many gardeners admitted that they lost these marks and planted pines without taking them into account, the result was the same.

Under no circumstances should you plant pine trees in garden soil. No matter how unpretentious it is, pine does not like soil rich in organic matter. The best soils for her - light, breathable sand or sandy loam. If you can offer the pine loam or clay soil, you should definitely make good drainage by adding a layer of sand or expanded clay with fine gravel to the planting hole and broken brick 20 cm thick. Sometimes 50 grams are added there. nitrophoska. Depending on the area where you are planting pine, you can add a mixture of turf soil, topsoil and river sand or clay in a 2:2:1 ratio to the hole. Also, you cannot replant a pine tree with bare roots, otherwise the root system will die in ten to fifteen minutes.

When planting, you should thoroughly water the hole (usually half a bucket of water is enough), then lower the seedling into it and, if necessary, adjust its size by adding or removing soil. Sometimes the pit voids are filled with a sand-earth mixture. After this, the poured soil is moderately trampled down to avoid the formation of air cavities around the roots, but the soil should not be too dense. The tree should be planted so that the root collar is at ground level, and in a large specimen even slightly raised, otherwise it will rot and the pine will die. The seedling planted in this way should be mulched and then watered again, this time using a watering can with a nozzle so as not to wash out the soil.

Sometimes you may come across the question: is it necessary to apply fertilizer when planting a pine tree? It all depends on what soil it is planted in. It is known from practice that sometimes it is used as a fertilizer. clean sand, taken from a pine forest and mixed with fertile soil. You can purchase special fertilizer for coniferous plants or use mature compost. If the soil in which you plant a pine tree has not been used before, then it will have enough of its own minerals, so you don’t need to apply fertilizers.

After you have done all these steps, all you have to do is be patient and wait, watering the pine tree about once a week early in the morning or after sunset until it begins to grow branches. After this, watering can be reduced.

Caring for a young pine tree is no different from caring for any other transplanted tree. From time to time, you should mulch it, remove diseased and dried branches, weed out large grass around the seedling, water it during excessively dry periods or in the fall, after leaf fall. The need for watering can be easily determined by taking a handful of soil from the tree trunk and squeezing it in your fist. If it is loose and crumbles at the slightest compression, then it’s time to water.

If you planted a pine tree in the fall, it should be insulated for the winter using one of the above methods, and protected from the sun in the spring by spraying it twice with epin at an interval of two to three weeks.

An unusual method of transplantation

Despite the fact that experts recommend planting pine trees in the spring, one can come across the statement that coniferous trees cannot be replanted in the spring, since they begin to grow very quickly, and the soil in a number of regions of Russia by this time is still frozen or has not warmed up enough. For this case, another method is proposed - folk:

1. choose a tree suitable for transplanting.
2. to a depth of one shovel bayonet, cut the soil around the trunk in the form of a circle with a diameter ten times greater than the diameter of the tree trunk.
3. mark the pine tree in any safe and not very noticeable way and leave it until autumn.

Return