short-leaf pine

Water your short-leaf pine when the top inch of soil is dry. This should be done once every week and/or depending on your local climate humidity. Typically it is best to water your short-leaf pine upon waking in the morning, as the soil is cooler and can allow more water to be absorbed. The amount of water required for your short-leaf pine will depend largely on the size of the plant. For container grown / small trees, you should aim for about 1-2 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter. Downspouts or soaker hoses can be employed if the tree is too tall for easy hand watering. For larger trees, you can also water more deeply, which may include using a backpack sprayer for the larger trees.

Short-leaf pine (Pinus echinata) requires full sun for optimal health and growth. The tree should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably more. Sunlight should be from early morning until late afternoon/early evening. During the heat of the summer months, the tree benefits from some partial shade in the mid-afternoon to protect it from sunburn and potential dehydration. In areas where temperatures remain above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for more than a few days a week, noon knt shade should be provided.

Short-leaf pine (Pinus echinata) should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done judiciously, meaning that only dead, diseased, or crossed branches should be pruned. While this species benefits from an annual light pruning, it does not require heavy pruning. A light pruning may still be beneficial for aesthetic reasons or if it is desired to reduce the size and spread of the plant. Pruning should be done in such a way that it preserves the natural shape of the plant.