eastern white pine

Eastern white pine should be watered in the morning or late afternoon, when the temperatures are cooler. Water should be applied slowly and thoroughly, and allowed to soak in completely. It’s best to check the soil— watering is needed if the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil is dry. During the growing season, apply 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, either with a water can, drip irrigation, or a sprinkler. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, depending on soil type and sunlight. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause pest and disease issues. In winter, you may need to water occasionally; however, during cold weather, it’s best to keep soil slightly moist, rather than drenched.

Eastern white pine requires full sunlight in order to remain healthy. The ideal amount of sunlight for the plant species is roughly 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, though it can also tolerate partial shade for short periods of time. Sunlight should be provided for Eastern white pine throughout the growing season, which is typically between spring and fall in cooler climates. In milder climates, however, eastern white pines can continue to receive sunlight throughout the winter months as well.

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Contorta') can be pruned in early spring and late autumn. Spring pruning keeps the branches in shape and thins out overly dense growth, while autumn pruning focuses more on removing diseased or dead branches. Pruning should only be done on young trees, as mature trees may not respond well to heavy pruning. Only remove about 1 third of the tree's live branches and be sure to make your cuts clean and even. This will promote healthy new growth and keep the shape of the tree intact.