Swiss stone pine

Swiss stone pine should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Generally, a mature Swiss stone pine tree should be watered about once a week in summer and every 3 weeks during winter. However, it is important to monitor the soil moisture and adjust as needed. When watering, give the tree a thorough soaking so that the water reaches the roots. Avoid over-watering as this can damage the plant, but do provide a deep soak every once in a while to help nurture the roots.

Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra 'Chalet') needs direct sunlight for most of the day to grow and thrive. The recommended amount of sunlight for this tree is 6-8 hours of direct daily sun. The best time to get direct sunlight for this tree is from 10am to 4-5pm when the sun is at its highest and strongest. Swiss stone pine also benefits from reflected sunlight, so it is best planted in an area with some sunshine and shade, such as close to a wall, garden structure or an east-facing window. Additionally, late afternoon sun can be beneficial for Swiss stone pine as it helps warm up the soil and provides the tree with the additional heat it needs for growth.

Swiss Stone Pine should be pruned moderately during the dormant season. Prune 1-third of the longest branches in late winter (February-March) to encourage new growth and a denser canopy. Additionally, remove broken or diseased branches throughout the year. When pruning, ward off vertically growing shoots that will ruin the shape of the tree. When pruning small trees, prune just above a bud and make sure all cuts are clean and angled away from the bud.