eastern white pine

Eastern white pine trees should be watered when the soil around the tree is dry. During the first year of establishment, you should water your tree at least weekly for the first month, then 2 to 3 times per month for the next month. During the first year of establishment, keep the soil evenly moist. Once your tree is established, it should be watered weekly. Eastern white pine prefers deep, thorough watering rather than shallow, frequent watering. One to 2 hours per week is usually adequate for mature trees and seedlings. Keep in mind that rainfall can affect your watering needs. If there has been a good rainstorm (at least an inch of water throughout the tree’s root zone), you can skip a single watering. But if rainfall is low or sporadic, then additional watering may be needed for your tree.

Eastern white pines flourish in full sun locations and require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day for proper growth. This species should be planted in a spot that gets morning sunlight and is sheltered from the hot afternoon sun. Additionally, it is important to note that this species prefers indirect sunlight, particularly in areas with warmer climates. During the summer months, the tree should receive a full day of sunlight, while in winter, it should get no more than 8 hours of sunlight a day. If the eastern white pine is planted in an area with too much sun, it can suffer from sun scorching and heat stress.

Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus 'Pendula') should be pruned twice a year, in spring and midsummer. In the spring, prune only new growth. This can be done any time from late March to mid-April, as soon as new, light-green growth appears on the branches. Remove only the longest, drooping branches to give the tree its pendulous form, with the remaining branches gently ascending. During midsummer, prune any new growth again, but also remove undesirable side branches. Pruning should be light, with an eye toward maintaining the tree's tendancy toward pendulous form.