Common pine (lat. Pinus sylvestris) is a coniferous tree from the blueberry family. Blueberries existed during the Cretaceous period, as evidenced by the many collected fossils. They are spread all over the world and are divided into four families with over 200 species. Most of them are evergreen trees or shrubs, except larch, which loses its needles in autumn, and the most famous are fir, cedar, spruce and larch. The Latin name Pinus is the old name for all types of pines, but also other evergreen shrubs whose fruits are cones, while sylvestris means forest. In our areas, it was also called luč, čamić or smrok.
Morphologically, pine is a tree that can grow from 30 to 40 m in height with a trunk diameter of about 30 cm. Its crown, depending on the species and shape, can grow up to 10 m in diameter. The shape of the crown varies by species, and can form a conical, pyramidal or umbrella shape, while some crowns become flat over time and have a flat top. It is light green and branched, but in old age the parts dry out and appear bare. The root is extremely strong with one main core from which the roots branch out. The young bark is reddish-brown and peels off in thin scales, while over time it becomes furrowed and grey-brown.
Buds are rounded and covered with scales and resin, most often light green in color and turn reddish-brown when mature. Two gray-green or blue-green needles grow in each tuft, 4 to 7 cm long, semi-cylindrical in shape and pointed at the top.
It blooms from April to June, and the flowers are yellow, oblong and in clusters. The fruit is a cone, 3-8 cm long, which grows on a stem and is initially reddish-purple in color, while later it turns brown and bends towards the ground. They ripen only a year later, and fall off after 3 years. The seeds are located under the cone shells, have long wings and are dark brown in color.
Due to its exceptional adaptability to different climates and harsh climates, pine is widespread throughout the world. Due to its adaptability, it easily assimilated to the climate and took on different properties. It grows in mixed forests, although in some areas it also forms pure forests. It is resistant to high altitudes, and is also known for its longevity, so specimens up to 500 years old have been found. It is also grown as an ornamental tree.
Types of pines
Due to its spread and adaptability to various climatic conditions, pine is a genus rich in species. It is believed that there are more than 115 species in the world, each of which has developed subspecies and cultivars. The main difference between the species is the habitat where they grow, the color of the needles and the shape of the crown. Cultivars differ very little from each other, mostly in the shape of the crown. Below we present the most common species in our area and their features.
White pine
White pine (lat. Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most widespread pine in the world, and is found throughout Europe and in parts of Northeast Asia and North America. It grows above 2,000 m above sea level and is adapted to harsh climates and poor soil. Most often it has a pyramidal crown, but there are many variable types. Also, many cultivars have been developed, some of which are dwarf species, while they are most often distinguished by the color of the needles, which varies from light green and yellowish to blue-green and silvery.
Pinus nigra
Black pine (lat. Pinus nigra) is mostly distributed throughout southern Europe or northeastern Africa. It is one of the most important species for afforestation of burned areas and is important against landslides in limestone regions. Its needles are characteristically dark green and hard and have a very aromatic smell. It tolerates long periods of drought well, and is adapted to a warmer climate. It is resistant to salt and urban pollution, so it is often grown as an ornamental tree.
Pine tree
Pinia (lat. Pinus pinea) is the most widespread in the Mediterranean area and is most often grown as an ornamental tree. It is resistant to salt, and likes a warmer climate. It is considered to be an autochthonous species on the island of Mljet, and there are several other cultivars that are particularly interesting as ornamental trees.
Mountain pine
Mountain pine (lat. Pinus mugo Turra) grows at altitudes above 1,400 m and is recognizable for mountainous areas. It tolerates cold climates well and is not sensitive to frost or poor soils. There are many subspecies that are used for cultivation and decoration, and it is known to be planted for afforestation on sloping terrain.
Aleppo pine
Aleppo pine (lat. Pinus halepensis Mill.) grows in the Mediterranean area, from Spain to Turkey via North Africa. It is extremely grateful for growing in dry areas where it is also used as protection against erosion and winds. It has a very decorative appearance due to the trunk that forms various shapes and beautifully curved branches. It is resistant to salt, but also to lower temperatures and urban pollution, so it is also grown in parks.
Pine cultivation
Pine is a very widespread species that spreads easily and independently, but due to its beautiful appearance and durability, it is often grown for decorative purposes. Below are tips on how to grow it more easily.
Matching cultures
Pines are often grown in rows to make the plantation easier to maintain. They are a monoculture in one place because they need up to 15 years to reach the desired height. A distance of 2 m must be left between each pine in a row, and a distance of at least 3 m between rows. Pine trees can have a tall trunk and canopy, so there is enough space under them to grow other plants. Because of their needles, they acidify the soil, so you should choose plants that like shade and tolerate acidic soil. Of the bushes, they are hydrangeas or rhododendrons, and of the flowers, lilies of the valley or begonias.
Watering
Pine is a very adaptable species with roots that penetrate deep and can withstand longer periods of drought. Depending on the place of planting, the amount of water should be adjusted. Most often, it finds enough water on its own, but young plantations should be watered twice a month during a longer period without rain. It likes moderately moist soil, but does not tolerate swampy soils or those where too much water remains. If it is grown in the house, during the increased heat in the room, it is watered every two days with 2 dl of water.
Fertilization
Pine fertilization implies preparatory fertilization and top dressing. The soil in which the pine will be planted must be prepared before planting in the fall. Pine loves acidic soils, so mix peat and manure in the hole, which will enrich it with minerals. After planting, it is enough to feed the pine once or twice a year with mineral fertilizers for coniferous trees.
Propagation
Pine is propagated by cuttings or seeds. Propagation by cuttings is a riskier method of propagation, especially if the tree from which the cuttings are taken is older. It is more difficult to achieve results by direct planting in the ground, so vaccination proved to be the best way.
Reproduction by seeds is especially prevalent in nature. Male and female flowers ripen during May, when they are fertilized. Fertilization takes place 13 months after pollination and one embryo develops. The cone can ripen in the same year or two or three years later. The seeds are located under the scales, but when they burst, they come out and, thanks to their long wings, are easily carried by the wind.
Transplantation
The pine is transplanted from the container or jar after two years. You can also transplant an older pine, but it is a much more difficult job. It is transplanted during dormancy, in early spring or late autumn. After determining the correct crop rotation or planting location, remove the entire root of the vadi from the container and transplant it at the same level in which it was buried until now. Tamp the soil well and place the pine straight so that it does not grow sideways later, and you can also support it with stakes. After transplanting, water the soil abundantly and cover with mulch or peat moss to help retain moisture in the first months.
Rejuvenation
As it ages, the crown of a pine tree may appear diseased or destroyed. These are older branches that dry out over time, but remain on the trunk. In order to rejuvenate the pine, it is necessary to prune it in autumn and remove all old, dry or diseased branches.
Ground
Pine grows in various habitats and adapts well to any type of soil. It tolerates limestone, silicates, dolomites, and grows on sandy and dry soils. It is not demanding on the acidity of the soil, and rich and moderately moist sedges are optimal for cultivation. The only thing that does not tolerate swampy and waterlogged soils.
Climate
Pine is an extremely adaptable species, so its climate resistance goes to extremes. There are species that grow only in the border areas of the forest and the only community at high altitudes, so they tolerate cold and frost well. The most common type, white or common pine, is extremely adaptable to colder areas and tolerates frost well. Mediterranean pines prefer warm areas and dry climates, so they have a hard time surviving on land. Because of the resin they collect in the needles and trunk, they cope well with extreme cold and prolonged drought.
Pine planting
Pine is often grown as a plan due to its decorative appearance, and how to plant it successfully is presented below.
Planting time
Thanks to its resistance to low temperatures, pine can be planted and sown relatively early in spring, in March or April. The minimum germination temperature, for faster and more regular growth, should be 10°C.
Choosing the substrate for planting
The most practical and effective way of propagating pine trees is bud grafting, which has been practiced since the 19th century. Any coniferous tree can be used as a rootstock, and it is best to graft it in the spring and protect it with fruit wax. A one-year-old bud is selected, which is cut with sterilized scissors and inserted into a crack on the trunk or branch of a young tree. By grafting, various cultivars are obtained and new species are enriched, and it is the most effective of all propagation methods.
Planting from seed
Pine is mostly propagated by seeds in nature, but this method of planting can also be practiced for mass cultivation. An average cone contains 30 – 40 seeds, of which 12 – 15 are germinating on average. In order to improve germination, seeds that are at least one year old are used for sowing, which are stratified and soaked in water for at least 24 hours before sowing. The seed can be grown in a separate container or jar in peat soil with watering every 2 days. It is important to use loose soil and water every two days and maintain a minimum temperature of 12°C, and the seedling will sprout in 14 – 20 days.
Planting seedlings
Planting an already formed seedling is the easiest way to grow pine. By using healthy and tested seedlings with a branched root system, the possibility of drying is reduced and better results are possible. When planting, it is important to place the plant at the same depth as it was before, and the roots must be completely covered with soil so that the plant does not dry out. During planting, it is important to take care not to damage the root system, especially the heart. The ideal seedling for planting is between 2 – 5 years old.
Cultivation in the garden
Pine is resistant to urban pollution, so it is often grown in parks and gardens. Given that it tolerates wind and low temperatures well, it is often planted as protection against the wind, and it also grows well on slopes. A semi-shady place and proximity to other plants suit it. Also, some species are resistant to salt. When choosing a species to grow in a garden or park, it is important to study its characteristics so that it fits more aesthetically and climatically into the environment.
Cultivation in a greenhouse
Given that pine is a very resistant species, cultivation in a greenhouse, except in the phase of sowing and growing from seeds, is not necessary. In order to maintain a constant temperature and for the young seedling to fully develop, seed planting is usually done in a greenhouse. After sprouting, the sapling needs up to a year to develop and it is optimal to spend that time in the greenhouse. Although it is good to maintain a constant temperature of 10°C, the greenhouse should be ventilated. It is enough to water the plants twice a week with softened water or rainwater.
Cultivation in containers
The most suitable species for growing in jars are miniature pines, and each species has several cultivars that have adapted to growing indoors. If the plant is kept indoors, it is important to keep it away from heat sources or water it more often in warmer conditions. Before taking it out, it needs to be acclimatized in a cooler area, such as a hallway or garage. It does not tolerate direct light, but requires at least 6 hours of daylight. The plant is transplanted every other year or when the roots emerge, using peaty and loose soil with good water permeability.
Maintenance and care
Thanks to its adaptability to various climatic conditions, pine maintenance does not require a lot of physical work. Below are some tips that will help you with care.
Resting phase
Pine enters a dormant phase after transplanting, which can last one to two years. During this period, it does not grow new needles or branches, but it is not a cause for concern. During further growth, the pine is in a dormant phase when there are no young light green twigs and needles at the beginnings of the branches, which can happen in any part of the year in various species.
Plantation maintenance
Plantation maintenance includes mowing and maintenance of the surrounding land. Regular mowing removes grass or other plants that could suffocate the young pine and maintains an orderly crop rotation. By maintaining the soil, the crust is broken up so that enough oxygen can enter the soil, which can be done manually or mechanically with a harrow. If the soil cracks, it is enough to break the crust with a hoe and fill the holes.
Thinning
Planting in the correct crop rotation makes it easier to maintain plantations and reduces the possibility of individuals getting sick. If there is too much growth or a spillage of seed that fills the gaps, the rows must be thinned. Thinning is done manually, in the spring by removing the plant from the row and transplanting it to another place.
Pruning
Pine pruning is done for two reasons: to remove dry and diseased branches or to shape the crown. It is carried out in the spring to remove branches damaged by snow. Branches are removed with scissors, cutting them all the way to the trunk.
Harvest
In early spring, young pine twigs and shoots are harvested, which are later used for medicinal and food purposes. Pines for timber are felled in summer or autumn.
Storage
Storage differs depending on the purpose and part of the pine that is stored, and each part is usable. Needles and young shoots are used fresh or dried in the sun and stored in a dry paper bag for making tea. Also, they can be distilled and added to other preparations. The cones are collected when they fall and dried for decorative arrangements. The wood is dried and processed for various purposes.
Diseases
The most common diseases that attack pine are caused by fungi and improperly planted plantations, and below we provide advice on how to avoid or fight against them.
Shedding of older pine needles
The cause of this disease is a fungus that can spread from other coniferous species and survive for a long time in spores in the ground and infect an already grown tree. The first spots appear during August and in autumn the condition can worsen, leading to the drying of parts or whole branches. There are no registered fungicides for this disease, but prevention is to leave enough space in the plantation and destroy the infected plants.
Shedding of younger pine needles
This fungal disease can also attack one-year-old seedlings, and it is active mostly in the wet period. The symptoms are reddish spots and shedding of needles that can lead to the complete bareness of the branches. Significant damage usually occurs only in the second year after infection.
Red spotting of needles
This disease is caused by a fungus that is spread by the wind, so it has a great potential to infect the entire plantation. It most often appears during June, and the first symptoms are reddish spots. The spots cause the needles to dry out and shed, which leads to the wood becoming bare and drying. It is fought preventively by using copper-based fungicides, and infected plants must be burned.
Pests
In addition to diseases, pines are also attacked by some pests. Although their trunk and branches contain resin, it is not strong enough for defense, and below we present which pests should be defended against.
Shield ears
Aphids are the insect that most often attacks pine, especially if it is planted in dense rows. It lays its eggs on the needles and sucks the sap, weakening them, which leads to shedding and drying of the branches, and even the whole plant. The pest is visible by spreading the branches, and it is combated by using insecticides.
Red spider
The red spider also feeds on sap from the needles and builds tiny webs in the canopy, so it is hard to see at first. Given that it lays a large number of eggs, it is often a serious threat to the plantation. It most often reproduces deep in the canopy, so the plant must be persistently treated with a fungicide.
The use of boron
Pine is widely used because of the healing properties of its needles, but also because of the aromatic resin. Below we present some of the most significant uses.
Preparations
Medicine
Pine needles and young shoots are rich in vitamin C in the spring, so they are collected to make tea. They are used fresh and crushed and poured with hot water and drunk as an unsweetened drink. Traditionally, they are also used to make cough syrup or to relieve respiratory problems.
The most important is the essential oil obtained by water distillation. It has a strong and intense resinous smell, and has a calming and anti-infective effect. It is a stimulant of the adrenal gland, and it is also used for inhalation for respiratory problems or for massage for problems with arthritis and rheumatism.
Economy
Pine wood is of great economic importance for making furniture or accessories. The wood is soft and elastic and easy to process, it is long-lasting and has an attractive yellow to red color. It is most often used as carpentry wood for making furniture or building materials, in the construction of pine trees because it is waterproof thanks to the resin or for the cellulose. Some species may be more difficult to process due to their higher resin content.
The resin that naturally accumulates in the trunk is used by tarring, and the distillation of the resin produces turpentine oil with a yellowish color and an aromatic smell, which is used as a solvent for fats, paints or varnishes or in the production of perfumes.
History
Pine is one of the oldest living plants in the world, and this is shown by finds and fossils from the Cretaceous period. Due to its durability, it readily adapted to many conditions and survived even the harshest climate.
It has an extremely long life, so it can survive up to 500 years, and because of its light seeds and pollen, it was blown around the world by the wind. It is known that some species have survived for up to 8,000 years in some parts, and with later cultivation they have significantly changed from their original appearance, although the connection can be proven by comparing the resin.
Pine has always played a significant role in human history, primarily because of its timber.
Interesting things
Pine has had an important feature in many cultures. Thus, its essential oil was used as a ceremonial oil, and it was also used by elders as an encouragement to courage and wise decisions. Indians chewed it as a preventive measure against scurvy and used it to clean the scalp of lice and parasites, especially on horses. They also burned twigs in houses for purification. The recommendation to lung patients to go to mountain regions to recover is actually a recommendation to spend more time in conifer forests, especially pine.
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