How to Replant Pine Trees
There are 35 species of pine trees in North America, not including ornamental and cultivar varieties. Pine has always been an important tree species. During the Colonial period, white pines were highly prized for ship masts. Today, pines are widely used for timber and furniture making. They are also an important landscaping tree. And what would Christmas be without a pine tree decorated with lights and ornaments? They are important trees for wildlife as well, supplying nutritious food and protective cover. Pines are generally fast-growing and provide year-round color. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Pines come in a variety of sizes, so choose a proper location for the one you plan to replant. Make sure the location can accommodate a mature tree. Pines are long-lived trees, so consider this when selecting a spot. Depending upon the species, pines prefer partial to full sun conditions.
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Test the soil of the location prior to replanting the pine tree. Pines generally prefer acidic, well-drained soils. Your local garden or home center will have soil test kits available for purchase. They can also be purchased online.
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Measure the root ball, which should be wrapped in burlap. Measuring ensures that you will dig a proper-size hole. This will also minimize the lifting and carrying of the tree. Even small trees can be quite heavy and unwieldy.
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Lightly hose down the tree or cover roots with mulch while you prepare the area for the replanting. Do not let the roots dry out. A pine tree that is being replanted is already under stress. Drying roots will compound the stress, leaving the tree vulnerable to damage or disease.
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Dig the hole. Using the measurements you took earlier, dig a hole large enough for the tree. Remove any rocks or other debris. To aid new root growth, loosen soil on the bottom of the hole.
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Water the prepared hole. By watering the area, you help minimize the stress of replanting. Water only lightly, so as not to change the height of the hole.
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Gently, lower the pine into the hole. Make sure it is at the same height as it was originally planted. Steady the root ball with clumps of sod if necessary to stabilize the tree. If the pine is wrapped in burlap, the covering need not be removed. However, any plastic wrappings should be discarded.
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Add soil around the tree. Fill the hole with topsoil to about two-thirds filled. Water the area thoroughly. Allow time for the water to seep down into the soil. Then fill the hole. Water again.
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Place mulch around the pine base. Mulch serves two basic functions. First, it will help moisture and prevent water loss. Second, during the winter, mulch acts as an insulator. It protects the pine from fluctuations in temperature, which can cause winter damage.
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Tips & Warnings
For added color, plant acid-tolerant flowers at the base of pine trees.
When selecting a tree for replanting, examine the tree carefully for any sign of damage or disease.
Purchase pine trees as close to the planting time as possible to minimize root drying.
Do not plant pines near currant or gooseberry bushes. These bushes act as intermediate hosts for pine rust fungus.
