Planting white pine trees should take place in the spring or summer months.
White pines grow best in well-drained, sandy soils with a moderate acidity with a pH of around 5.5. Planting in soil that is compacted, with high clay content and poor drainage or a pH above 6.5 will prove to be challenging for the survival of your white pine tree.
A cooler and more humid climate is preferable for a white pine, which is good for us since at any given time in Michigan these two factors can present themselves.
When planting your white pine, be sure not to plant the roots too deep. It is important to pay attention to the root collar. See illustration below:
Your White Pine should be watered at least one time each week after it has been planted.
This will be really important this summer when it gets hot and we aren’t getting as much rain. When you’re outside on a hot summer day, do you get hot, sweaty, and thirsty?
The same thing happens with trees and other plants.
They don’t sweat like you, but leaves and needles have hundreds of tiny pores (like the pores in your skin where the sweat comes out) called stomata where the moisture from the leaf escapes. Losing all that moisture makes plants thirsty – just like you when you sweat a lot. Your tree will appreciate a refreshing drink of water on those days!
It’s also a good idea to put a flag or stake in the ground next to your tree to make it more visible. He’s just a little guy and not always easy to see. This can be tragic if the person operating a lawnmower does not see it!
If you or your family ever have any questions about your white pine or any other plants at your house, please ask us. We’d love to help you be a successful tree parent!
Alias: Northern White Pine
Sun Requirements: Full sun
Bloom Period and Seasonal Color: Grow for its evergreen, soft needles
Mature Height x Spread: 50 to 80 feet x 30 to 50 feet, with dwarf versions
Spacing: Typically leave 6 feet between white pine trees. Spacing depends on how you want to use them.
Added Benefits: Native, deer resistant