Austrian Pine Tree

Name: Austrian Pine Tree
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 16112
Price: 38.25 USD
Availability: InStock

Pinus nigra

Nature Hills Nursery

$38²⁵

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In Stock

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Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#1 Container 1-2 Feet

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily. While it can tolerate very light afternoon shade, the canopy will become thin and the needles less dense if it does not receive enough energy from the sun.
Soil: Austrian Pines are famous for their adaptability to poor soils, including heavy clay and alkaline sites. For optimal growth, ensure the site is well-drained; if your soil is heavy, plant the root ball slightly above the soil line to prevent "wet feet" or root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, water deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this pine is remarkably drought-tolerant and can handle dry spells without supplemental irrigation. Avoid inconsistent watering during the establishment phase, as this leads to "needle drop" and leaves the tree vulnerable to pests like Diplodia tip blight.

Pruning Tips

This tree rarely needs pruning because it naturally maintains a strong pyramidal shape. If you want to control the size or increase density, "candle" the tree in late spring by snapping the soft new growth in half by hand before the needles unfurl. This technique encourages the tree to put its energy into more compact growth rather than long, leggy branches.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release evergreen fertilizer in early spring just as the new buds begin to swell. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late summer or autumn, as this forces soft new growth that will not have enough time to harden off before the first hard freeze. Using a specialized evergreen food helps maintain the deep, dark green color that defines this species.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

For a fat and fluffy ornamental evergreen tree, that adds seclusion and are important parts of native restoration efforts, the Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra) is a wonderfully dense selection that works hard! Its year-round good looks are an added bonus!

There are many advantages to selecting this dark green variety, which is why the Austrian is also known as European Black Pine. Established young Austrian Pines can add 3 feet or more of new growth in a season! This fast growth rate has helped these Pine trees gain popularity.

With plenty of strong branches holding their long, dark needles all year long, you'll always be looking at a beautiful tree. The spreading branches of a young tree form a fat pyramidal outline. As the plants age, they become more rounded or flat-topped and develop lots of character with interesting bark and interesting form. The Austrian Pine brings a tremendous amount of character to a landscape while creating bird habitat and home for many beneficial insects.

The orange-yellow pollen-bearing male cones and the reddish female cones appear in the spring and by fall, the egg-shaped cones appear for your winter decor, and for the birds and squirrels! Wonderfully cold-tolerant and hardy native evergreens throughout many US states and Growing Zones 3 to 8. The growth slows as the tree matures, topping out at 40-50 feet in height with a wide 25-35 foot spreading base.

Planting and Application:

The strong evergreen branches of the Austrian Pine will screen undesirable views and protect your home from strong winds. These are fantastic evergreens for urban roadways and interchanges. They are salt tolerant and able to withstand dry conditions.

The 5-6" long needles absorb a lot of noise and vibrations and are good plants to include along sound barriers. Use Austrian Pines for privacy, windbreaks, or shelterbelts. Their ability to block the wind - in combination with road salt tolerance - has put them at the forefront for roadway plantings, hiding that ugly view you hate so much.

They will block unsightly views or the wind across a residential yard. Don't forget that those long needles are great at absorbing sound from trains and busy streets! Stop snow from drifting onto your driveway or against your home by installing a snow barrier that includes these great trees!

Follow the old farmer's trick of planting a staggered - or zig-zagged - row of Austrian Pines to block the prevailing winds that blast your property. For a full screen of mature-sized trees, you'll measure at least 10 feet between the trunk of each tree. You can vary the spacing for a more natural look, however, if you want the tips of the trees to overlap slightly - don't plant more than 20 feet apart.

Austrian Pines do not need to be planted in straight rows, either. To create a natural look, vary the spacing between trees. Create small groups of trees placed a bit closer together. Plant some closer and some further away. You can work magic in your landscape with some thoughtful planning.

After all, even a hard-working windbreak can serve dual purposes. Austrian Pines make a nice backdrop for other flowering trees and shrubs to really set them off. Contrast the bold shape with more delicate forms, such as native Redbud, Chaste Tree, or Weeping Cherry. Or mix with other broad-leaved evergreens for year-round greenery. Fine-textured Birch trees pair beautifully with this tree. And you can imagine how great it would be to add another long row of Lilacs in front of them. Heavenly!

Why not plan to have a gazebo, or hammock stand nestled in the mix? Add an "off-grid" Tipi or Yurt for a fun destination spot on your property. Include a fire pit at least 30 feet away and create a year-round Staycation Paradise.

You can also use Austrian Pine as a single specimen, looking beautiful in either a restful, Japanese-style Zen garden look or a rustic homestead ranch. Include a large boulder or two and create a magnificent focal point. Add a kinetic sculpture that moves in the wind or install a water feature and you've got something wonderful to look at all year long.

Dark Green Needles
Pretty Pyramidal to Fat Egg Shape
Versatile Specimens & Dense Evergreen Screens
Long Needles Blocks Wind & Absorb Sound from Roads & Railroads
Shade, Wildlife, Snow Barriers, & Privacy

#ProPlantTips for Care:

You'll appreciate how adaptable the native Austrian Pine is to a variety of environmental conditions. This tree is hardy, and it thrives in urban locations. It will tolerate limestone or acidic soils, dry rocky locations and windy conditions! Give them plenty of sun, at least 6 hours a day. The more sun, the better the performance.

They display wonderful adaptability and this durable evergreen tree will thrive in any well-drained soil, including clay soils. Water them regularly as you establish the plants, and deep winter watering in colder climates. Once their roots are established in your soil, Austrian Pines grow in areas that are quite dry and will display drought tolerance. However, in times of prolonged drought, it's a good idea to provide supplemental deep watering and a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch to avoid stressing the tree.

Each fall, the oldest needles turn yellow and drop from the plant. This is normal and should happen each fall. Use the needles as mulch for acid-loving partner plants! It's best to leave the Austrian Pine branched right to the ground. Little pruning is required unless you want to shorten up the new growth when the plants are younger. To create a dense and uniform outline, try candle pruning in spring.

A biyearly spray of Bonide Copper Fungicide Concentrate can be applied in mid-May and mid-June. Nature Hills uses PlantSentry™ to track all federal, state and local regulations for plant materials. We do this to protect communities across the United States.

Fast Growing in Full Sun
Widely Adaptable In Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Candle Prune In The Spring
Road Salt Tolerant

Order your Austrian Pine today! You'll love this important partner in your landscape improvement projects. As part of an overall tree diversification strategy, this tree makes a magnificent contribution widely throughout many states in the US.

We recommend sizing up when possible. When you order the largest trees we have in stock, you'll get an enormous head start on that privacy you crave. Order today at Nature Hills!

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Growing Zones 3-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much are pine trees?

Austrian Pine prices vary by size, typically ranging from $30-200+ depending on height and maturity. These fast-growing evergreens add 3+ feet annually when young, reaching 40-50 feet tall in zones 3-8. Invest in smaller sizes for budget-friendly landscaping since they establish quickly.

How big does an Austrian Pine tree get at maturity?

Austrian Pine trees reach 40-50 feet tall with a 25-35 foot spread at maturity. They start with a pyramidal shape when young, then develop a more rounded, flat-topped form as they age. Plan for plenty of space when planting these substantial evergreens available at naturehills.com.

How far apart should I plant Austrian Pine trees?

Plant Austrian Pines 20-30 feet apart for proper mature spacing. These trees reach 25-35 feet wide at maturity, so adequate spacing prevents overcrowding and ensures healthy air circulation. For windbreaks or privacy screens, you can plant closer at 15-20 feet apart.

What soil types does Austrian Pine tolerate, like clay or poor soil?

Austrian Pines are remarkably adaptable to poor soils, including clay, sandy, and compacted urban conditions. Their tolerance for challenging soil types, combined with salt and drought resistance, makes them excellent choices for difficult planting sites. They thrive in Zones 3-8 across various soil conditions that would stress other evergreens.

Does Austrian Pine require full sun, and how many hours?

Austrian Pine thrives in full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and density. This hardy evergreen tolerates various conditions but develops its characteristic thick, pyramidal shape best in full sun exposure. For best results in zones 3-8, plant in an open location with maximum sunlight available at naturehills.com.

How much water does Austrian Pine need after planting, and is it drought-tolerant?

Austrian Pines are notably drought-tolerant once established and can withstand dry conditions. Water regularly the first year after planting to establish strong roots, then reduce frequency as these hardy evergreens become quite self-sufficient. Their salt tolerance and ability to thrive in urban environments demonstrates their resilience to various stressors.

When and how should I prune an Austrian Pine tree?

Austrian Pines rarely need pruning due to their naturally attractive pyramidal shape when young. If needed, prune in late winter before spring growth begins to avoid disrupting the tree's natural form. Only remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the strong branching structure that makes these evergreens so effective as windbreaks and privacy screens.

What are the shipping times and seasons for Austrian Pine trees?

Austrian Pines ship during optimal planting seasons in spring and fall when trees are dormant. These hardy evergreens (Zones 3-8) establish best when planted before extreme summer heat or winter freezing. Order early in your preferred season for best availability and timing.

Will my Austrian Pine order ship in winter, or only spring/fall?

Austrian Pines ship during their dormant season from late fall through early spring when temperatures are cool. These hardy evergreens (zones 3-8) handle cold shipping conditions well and establish better when planted during dormancy. Check your local frost dates and plan to plant before spring growth begins.