Loblolly Pine Tree

Fast-growing, and stately, the Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) is among the fastest-growing Southern Pines in the United States. Sometimes referred to as a Bull Pine for its massive size, it will eventually grow into a remarkable tree of impressive stature. You can expect it to grow quickly, a rare and welcome trait for a Pine tree, up to 2 feet or more in a single year. It reaches its stately heights with a straight and true trunk. As it reaches toward the sky after many years, lower branches drop off, leaving an open, rounded evergreen crown.

The resinous needles are 6 to 10 inches long. The long needles have a fantastic fragrance, which is why it's also nicknamed Rosemary Pine. Reddish-brown, scaly bark appears to be attached in plates over the trunk, which adds tremendous texture and definition to this dramatic tree. Two to six-inch light brown cones are a handsome accent.

In fact, some fans like to call their Loblolly trees natural works of art. With sculptural limbs and long fragrant needles, these beautiful native trees bring a unique charm to the landscape. You've probably seen older trees with long straight trunks, and picturesque branches held in a high crown. This will happen after many decades. At this point, Loblolly Pine makes a terrific shade tree with a lot of character.

Best of all, it easily grows in many soils, including that sticky, acidic clay found throughout the Southern United States. The Loblolly Pine Tree is highly prized for its use in pulpwood and lumber, and its resin also enjoys a rich history of medicinal uses.

Deer and small mammals also enjoy its rich seed harvest. Many birds use it for food and shelter. The endangered Red-Cockaded Woodpecker makes its home in the Loblolly Pine, along with species such as Nuthatch, Towhees, Bobwhites, Chickadees, Bald Eagles, and Wild Turkeys.

You'll notice a marked increase in wildlife populations when you install these trees on your property. What a resource!

This long-lived tree can reach 300 years. It has replaced many of the older-style Pines because of its great resistance to fire. Check your local municipalities to see if it is recommended as fire-resistant in your area.

Planting and Application:

While the tree is young, it features a compact, full growth habit with branching along the trunk. This makes a great choice if you need to create a fast screen. Who doesn't need a boost of privacy, or a fast screen for harsh winds or less-than-desirable views? Loblolly Pine grows fast to create an attractive Windbreak in just a few years.

Plant a long row of Loblolly Pines along your property line, and add shorter evergreen trees and shrubs, along with beautiful flowering trees and shrubs in a healthy diverse planting. You'll appreciate how their rugged good looks spice up a sophisticated planting design.

Add plenty of Loblollies at a rural wildlife retreat. Create an incredible naturalized wooded area. They support a vast population of desirable animals and birds. Here, vary the spacing from 20 - 30 feet on center. You'll measure from the trunk of one tree to the trunk of the next.

One would make a dramatic shade tree for your yard, or plant several for a quickly established windbreak or privacy screen. For a natural look, plant them in a gentle curve, or irregular zig zag. Play around while the trees are still in their nursery pots until you love the look. Check from different vantage points, and enjoy the process.

This tree is one of the first pioneer species to grow along river bottoms. Why not include Loblolly as anchoring trees in a large Rain Garden or that low area that collects water? They'll create a perfect focal point in the transition zones! The name Loblolly actually comes from an Old English word meaning a thick gruel or porridge and was used to describe wet, boggy, and muddy places.

• Wonderful Wildlife Tree With Tons of Character
• Fragrant Long Needles and Bark
• Impressive Height & Mighty
• Screen When Young & Magnificent Shade Tree When Mature
• Can Be Used in Rain Gardens & Rated-A Fire-Wise in Some Areas

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Best suited for warm winter climates throughout USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9, they can experience damage in hard freezes. Give them full sun, as they are intolerant of shade, in well-drained soil. Water carefully to establish young trees in your soil. We also recommend the use of Nature Hills Root Booster for this tree. Add one pack for every tree you order. Mix into the upper few inches of soil as you plant the new tree, then water well.

Although these Pine Trees need no pruning if given enough room to reach their full mature height, you can keep Loblolly shorter with a regular schedule of "candling" in early spring. To keep this tree shorter, plan to pinch or snap the last inch off the new growth shoots each spring.

You can keep it dense and full with extensive candling. Or, do light candling to reduce new growth while the tree is young to encourage more branching. Candling can improve the overall form of the Pine while keeping a very natural appearance.

The Loblolly Pine requires soils with low pH but will tolerate even the poorest soils where the pH is 6.0 or below. The Pine favors hot areas with high humidity and likes to grow in low, wet areas. It grows in both moist sandy soils and heavier clay soils. Loblolly transplants well and can handle both periodic flooding and moderate periods of drought. Give it supplemental water in an extended drought.

• Fast Growing In Full Sun
• Well-Drained Soil But Is Highly Adaptable
• Grows in Most Soils, Including "Mud Puddles" or Wet, Acidic Clay Soil
• Candle Prune In Spring To Keep Young Trees Compact
• Native Evergreen to the United States

This tree is low maintenance and has no serious pest or disease concerns. You'll love the natural look this native Pine tree brings to your landscape. With its varied uses, attractiveness to wildlife and general impressive stature it's easy to see why a Loblolly Pine Tree would be a splendid addition to your yard this year. Order today at NatureHills.com!