did you know?

The Scotch pine has one of the largest ranges of natural distribution of all pine trees. It grows from Norway and Scotland to Spain, western Asia and northeastern Siberia, and it has also naturalized in areas of New England.

general maintenance:

Prune damaged and weak stems or branches. Consider pruning large branches that overhang buildings because Scotch pine has a large surface area of leaves that are prone to wind and snow damage.

pests/diseases:

Diplodia tip blight and pine-wilt nematode may occur.

controls:

Fungicide is required to treat diplodia tip blight. Remove and destroy any trees with pine-wilt fungus.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is enough room for shrub to grow to its mature spread. In early spring, dig a hole twice the width of container or root ball. Set plant in hole at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot, or if balled, even with top of root ball. Fill in hole around plant with soil. Mound soil to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of the hole to act as a catchbasin. If plant is balled in synthetic fabric, carefully remove before planting. Burlap may be left around root ball and peeled back and left in ground once plant is set in hole. Water thoroughly, filling basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around base of plant.

water and fertilize:

Maintain uniform soil moisture for the first season. Be sure the soil is moist before the ground freezes in fall. Each spring before growth begins, apply an all-purpose fertilizer, following label directions. Once tree is established, usually by the third year, water only during drought.

garden hint:

Due to the debilitating diseases dipoldia tip blight and pine wilt nematode, many experts discourage Scotch pine's use in the landscape.

features:

• Attractive Cones
• Evergreen
• Fragrant
• Winter Interest

garden uses:

• Shade Woodland Garden (use as canopy tree)

other uses: