Planting pine trees (Pinus spp.) provides shade, windbreaks and screening, in addition to less obvious benefits such as the soothing sounds of wind through the pine branches and aromatic fragrances from leaves and sap. About 114 species of pines are native mostly to the Northern Hemisphere, but they grow throughout the world as ornamentals and for timber in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Pines have additional environmental benefits that contribute to their role in your garden.
Soil Erosion Control
Pine trees are generally tough plants that tolerate sun, drought, cold and a wide range of soil conditions. Many species are suitable for erosion control, with the roots holding soil in place and layers of pine needles helping to soften the impact of falling rain. Monterey pine (Pinus radiata), which is hardy to USDA zones 7 through 10, has a spreading root system and fast growth that makes it suitable for erosion control on steep slopes. Likewise, Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana), which grows in USDA zones 5a through 8b, is useful in severely eroded areas.
Besides delighting your senses, the aromatic compounds released by pine trees undergo conversion into aerosol particles. The particles rise into the air above pine trees, forming cloud droplets. Scientist Dr. Mikael Ehn of the University of Helsinki reports that these aerosols above pine forests may have a cooling effect that can perhaps help limit global warming.
The dense foliage and branching habits of pine trees provide cover for birds and other small wildlife. Young pine trees have branches that extend down to the ground, allowing protection from harsh temperatures, winds and predators. As pines grow, the branch canopies become higher off the ground, with a tall, straight trunk that helps prevent predators from climbing into the treetop. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is an example of a pine tree growing in USDA zones 5 through 9 that provides birds with nesting and roosting sites as well as cover.
Pine trees bear woody cones that contain nutrient-rich seeds valued by many wildlife as food. Although it usually takes a decade or two for a pine tree to bear cones, the seeds attract many kinds of birds and also small animals such as squirrels and chipmunks. Ponderosa pine seeds attract jays, nutcrackers, rufous-sided towhees and mourning doves. Stone pine (Pinus pinea), which is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 10, produces large seeds used not only by wildlife, but by humans.
- The Gymnosperm Database: Pinus
- Northwest Gardener's Handbook; Pat Munts
- Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Monterey Pine -- Pinus Radiata
- U.S. Forest Service: Monterey Pine
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Pinus Virginiana: Virginia Pine
- Indiana Division of Forestry: Stewardship Notes: Erosion Control
- BBC: News Science & Environment: Smell of Forest Pine Can Limit Climate Change -- Researchers
- Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Ponderosa Pine -- Pinus Ponderosa
- Montana State University: Ponderosa Pine (Pinus Ponderosa)
- Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Italian Stone Pine -- Pinus Pinea
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