Pine trees

[Lowdown3]

I've always been a fan of pine trees. I was set on growing some fast growing poplar years ago. A relative of mine who knows what we do said "yeah but it's gonna shed leaves in the winter."

What does that mean for us? Loosing some potential concealment for 4 to 6 months of the year.

Conifers stay green year round and help conceal year round.

Firewood value? Less than hardwoods, no doubt there. But you CAN burn pine, it's not going to explode like dynamite in your stove contrary to popular belief. Like ALL your firewood it should be cured at least a year, preferably more UNDER COVER.

Pine also offers an abundant supply of green needles which are a source of vitamin C for man and small animals. Our Pygmies LOVE green pine needles.

Some pine will supply "lighterknot" or "punk" or whatever else it's called in your neck of the woods. Basically a high pitch easy to light fire starter.

Pines can be tapped for resin also.

Looking at google earth, pine trees help conceal a lot of items from aerial view.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

We cant grow the tall trees here because of the wind and ice, our trees have to be more flexible, and on this side of the state we only have a limited number of the smaller variety which i'm fortunate to have a couple of on this place. The eastern side has alot of tall pines. Dried pine cones are awesome second level tinder to get a fire going and are decent to use for the coal on a solar ignition source too. The white resin stuff here doesnt burn well though until it reaches a high heat, dunno.

[Grand58742]

I've got a whole slew of cedar trees I'll give you free of charge! Shoot, I'll even deliver them to your doorstep. At least my allergies will have some relief lol

Conifer trees are helpful for concealment, but at the same time, they can be invasive for other trees in the area. They tend to take over if you aren't watching (my aforementioned cedars are like that) and can choke out other trees.

Additionally, the pines are not as dense as other trees providing less cover in case of an attacker. Now sure, when they get to a certain size this doesn't matter, but before then, the wood won't provide the same protection as other hardwoods.

I'm thinking a mix of both might be better in the long run. Hard and soft woods.

[1Admin]

Good points Matt and Grand +1

[EX121]

Grand not to be picky but are your cedar, cedar and not juniper. Same family but grow in different areas wet vs dry climate. Dry juniper bark is one of my favorite second stage tinders. Too bad about the allergies.
I would think that young pine trees planted close together would make a decent physical & visual barrier.

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Grand not to be picky but are your cedar, cedar and not juniper. Same family but grow in different areas wet vs dry climate. Dry juniper bark is one of my favorite second stage tinders. Too bad about the allergies.
I would think that young pine trees planted close together would make a decent physical & visual barrier.

Cedar, red cedar that causes them allergies from Oklahoma and Texas that blows in with the winds from the south. Tears folks up round here

[EX121]

Interesting a different species than the red cedar that grows up here in the PNW in wet climates. Can you make arrows & bows from it?

[tech]

If there was any chance of a wildfire, I would steer clear of pines.

Of course, if you really want a burning moat around your house..... :)

[rockriver]

great post and reminder.
i've got a couple of open spots.
sounds like planting a few pines would be a good idea.

[Lowdown3]

Tech- actually down here the forestry service uses a lot of prescribed burning on pine forests.

[610Alpha]

I was set on growing some fast growing poplar years ago. A relative of mine who knows what we do said "yeah but it's gonna shed leaves in the winter."

I recently ran across some hybrid poplar trees that are fast growing and are claimed to produce 3 cords of wood in 4 years on 1/4 Acre...then on the next cutting (without replanting) they would produce 5 cords on that same 1/4 Acre. It might be worthwhile to have some on the homestead along with the pines...

I had heard the same thing about them being a dirty tree with lots of leaf and twig droppings.

Here is the site where I was getting the info from:

http://www.frysvillefarms.com/independence.htm

[PerryJeff]

I like the Spruces for thick hedge/windblock types White spruce is favorite followed by Blue. I put several false Cyprus in that stay 12-15 ft tall. I have a nice stand of Douglis fir also 50-60 fto tall but bare to 10 ft so not serving the purpose of snow-wind block.

[boltgun308]

Standing behind a tree in a gunfight will get you shot. A 168 or 175 matchking from a 308 will blow through a 12" oak with no problem. I would prefer the oak to a pine, but shot is shot.

[Climber]

They can make replacement lumber fairly quickly. In the past, folks would plant pines in a small cluster to grow replacement wood in case the house burned. Also in dense clusters, they grow quicker, taller, straighter with less limbs.

As far as firewood, it's not wise to use because of the very pitch that makes fatwood/lightered. That pitch, dried or not collects in the flue of your fireplace/woodheater. Can make for devastating chimney fires.

Jimmy

[Swordarm4]

As an NC native I hate pines. It's all we have near the coast, long leaf, short leaf , lob lolly , they can all burn. The slightest bit of ice or snow , and it's snap crackle pop all night . It sounds like a war zone with all the breakage. Don't even get me started on the pollen , I'm fine with it after two years of allergy shots , but all this unprotected tree sex is killing the wife. Give me a good strong oak any day , and surround it with dog woods.