If you are looking for a pine tree that grows fast with a straight trunk and attractive needles, the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) may be your tree. It is a fast-growing pine and the most commercially significant in the southeastern United States. Many commercial timber enterprises select loblolly as the tree of choice, but growing loblolly pine trees is not exclusively a business endeavor. Once you learn some loblolly pine tree facts, you’ll see why homeowners also enjoy planting these easy and beautiful evergreens. These pines are not difficult to grow. Read on for tips on growing loblolly pine trees.
| Common name | Loblolly Pine, Oldfield Pine, Yellow Pine |
| Botanical name | Pinus taeda |
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Species | taeda |
| Origin | Southeastern United States |
| Life cycle | Woody |
| Plant type | Native Plant |
| Hardiness zone | 6, 7, 8, 9 |
| Sunlight | Full Sun |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil condition | Clay |
| Soil ph | Acid |
| Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Spacing | 24 – 60 ft. |
| Harvest time | Fall |
| Flowering period | Spring |
| Height | 6- 90 ft. |
| Width | 6- 90 ft. |
| Flower color | Gold, Yellow |
| Leaf color | Gold, Yellow |
| Fruit color | Brown, Copper |
| Fruit benefit | Edible |
| Garden style | Children’s Garden |
| Uses | Meadow |
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Pinus taeda, commonly known as loblolly pine, is one of several pines native to the Southeastern United States, from East Texas to Florida, and north to southern New Jersey. The wood industry classifies the species as a southern yellow pine. U.S. Forest Service surveys found that loblolly pine is the second-most common species of tree in the United States, after red maple. For its timber, the pine species is regarded as the most commercially important tree in the Southeastern U.S. The common name loblolly is given because the pine species is found mostly in lowlands and swampy areas.
Loblolly pine can reach a height of 30–35 meters (98–115 feet) with a diameter of 0.4–1.5 m (1.3–4.9 ft). Exceptional specimens may reach 50 m (160 ft) tall, the largest of the southern pines. Its needles are in bundles of three, sometimes twisted, and measure 12–22 centimeters (4+3⁄4–8+3⁄4 inches) long, an intermediate length for southern pines, shorter than those of the longleaf pine or slash pine, but longer than those of the shortleaf pine and spruce pine. The needles usually last up to two years before they fall, which gives the species its evergreen character. Needles are yellowish-green to grayish green.
Although some needles fall throughout the year due to severe weather, insect damage, and drought, most needles fall during the autumn and winter of their second year. The seed cones are green, ripening pale buff-brown, 7–13 cm (2+3⁄4–5 in) in length, 2–3 cm (3⁄4–1+1⁄4 in) broad when closed, opening to 4–6 cm (1+1⁄2–2+1⁄4 in) wide, each scale bearing a sharp spine 3 to 6 millimeters (1⁄8 to 1⁄4 in) long.
Bark is reddish brown and deeply fissured into irregular, broad, scaly plates on older trees. Branches are reddish-brown to dark yellowish brown.
Loblolly pines are one of the fastest growing pines making them a valuable species in the lumber industry. The lumber is marketed as yellow pine lumber and has similar usage to other southern pines such as the more stronger Longleaf and Shortleaf pines. They are also used as pulpwood. It grows at an average of 2 feet per year. The tallest loblolly pine currently known, which is 51.4 m (169 ft) tall, and the largest, which measures 42 cubic meters (1,500 cubic feet) in volume, are in Congaree National Park.
The word “loblolly” is a combination of “lob”, referring to thick, heavy bubbling of cooking porridge, and “lolly”, an old British dialect word for “broth, soup, or any other food boiled in a pot”. In the southern United States, the word is used to mean “a mudhole; a mire,” a sense derived from an allusion to the consistency of porridge. Hence, the pine is named as it is generally found in lowlands and swampy areas. Loblolly pines grow well in acidic clay soil, which is common throughout the South, thus are often found in large stands in rural places.
Other old names, now rarely used, include oldfield pine due to its status as an early colonizer of abandoned fields; bull pine due to its size (several other yellow pines are also often so named, especially large isolated specimens); rosemary pine due to loblolly’s distinctive fragrance compared to the other southern pines; and North Carolina pine.
For the scientific name, Pinus is the Latin name for the pines and taeda refers to the resinous wood.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
The loblolly pine should be in full sun for four to six hours each day. The tree can still grow in partial shade, but direct sunshine is ideal.
Temperature and Humidity
The loblolly pine grows in humid, warm areas. They are most commonly found in the regions that endure mild winters and long, high-heat summers. Extreme winter weather in the north is what limits its northern expansion.
Watering
The watering regimen of the loblolly pine is somewhat dependent on rainfall. When the loblolly pine is planted, you should water it often at 1 to 2 inches per week. A mature tree does well with moist soil but not in standing water. Occasional, short-lasting flooding won’t damage the tree, but excessive exposure will have a negative impact. Generally, loblolly pines are drought resistant and should only be watered when completely dry.
Soil
The loblolly pine grows best in well-drained, acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, and clay soil. Because of this, they are often found in the Southern United States.
Fertilizing
Applying a high-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer to your loblolly during planting helps stimulate root production, especially during the first one to two years of growth. Ensure that the fertilizer is specifically for evergreen trees. Fertilizing after the first two years is usually unnecessary as loblolly pines are very adaptable.
Pruning
You may trim the bottom of your loblolly pine, but pruning the top isn’t recommended, as it will affect its natural shape. Pruning can also negatively affect the strength of the trunk and the density of the wood. If you choose to prune, you will likely only be able to do so for a short period as the tree will grow too tall to trim.
Propagation
Propagating loblolly pines is best done by cuttings. Although propagating conifers isn’t as simple as propagating shrubs, it can be done effectively with special attention and is popular in creating orchards. Planters are motivated to propagate due to the genetic uniformity it yields. Keep in mind that cuttings can take a year to root. Here’s how to propagate a loblolly pine with cuttings:
- Take a 4-6 inch cutting with growth at the tips
- Fill a planting tray with a mixture of rooting medium and sand
- Water the rooting medium until moist but not overly wet
- Plant the cuttings but ensure that the needles don’t touch the soil
- Cover the tray with plastic to mimic a greenhouse environment
- Remove the plastic once growth appears
- Place in partial sunlight for several days before transferring to full sunlight
How to Grow from Seed
Prepare pots or trays with a well-drained, acidic potting mix. Combining pine bark, peat moss, and sand makes a healthy mix for conifers. Lightly press one to three seeds in each pot until the seed is barely covered. Mist with water until the soil is saturated, taking care not to displace the seeds. Keep the pots in full sun and the soil moist at all times, but do not saturate the soil.
Overwintering
Loblolly pines do well throughout winter, but if still a seedling, overwintering with a layer of bark mulch around the base will add protection. It’s best to water the tree well during the cold to help retain moisture. You may also build a small mesh cage around the tree’s base to protect it from burrowing animals.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
The loblolly pine is susceptible to the pests and diseases found in all evergreen trees. Your tree may develop infestations from insects such as pinetip moths, pine beetles, borers, and sawflies. The loblolly pine is also affected by diseases like needle rust, heart rot, and fusiform rust.
Common Problems
The main issues with loblolly pines are related to disease and pests. Otherwise, the tree is relatively easy to take care of. Still, pay attention to your tree’s general health to ensure any problems don’t worsen with time.
- Tip Dieback
Tip dieback in loblolly pines usually begins during winter weather but can progress through the spring and summer. It may be caused by potassium imbalance and various diseases and pests. Dieback starts at the top of the tree and travels downward, affecting branches and needles. If the dieback is extreme, the pine will need to be removed to prevent the further attraction of pests and the spread of disease to surrounding trees.
- Needles Turning Yellow or Brown
Transplanting a loblolly pine or excessive salt in soil may cause discoloration in needles. Although needle yellowing or browning is unattractive, it does not always indicate a substantial problem. It may be a result of temporary wind damage or seasonal change. Nutrient deficiencies can also cause discoloration, prompting the need for vitamin and mineral-rich fertilizer.
III. Uses and Benefits
Loblolly pine is infrequently sold in commerce outside of its native habitat. It is an excellent tree for moist low areas with poor drainage. It also serves as a good screen.
The yellowish, resinous wood is prized for lumber, but is also used for wood pulp. This tree is commercially grown in extensive plantations.
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