Slash Pine

Slash Pine is a native tree of the southeast, and a tall, long-lived pine tree that can reach 100 feet. It has a tall, clean trunk carrying a rounded, open crown that casts very light shade. It is attractive, with rugged reddish bark, and long needles. It is very useful in southern gardens to give the light shade so many plants appreciate in areas with very hot sunshine, as well as being an attractive addition to your garden, and beautiful against the skyline. It is very fast-growing reaching 30 feet or more within 10 years, and adding as much as 4 feet a year when young. Growing in wetter areas it is ideal for river edges and lakes.

• Tall, narrow tree with a clean trunk and a high crown
• Very useful for light shade in southern gardens
• Grows well in wet and flooded soils
• Very fast-growing, up to 4 feet a year
• Valuable native tree for natural planting

Plant your Slash Pine in full sun, in well-drained soil that is acidic or neutral, but could be of any type, from clay to sand. It grows well in wetter soils, but not in stagnant water, needing some water movement through the soil. It is only hardy from zone 8, and grows well in hot regions. Although some diseases and pests are possible, it is generally free of them, and easy to grow. Remove lower branches as they die back naturally, to prevent them falling at a later time, and to keep the trunk free of scars.