6 Best Pine Trees To Grow In Oklahoma
The pine species found in the southeastern United States is the most widespread. New York, south to north Florida and west to Texas and the eastern quarter of Oklahoma make up its natural range.
Landscapes dominated by shortleaf vegetation support a wide variety of native grasses, wildflowers, forbs, and wildlife species. They are also tolerant of wildfires and droughts.
Nevertheless, according to U.S. Bureau of Forestry Forest Inventory and Analysis data, the timberland area occupied by shortleaf pine has declined from 12.6 million acres in 1980 to 6.0 million acres in 2012, a loss of 53 percent. As compared to its native range, the map shows where shortleaf appears on FIA plots currently.
Shortleaf trees are losing habitat due to several factors, including changes in fire frequency, the introduction of faster-growing loblolly pine trees on many sites, and the creation of shortleaf X loblolly hybrids that are impacting their genetic integrity.
Although loblolly pine is currently preferred for plantation-style management in Oklahoma, shortleaf pine remains an essential part of Oklahoma’s landscape. Shortleaf pine is well-adapted to drought and rocky soils, and it is very resistant to wind and ice damage.
Shortleaf is a native species with the ability to sprout following fire, so it is better adapted to the changing climate on the western fringes of the pine range.
The landowner must make tradeoffs in timber production and short-term economic value when managing a native shortleaf stand instead of converting it to a loblolly plantation.
Evergreen refers to plants that retain most of their leaves through the winter. When evergreen trees are mentioned, the pine trees with their needle-like leaves usually come to mind, but there are also junipers with their scales that are considered evergreen.
Austrian Pine
Austrian Pines are the best trees for urban privacy because of their high tolerance for pollution and smog. Living wall. The black pine, commonly known as European Black Pine, is a lush, solid living wall.
Whether Austrian Pines are grown as individual trees or in rows, they reach a height of 40 to 60 feet, growing large enough to block your neighbor’s view of your home while adding beauty to the landscape.
Would that be better? Despite the country’s most windy terrain, these products have proven successful.
Your home and other more sensitive plants will be protected against powerful winds by Austrian Pines.
Austrian pines have the ability to grow where other trees cannot because they are drought-tolerant and will adapt to a variety of soils — from sandy to clay-rich.
As salt-tolerant plants, they can thrive near the coast and in northern areas, where salt sprays are commonly used during the winter months.
There are a number of Austrian Pines planted during the dust bowl, because they are the only varieties that can withstand the dry, windy conditions and nutrient-depleted soil.
Loblolly Pine Tree
Plants like the Loblolly Pine grow up to two feet per year, making them popular among gardeners and landscapers for their ability to provide privacy quickly.
An attractive landscaping option, this Pine is oval in shape, has slender, dark-green needles, and red-brown cones.
When fully matured, this tree can reach up to 60-90 feet tall. The southeastern state native can tolerate heat, flooding, poor soil, even moderate drought.
With the Loblolly Pine, you’ll also be providing a habitat for wildlife in your area – this native tree provides food and shelter for numerous species in the Southeast, including chickadees, nuthatches, turkeys, chipmunks, squirrels and more.
Dwarf Mugo Pine
Although the dwarf Mugo Pine can reach a height of 3-5 feet, it will remain smaller in most landscapes due to its slow growth.
Adding its dark green needles to garden beds alongside perennials or other dwarf shrubs gives it a really nice texture.
The Dwarf Mugo Pine will look amazing in either its natural shrubby form or tidy up into a neat mound, as is common in Japanese gardens.
…and the best part? Dwarf Mugo Pine is relatively easy to grow. Although cold hardy (down to Zone 2), it can also withstand heat and humidity up to Zone 8.
There’s no maintenance and it is also bird-friendly. The deep green foliage will be maintained even in cold winters.
Japanese Umbrella Pine Tree
As an Asian evergreen that combines a unique growth pattern and a cascading green needle pattern to form a unique hedge, Japanese Umbrella Pine is an aptly named specimen for its elegant shape and cascading needles.
The plant’s slow, steady growth makes it easy to install in most landscape locations. The Japanese Umbrella Pine grows above and beyond without any guesswork on your part and is perfect for driveway borders, plant beds and even as a focal point for the front yard.
Even pruning this tree is not required, except if you prefer to train it or shape it to your liking.
Vander wolf’s Pyramid Limber Pine
Against other plants, this plant stands out for its eye-catching branching and deep color. As the tree grows, it produces its signature blue-green needles with large, decorative pine cones.
Consider planting one as a perfect accent tree, or create a row for a simple, attractive privacy screen.
What if you have limited space? Plant the Vander wolf’s Pyramid Pine also in patio containers.
It’s also versatile in size and shape – if you prefer a smaller tree, pinch out or break new growth in half.
Despite its low-maintenance good looks, Vander wolf’s Pyramid Limber Pine requires little care other than minimal pruning.
It has excellent disease and pest resistance, making it an excellent addition to your yard. This tree is suitable for difficult planting locations such as rocky areas.
Eastern White Pine Tree
Plant a tree that will last for generations. Eastern White Pine Trees are known to live for centuries when properly cared for, especially since they thrive in temperatures as low as -30 degrees and adapt to nearly any environment.
With its adaptability to large areas or under the canopy of taller trees like Aspens and Birches, the Eastern White Pine is ideal for large, open spaces.
Suitable for large, open spaces, it tolerates most soil types and sports evergreen foliage that shines all year long.
You’ll also enjoy the contrast of white and gray against the needles and pine cones on the snowy branches.
The Eastern White Pine is also a favorite of wildlife. Animals like the bark of Eastern White Pine, including squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hares, and porcupines, so it’s a good choice for a backyard show.
