The tree initially has a broadly conical shape, over the years the crown becomes umbrella-shaped.
At the age of 30 years it reaches 10 m in height. In youth it grows quickly. The needles are dark green, hard, thick, reaching a length of 15 cm, collected in two needles. In culture, the most common form is Pinus nigra subsp. nigra. Undemanding to growing conditions. The best pine for planting in cities and industrial areas. Very resistant to strong winds. Recommended for planting in parks and large gardens, for single plantings and in free groups.
Agricultural technology for growing pine
PinusNigraAustriaca 02Planting features. The distance between plants is 1.5 - 4 m. Planting depth is 0.8 - 1 m or more, the root collar is at ground level. Pines have deep roots, so they are wind-resistant. Light-loving, grow and develop better in open places. Black pine is less demanding of light. It is not very demanding of soil fertility, preferring sandy or sandy loam. Weymouth pine grows better on leached chernozem. Black pine grows worse on lime-poor soil. If there is a lot of sand in the soil, it is recommended to add clay. Soil: sod land, sand or clay (2:1), where lime is needed, add it to the hole 200 - 300 g. Drainage on heavy soils is required, sand or gravel, 20 cm layer. At a young age (up to 5 years) tolerates planting well. Mature trees should be transplanted only with a prepared root system or with a frozen lump.
Top dressing. During planting, nitroammophoska or humus soil is added. During the first two seasons after planting, mineral fertilizers are applied in small quantities: 30 - 40 g / m2. The formation of a thick litter promotes the accumulation of humus.
Watering. Pines are drought-resistant and do not require additional watering. A thick litter of needles retains moisture, only the Rumelian pine is moisture-loving, like spruce. It is recommended to water it 2-4 times per season, 15-20 liters per tree.
Loosening and mulching. Loosening is necessary when the soil is compacted.
Trimming, pruning. The growth of shoots can be slowed down, and the crown can be made denser by trimming parts of annual growth.
Preparing for winter. Young pine trees and decorative forms with delicate needles suffer from winter burns. They can be protected with spruce branches, which are removed in mid-April. The Siberian dwarf pine survives without damage if its branches are bent to the ground for the winter. Mature pines are winter-hardy.
