evergreen tree
Loblolly Pine: pruning, storm risk and removal
Pinus taeda. Also called Oldfield pine, North Carolina pine.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Loblolly Pine at a glance
| Height | 60-90 ft, sometimes taller |
|---|---|
| Spread | 20-40 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 6-9 |
| Lifespan | typically 100-150 years |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Southeastern United States, from southern New Jersey and Maryland south to central Florida and west to east Texas. |
| Roots | A taproot when young, then mostly shallow lateral roots that spread wide. Trees on wet or compacted soil can tip over in storms. |
| Wood | Softwood with plenty of resin. It is the main southern timber species. Firewood from pine burns fast and leaves resin in chimneys, so it is best mixed with hardwood. |
| Storm risk | highTall, with a heavy crown and fairly shallow roots in wet soil. Hurricane winds, ice and saturated ground often bring down or snap loblollies, and weakened pines draw pine beetles. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a loblolly pine
Best time to prune
Remove dead lower branches any time. Do not remove more than a third of the live crown.
Avoid pruning
Avoid heavy pruning and topping; pines do not regrow from bare wood. Avoid pruning during bark beetle season when fresh cuts may attract beetles.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Keep lawn equipment, digging and parking away from the roots.
- Watch for pitch tubes on the trunk, yellowing or browning needles; they can mean beetle attack.
- Prune off dead lower limbs and remove dead trees before storms.
- Do not plant too close to a house; these trees get tall.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on loblolly pine
- 1Dead or beetle-killed pines can be brittle and drop limbs without warning.
- 2Check the root plate and soil heave on leaning trees after storms.
- 3Needles usually come in bundles of three and are long, typically 6 to 9 inches.
- 4Stressed or damaged pines can attract bark beetles, so check nearby weak pines too.
Removal notes
Tall pines near homes are often taken down in sections. Dead pines are brittle and need extra care. Resin makes cutting messy. Get a quote.
Wood
Softwood with plenty of resin. It is the main southern timber species. Firewood from pine burns fast and leaves resin in chimneys, so it is best mixed with hardwood.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for loblolly pine
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where loblolly pine grows
Native range: Southeastern United States, from southern New Jersey and Maryland south to central Florida and west to east Texas.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Loblolly Pine: common questions
How fast does a loblolly pine grow?
It is fast growing, often 2 feet or more a year when young. That speed is one reason it is planted for timber.
Why do loblolly pines fall in storms?
They are tall and shallow-rooted, especially in wet soil. High wind can snap the trunk or tip the whole tree.
What are the signs of southern pine beetle?
Look for small pitch tubes on the bark, sawdust-like frass, and needles turning yellow then red. Call an arborist or your state forestry office quickly.
How can I tell loblolly from slash pine?
Loblolly needles usually come in bundles of three and are about 6 to 9 inches long. Slash pine needles are longer, often in twos and threes. Cones differ too.
Is loblolly pine good for firewood?
It burns, but it is resinous and burns fast. It is better mixed with hardwood and should be well dried.
Should I remove a leaning pine?
A tree leaning after a storm, with soil heaved up at the base, can be dangerous. Keep clear of it and have a certified arborist look at it.
More trees in the same regions
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