evergreen tree
Pinyon Pine: pruning, storm risk and removal
Pinus edulis. Also called Colorado pinyon, Pinon pine, Two-needle pinyon.
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.
Pinyon Pine at a glance
| Height | 10-35 ft, sometimes taller |
|---|---|
| Spread | 10-25 ft |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| USDA zones | 4-8 |
| Lifespan | Typically 150-400 years, some live much longer |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Dry foothills and mesas of the Southwest and southern Rocky Mountains, mainly Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, often growing with juniper |
| Roots | A deep taproot when young, then a wide and fairly shallow root system that reaches far for water. The tree dislikes wet soil and soil that has been dug up or packed down. |
| Wood | Hard, resinous and aromatic. It burns hot with a pleasant smell and is a favorite for fireplaces in the Southwest. The tree also makes edible pine nuts in good seed years. |
| Storm risk | lowIt is a short, dense tree with strong wood, so wind and snow rarely break large pieces. Drought-stressed trees can lose limbs, and dead trees from beetle attack can fall without warning. |
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 pinyon pine
Best time to prune
Late fall through winter while the tree is dormant, which also keeps beetles away from fresh cuts. Pine needs very little pruning. Remove only dead, broken or rubbing branches.
Avoid pruning
Avoid pruning in spring and summer when pine engraver beetles are flying and fresh cuts give off scent. Do not top the tree or cut into bare, needle-free wood, because pinyon rarely grows new buds there.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Do not overwater. Pinyon is a dry-country tree, and lawn sprinklers hitting the root zone can cause root rot.
- Give a stressed tree a slow, deep drink every few weeks in long dry spells. Water well away from the trunk.
- Keep digging, trenching, fill dirt and paving out from under the branches. Roots are easy to hurt.
- If needles turn reddish-brown in a few weeks and you see small pitch tubes or fine sawdust on the bark, call an arborist right away.
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 pinyon pine
- 1Check for pitch tubes, boring dust and red needles before you quote. Dead beetle trees are brittle.
- 2Prune in the cool dormant season where local guidance advises it, and chip or haul the slash promptly so beetles have less wood to breed in.
- 3Wear eye protection. Dry dead branches can snap without warning, and resin can spray from cuts.
- 4Ask the customer whether they want the wood kept. Pinyon firewood is popular in the Southwest.
Removal notes
Most pinyons are small, so many can be taken down in sections with a climber or a small lift. Beetle-killed trees dry out and the wood gets brittle, so expect dead limbs and check the top before climbing. Resin gums up saws and chippers. In dry fire country, ask about local rules on burning and on moving firewood.
Wood
Hard, resinous and aromatic. It burns hot with a pleasant smell and is a favorite for fireplaces in the Southwest. The tree also makes edible pine nuts in good seed years.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for pinyon 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 pinyon pine grows
Native range: Dry foothills and mesas of the Southwest and southern Rocky Mountains, mainly Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, often growing with juniper
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
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Pinyon Pine: common questions
How fast does a pinyon pine grow?
Slowly. A young tree typically adds only several inches to about a foot a year, and a landscape tree may take decades to reach 20 feet. In return it lives a very long time.
Why is my pinyon pine turning brown?
Common causes are drought, too much water, root damage and bark beetle attack. If the whole tree fades fast and the bark has pitch tubes or fine dust, beetles are likely. An arborist or your local extension office can help sort it out.
Can I eat the nuts from my pinyon?
Yes. The seeds in the cones are the edible pine nuts. Trees make good crops only in some years, and it may take many years before a young tree makes cones.
When should I prune a pinyon pine?
Usually in late fall or winter when beetles are inactive. Keep cuts small and few. Check with your local extension service for the safest months in your area.
Does pinyon pine need a lot of water?
No. Once established it handles dry weather well. Deep, infrequent watering during long droughts is better than frequent light watering.
When should a pinyon pine be removed?
When it is dead, mostly brown, leaning with lifted roots, or too close to a home in fire country. A certified arborist can inspect it and give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
More trees in the same regions
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