evergreen tree
Red Pine: pruning, storm risk and removal
Pinus resinosa. Also called Norway 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.
Red Pine at a glance
| Height | 50-80 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 20-35 ft |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| USDA zones | 2-5 |
| Lifespan | Typically 150-250 years in good conditions |
| Type | Evergreen |
| Native range | Northeastern United States, the Great Lakes region and southeastern Canada, mostly on sandy or well-drained soil |
| Roots | Fairly deep for a pine, with a taproot when young and strong lateral roots on sandy ground. Roots dislike heavy clay, flooding and fill soil piled over them. |
| Wood | Moderately light and resinous with a reddish heartwood. It is used for poles, posts and lumber. As firewood it burns hot but leaves a lot of resin, so it should be dried well and burned in a clean-burning stove or fireplace. |
| Storm risk | mediumThe trunk is tall and straight with good wind firmness on well-drained soil. Heavy snow and ice can break tops and limbs, and trees on wet clay can tip. |
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 red pine
Best time to prune
Late winter or dormant season, when beetles that attack fresh pine cuts are not flying. Remove only dead or damaged branches and keep a single leader.
Avoid pruning
Avoid pruning in spring and early summer, when fresh cuts attract bark beetles. Do not top the tree. Do not remove more than a small share of the live crown at one time.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Plant red pine in full sun in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. It does poorly in wet, heavy clay.
- Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk and avoid piling soil against it.
- Prune in winter and clean up pruned branches, since fresh wood draws beetles in spring.
- If branch tips turn brown and curl, or whole trees fade, have an arborist check for tip blight, beetles or root disease.
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 red pine
- 1Look for pitch tubes, fine sawdust and small round holes. They point to bark beetles.
- 2Check for dead branch tips with short, stunted needles and black spots, which can mean tip blight.
- 3Plan pruning outside the spring flight season for pine beetles. Chip or haul away fresh cuttings.
- 4In plantations, trees often grow in tight rows with weak lower branches. Check overhead for dead hang-ups before you cut.
Removal notes
Mature trees are tall, straight and heavy, with branches only in the upper crown. Crews often work from the top down and use rigging for large sections. Resin gets onto saws and gear. A tree killed by beetles or root rot can have brittle, unpredictable wood.
Wood
Moderately light and resinous with a reddish heartwood. It is used for poles, posts and lumber. As firewood it burns hot but leaves a lot of resin, so it should be dried well and burned in a clean-burning stove or fireplace.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for red 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.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Red Pine: common questions
Why is it called Norway pine?
Early settlers thought it looked like a pine from Norway, but it is a native American tree, not a Norwegian one. It is not related to Norway spruce or Norway maple.
How can I tell red pine from white pine?
Red pine has two needles in each bundle, and the needles are long and snap cleanly when bent. Eastern white pine has five needles in each bundle and the needles are soft and flexible.
How fast does a red pine grow?
At a medium pace, typically 1 to 2 feet a year when young and sited well. It slows with age but can live a long time.
Why are the tips of my red pine turning brown?
A common cause is a fungal tip blight, which kills the new growth. Drought, winter damage and insects can look similar. Collecting a sample for a local extension service is a good next step.
Is red pine a good tree for a yard?
It can be, if you have a large, sunny, well-drained space. It gets very tall and sheds needles and cones. It is not a good choice for a small lot or a wet site.
When should a red pine be removed?
Usually when it is dead or fading from beetles or root rot, leaning with lifted roots, or close to a house or power line. A certified arborist can inspect it and give written advice. Get two or three written quotes.
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