It is also quite an attractive pine in the landscape.
The bark on a mature tree consists of dark brown or gray furrowed plates.
In rare cases, Austrian pines can grow over 100 feet tall.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Austrian pine has the same cultural needs as most other pine species.
It will do well in a sunny location with rich, well-draining soil.
Be aware that this pine has some serious drawbacks for many regions of the country.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Cool, dark areas, particularly on lower branches, can develope fungal issues without the full sun.
However, it thrives best in deep, moist soil that drains well.
It has a better tolerance for alkaline soil than most pines.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Water
Water new treesregularly for the first year and during dry periods for the first three years.
Once established, Austrian pines are fairly drought-tolerant.
Fertilizer
Feeding is not required for this tree.
How to Grow Austrian Pine From Seed
Austrian pines are propagated by seeds found inside the cones.
A heavy clay pot is best, as it will resist tipping.
confirm the container has good drainage holes, and use a good-quality peat-based potting mix.
Adding perlite or vermiculite will help the soil’s porosity.
Slowly water until the potting mix is fully saturated.
Avoid heavy fertilizing, though, as this can make the tree grow too fast.
Pine trees generally grow well with confined roots, so repotting won’t be a frequent task.
Young trees will benefit from a thick layer of dry mulch placed over the root zone for winter.
If the fall has been dry, water thoroughly in the fall to prevent desiccation over the winter months.
Another option is the bury the container in the ground up to the rim for the winter months.
Left above ground and unprotected, a potted tree’s roots may die.
Remove affected branches as you spot them.
Spraying with fungicide may slow the spread, but once infected, it is hard to save a tree.
Insect pests include the European pine sawfly, weevils, and Zimmerman pine moth.
The tree is also frequently damaged by yellow-bellied sapsuckers feeding on the many insects that infest it.
Spraying with horticultural oil may lessen insect damage, though this is difficult with a large established tree.
Prune away dead branches as you spot them.
With young trees, shake off heavy snow from the branches to reduce weight.
Pinus nigrais popular as a specimen tree and for windbreaks.
Its spreading canopy also makes it one of the better shade trees among the pines.
The main appeal of Austrian pine is its good performance in urban conditions and problem soils.
It has attractive exfoliating bark that resembles that of a sycamore tree.
Pinus nigra.North Carolina State Extension.
North Carolina State Extension.
