Tending white pine

Maintaining good growth and survival will likely require control of competing weeds and shrubs, and management of the overstory (if present).

Control Competing Vegetation
Grasses and weeds can be controlled through mowing or mulching, or the use of individual "weed control" mats. The goal is to maintain an area about three feet in diameter around the trees that is relatively free of weeds and grasses. Larger plantings may require the use of herbicides. Consult with a forester, or other professional on the kinds, timing and applications methods best suited for your situation. Shrubs can be controlled through hand-cutting or herbicides.

The shade from overstory trees should be maintained at about 40% to 60% (the percentage of the area where direct sunlight hits the ground). If shade is, or becomes too dense, partial overstory release may be necessary. This can be done through the careful selection and removal of some of the overstory trees. Overstory trees can be cut down, or girdled (killed and left standing). Girdling kills the tree, but maintains it within the stand for many years, providing excellent bird habitat.

Bud Caps
White pine buds are a favorite food of deer, and may need some protection to deter deer browsing. This can be done through the use of bud caps. A bud cap is simply a piece of paper wrapped and stapled around the terminal leader and bud of the tree. This protects the terminal bud from deer, yet allows the tree to grow up through the paper during the next growing season. Browsing of lateral (side) branches and buds is usually not detrimental to the health and survival of young white pine.

Bud capping should be done in the fall, before snow covers the ground. Lightweight paper such as computer or typing paper cut into 4" x 6" pieces works well. The paper should be folded in half around the leader to form a sleeve that covers the terminal bud. Staple the paper together using at least three staples, and catching some needles to help hold the paper in place. Bud caps should be reapplied every year until the tree is at least 4 feet tall, and out of easy reach of deer.

Pruning Basics

Careful pruning of white pine limbs helps reduce damage from blister rust and white pine weevil. It also helps trees to grow straighter and produce higher quality wood products. Removal of needles and branches will slow the trees's growth, so you will want to make certain not to remove too many branches at any one time. To maintain adequate growth you should leave two-thirds of the trees' height with branches. You should never remove more than one-third of the crown during a pruning operation. When pruning:

• Use a pruning shears or pruning saw (chain saws are not recommended).
• Do not cut the limbs off flush with the trunk, or leave branch stubs (see diagram below).
• Prune during the tree's dormant season (fall, winter).
• Pruning should continue to a minimum height of nine feet (to 17 feet for lumber production).