Actually, I think they were shorter. I looked on the web last night after reading on GW that it may be Lobolly and found other possibilities. I thought it may be Ponderosa until I discovered they grow primarily in the north west. Then I wondered if it was Pinus echinata, the Short Leaf Pine. The bark certainly looks similar and the bark is why I liked it so much. Since I'm also trying get my hands on Long Leaf Pine, I guess the next step will be a search for the SC Forestry Service. Thanks again for the help! Sandi Here is a link that might be useful: Short Leaf Pine

Thanks for the many responses, I really appreciate it. smivies is probably right on the Bishop's Pine front. I too was thinking that one might be a bit too specific to turn up in a garden. The tree was quite possibly topped and hacked about by my father-in-law in the previous couple of years, but I can't be sure. Oh and we're bordering on zones 7 and 8 where this tree is located (south eastern Denmark). This post was edited by LoggyMcChopperson on Thu, Aug 14, 14 at 18:13

If they've already cracked slightly open, then wetting and redrying will open them fully. If they're still tightly closed, then put them in front of a hot air fan heater until they crack open (anything from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the strength of the heat), and then wet-and-dry as above. If the cone wasn't fully ripe when picked (suspect this may apply to 'E'), then it won't be openable at all easily; boiling in water for a couple of minutes can sometimes work. Resin

I agree with Logan that a Norway Spruce would be more attractive...in about 15 years. Then a few years down the road it would outgrow the spot. It's not what I would have put in that spot...but that is always the dilemma. The trees the previous owners planted may not be what you would have chosen, but age and size give them a majesty that nothing you plant will have for a couple decades at least. If everyone gets rid of the older trees that aren't perfect as soon as they move in, then a few years later sells the place to someone who does the same thing, you are left with nothing but twee shrubs. (And I *HATE* shrubs). If you wanted to limb the tree up to let in more light I might be with you, but I don't think it will make maintenance easier. Are bark beetles, wind, ice storms, or really big snow loads a problem in your area? If so, limbing the tree up could put it's health in danger. Otherwise it is an aesthetic choice. (Red and Austrian pine are vulnerable to bark beetles that can be attracted to pruning injuries, having lower branches that go to the ground can help a tree support the weight of snow, both regional problems.)