How close can you build next to large white pine trees?
Isabella Wilcox
4 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (28)
Related Discussions
Vegetable Gardens close to large pine trees
Comments (1)The only problem I'd worry about is that tree invading your veg garden with its roots. How close are we talking about? Tree roots can be a major nuisance in prepared soil beds, so much so that you have to fight them off on a regular basis. They can be surprisingly invasive, fast growing, and cover every square inch of your garden with a fibrous network of life-sucking roots. I've had this problem before with Birch trees, I don't know if Pines are better behaved. One of my compost bins is twenty feet from a Cedar tree, and that tree's roots grow up thru the bin like you wouldn't believe....See MoreLarge white pine: effectiveness of reducing crown?
Comments (12)The photos show the typical multiple leaders that have resulted from attacks by the pine tip moth or pine weevil. This is the charactristic growth pattern of white pines throughout New England. They are not past their prime in the sense that they are nearing the end of their natural life span. Selective cutting back of the tops so that the trees are reduced to a single leader can be done, but it would be an ongoing process. Especially if the pines are growing in sandy soil, there is some danger that the dense growth at the top will provide so much wind resistance that the trees can be levered out of the ground. Very strong winds have the potential to break off the tree along the trunk for the same reason. Like most white pines, especially those that are planted too close together, these are already filled with dead wood because lower branches are shaded out as the tree grows. This also creates a hazard - they're not called "widow makers" for no reason - if the trees are close to the house. Topping is rarely a good practice, but in this case you've been given good advice by the tree service. The pines will not look radically different after some of the tops are cut out and will be less prone to storm breakage. Removing some of the trees and having the dead wood pruned out on those left might be an alternative to removing all of them....See MoreHow close can trees be to new construction?
Comments (15)We have overhead utilities lines running by our properties. The co-op now and then cruises around marking "dangerous tress" concerning those lines. On the latest campaign over the summer, none of our trees were marked. If they fall trees on your property, you have the option of keeping them for firewod. Getting towards the fall and the end of tree cutting season, they convienently took another "survey" of the area and cut down six of our trees and didn't bother leaving us the trees for firewood, which in writing was originally agreed should they determine any trees would be cut down. When we approached them about it, they said there was nothing they would do to make up for the lack of leaving the trees for firewood despite us being pissed about them removing the trees. They were obviously digging up more work for themselves as it was late in the season. Nice, eh?...See MoreRemove 3 very large Eastern White Pines?
Comments (6)Ken, I measured those diameters (via circumference first) and distances myself. Heights are by comparing to height of my house. All thank you very much for the comments. I like these pines very much, especially because of their foliage. Their shade is beneficial to my hostas. I noticed that damage occurs mainly through ice storms, with large branches falling next to their trunks. I have them now for 30 years and had them originally topped, because I was not used to have high trees. Driving around my area I see very tall not topped pines, and those would worry me now too. Yes, topping creates several thin new leaders, which might have a tendency to break off, is not advised. Considering that they are already 150 years, they can live here another 10 years before I have to think about it again. They are also situated with other large trees, mostly maples in neighbors lots, so they do not experience full force of winds. Gardengal and Maackia thanks telling about your good experience with tall conifers!...See MoreMark Bischak, Architect
4 years agobooty bums
4 years agobeesneeds
4 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
4 years agoIsabella Wilcox
4 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years agomillworkman
4 years agokatinparadise
4 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
4 years agogardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years agowhaas_5a
4 years agoMark Bischak, Architect
4 years agosuezbell
4 years agowhaas_5a
4 years agovalster53
4 years agoJulie
4 years agoJ Letz
4 years agoYardvaark
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agobeesneeds
4 years agoBlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA
4 years agoUser
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoLindy Edwards
4 years agoUser
4 years ago
Related Stories
CHRISTMASBuild a Refreshingly Alternative Plywood Christmas Tree
Let others have their traditional pine. This wooden version you make yourself celebrates modern DIY style
Full StoryHOLIDAYS10 Ways Your Christmas Tree Can Live On After the Holidays
Learn how to recycle your Christmas tree and reap benefits for the environment
Full StoryMY HOUZZSoothing Blues and Whites in a Virginia New Build
Clean coastal-inspired style, statement wallpaper and custom woodwork mark the home of a decorator and a contractor
Full StoryKITCHEN OF THE WEEKKitchen of the Week: A Storage-Savvy White Kitchen in the Trees
A smart layout and space-saving storage make this Canadian kitchen feel larger than it is
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHow You Can Rejuvenate Your Citrus Trees This Winter
Give citrus trees a fresh start with these simple tips, and enjoy their abundant fruit and beauty
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESTree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them
Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action
Full StoryMOST POPULARMust-Try Color Combo: White With Warm Off-White
Avoid going too traditional and too clean by introducing an off-white palette that brings a touch of warmth and elegance
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHow to Keep Your White Kitchen White
Sure, white kitchens are beautiful — when they’re sparkling clean. Here’s how to keep them that way
Full StoryCONTRACTOR TIPSBuilding Permits: What to Know About Green Building and Energy Codes
In Part 4 of our series examining the residential permit process, we review typical green building and energy code requirements
Full StoryTHE POLITE HOUSEThe Polite House: What Can I Do About My Neighbors’ Trash Cans?
If you’re tired of staring at unsightly garbage way before pickup day, it’s time to have some tough conversations
Full Story
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)