Water Requirements for a Ponderosa Pine Tree

Water

• Tree seedlings in the initial phases of growth require regular irrigation in order to get established. The survival of seedlings is reduced if not watered regularly. The more mature seedlings are able to grow well with limited watering. Water the older trees enough to keep the soil moist as the tree is intolerant of overly wet or flooded sites. Ponderosa pine is tolerant of drought.

Soil

• The majority of pines grow well in sandy, well-drained and slightly acidic soil. Ponderosa pine adapts well to a variety of soil types, including shallow, deep, gravel or clay, but grows best in well-drained, moist soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In its natural habitat at higher elevation the tree is often found growing on bare rock with it roots buried in the crevices. Established trees also tolerate hot and dry conditions.

Description

• Ponderosa pine has a mature height of 100 to 160 feet, occasionally 180 feet or taller, with a trunk diameter of 2 to 4 feet. The growth rate is influenced by cultural conditions like water, soil and temperature. The orangish brown bark grows in large plates and the yellowish green needles are 5 to 10 inches long. The cone color resembles the bark and the size ranges between 3 to 6 inches long and 2 to 4 inches in diameter. The long lived trees typically live for 125 years, but can reach 200.

Uses

• The tree is among the most important sources of lumber species in the Unites States with annual production ranking third after Douglas fir and hem fir. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 1.3 billion board feet of ponderosa pine lumber is obtained from Oregon. The state is the largest supplier of the lumber in the country. Ponderosa pine lumber is most widely used in building construction.