Three Types Of Pine Trees That Will Tolerate Wet Soil

Most pine trees grow best in somewhat dry soils. Luckily, there are a few varieties that will tolerate some flooding and moisture. If your yard gets pretty wet and you want to add pine trees to your landscape, consider planting one of these moisture-tolerant varieties.

Loblolly Pine

This pine tree grows best in humid, hot climates. It is commonly found along flood plains and on the banks of rivers, meaning that it tolerates wet soils. However, it will not thrive in an overly waterlogged site. The loblolly pine can reach about 100 feet in height. It is known for its long, eyelash-like needles that appear in clusters of three, and for its large, prickly pine cones. Many birds, including morning doves, robins, and osprey, like to nest in loblolly pine trees.

Shore Pine

Shore pines can adapt to most any soil type, from wet to dry, though they do require full sunlight to thrive. If you're looking for a smaller pine tree, this one is a good choice since it only reaches about 40 feet in height. Make sure you leave plenty of room to the sides of the tree, however, as they grow to about 30 feet wide. Shore pines have a rounded shape and their needles are short and flat. They develop clusters of small cones that are about 1 - 2 inches long. Squirrels and songbirds are attracted to the pine nuts of the shore pine.

Black Spruce Pine

If your soil is not only wet, but boggy and completely flooded from time to time, then opt for a black spruce. This hardy pine tree is incredibly tolerant of wet conditions. It reaches about 65 feet in height and has short, blue-green needles. Its cones are small with a purple tint, and they remain on the tree for several years before falling. Black spruce trees are slow-growing, and they have a thin, scaly bark. They are known for attracting wildlife, such as birds and muskrats. If you live in an area where moose are common, black spruce trees are likely to attract them.

Just because you have a moist yard does not mean you can't enjoy the beauty of pine trees. Talk to your landscape designer about including one or more of these moisture-tolerant trees in your yard. Planting a line of them along the edge of your property is a good way to create a wind and privacy barrier, and even adding one in the corner of your yard creates character.

To learn more, contact a company like Darrel Emel's Tree Service with any questions or concerns you have.

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