Hardiness:
Zone 6 (-10 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit)
Thrives in desert heat, drought & wind. Also good at the seashore. Tolerates poor soils, difficult arid climates.

Native to:
Afghanistan, Pakistan & Southern Russia

Drought tolerant:
Excellent once established.

Growth Habits:
Shapely tree with wide spacing between branches. Stiff long dark green needles at maturity. Grows in most hot, dry climates as well as tolerating colder climates.

Rate of Growth:
Moderate to fast, especially in youth. 30' to 80' at maturity

Root System:
Deep rooted

More Common Pests:
Bark Aphid, Mites

To control the more common pests:
Apply an Ultra Fine Spray Oil such as "Sunspray"

Watering while in the container:
Do not allow the soil to dry out. Keep moist by watering daily. Water enough for drainage through the bottom drain holes. Misting does not provide enough moisture to be a benefit.

Watering while in the ground:
Unlike container watering the ground holds the water better. You do not need to water as much in the winter months (once every 2-3 days) and when the summer heat is on , once and if real hot twice a day, but do not get the roots soggy or the tree will die from the top down. (It is recommended to place pipes or a gravel pack under the tree so the lower roots get moisture).

Fertilizer:
Use a general-purpose fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3/1/2. Apply as instructed on the package, normally in the spring and the fall.

Pruning:
Using hand or hedge shears keep pruned to the desired shape. Prune in May and in September.

Pest Control:
Use the appropriate insecticide for the pests that you are treating for, following the instructions on the container. Only use insecticides when needed.

Sun:
Pines require full sun.

Transplanting to the Ground:
Plant using a good sandy loam soil mixture mixed ½ and ½ with native soil. Prepare a hole twice as large as the rootball, loosen bottom soil and plant so that the top of the rootball is level with the existing ground level. The root system needs air and this is supplied by the surface roots. Immediately after planting, water well, then follow the above watering instructions until the roots have spread (approximately 1 month). Slowly begin to increase the length of time between waterings to once per week. Remember to water deeply to encourage the roots to grow downward.

Transplanting to another container:
When transplanting to another container use the next largest size. Select a container that has drain holes. Plant using good sandy loam soil mixture. Do not plant the root ball any deeper that it is planted in the current container. The root system needs air and this is supplied by the surface roots. Water tree well, immediately after planting, then follow the above watering instructions of keeping the soil moist by watering daily.

Hardiness:
To protect trees from colder temperatures than what is recommended through "Sunset Garden Book", an anti-transpirant may be applied to help the tree tolerate temperatures of 3 degrees lower than they might otherwise.