Ponderosa Pine Fact Sheet
The Ponderosa or Yellow Pine has adapted to thrive under local conditions (soil and climate) found in the Spokane area. They are our most drought-tolerant native conifer and are exceedingly windfirm. Healthy Ponderosas can live 200 years or more and resist most pine bark beetles found in Spokane. - As with all urban landscaping, Ponderosas need maintenance.
- Careful removal of deadwood within the crown of a tree reveals its natural beauty.
- Limiting urban logging of Ponderosa retains the natural landscape of Spokane.
- Mature trees enhance the value of both residential and commercial property.
- Western gall rust and dwarf mistletoe are natural pests and do NOT kill Ponderosas; they do slow growth, which reduces lumber value.
- Ponderosas less than about 100 years old are called Bull Pines and are less valuable as lumber.
- Yellow Pine is the common name for Ponderosas more than around 100 years old, which are highly prized for their lumber value.
- Maturity and decline, are part of the natural lifecycle of a tree.
- Many of Spokane's Ponderosas are less than 100 years old and can live many more years before reaching the decline stage.
- Careless disturbance of the soil near a tree can weaken it, making it more vulnerable to pests and disease.
- Ponderosas are difficult to transplant. Therefore, it is important to encourage natural regeneration where appropriate.
- Although windfirm, removal of trees from a Ponderosa grove leaves newly-exposed trees vulnerable to strong winds.
- Ponderosas are shade intolerant, which is why many of their shaded, interior branches die.
- Pruning should primarily remove dead, diseased or damaged wood.
- Care should be taken to remove green ‘slash' piles that can attract the Ips bark beetle, which kills the tops of healthy Ponderosas, weakening the tree.
- Weakened Ponderosas attract pests; healthy trees resist pests.
- Take a deep breath, get a second opinion before you cut! treelady@cet.com
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