Why Plant Ponderosa Pine?
The Ponderosa Pine Tree was named by a Scottish botanist due to its heavy wood. The word ponderous means “slow and clumsy because of weight” which is where Ponderosa comes from. This man's name was David Douglas. The Ponderosa Pine tree was also utilized by the Native people of the land for many reasons. They used the pitch to make an adhesive for building, needles were used to make teas, and in the summer dried bark would be utilized as a sweet treat. Lastly you know the canoes Lewis and Clark used on their expedition that's right they were made from the wood of the Ponderosa Pine. Steeped in American history, this tree is just as grandiose as its size. Growing anywhere from 60-100’ tall and spanning 25-30’ wide this tree enjoys larger, more open spaces. When in its youth the bark of the Ponderosa Pine tree shows a deep reddish brown color and as it matures lightens to a yellow brown color. The bark as it ages does provide a slight fragrance up close reminiscent of cinnamon or butterscotch, however that is for you to decide. These trees sport a lovely green needle that lasts all year long seeing as it is an evergreen. Pine cones will form in the later years offering a light brown color and providing food for wildlife.
How to use Ponderosa Pine in the landscape?
Not only does this tree offer adaptability and tolerance across the board, this stately giant is native to our own homeland. The Ponderosa Pine Tree grows to immaculate heights when given free reign of its own future, some topping out at almost 250’ tall. This behemoth not only makes for a great windbreak on properties with wide open spaces but is called home by many wildlife creatures. The pine cones often produce seeds which feed an array of animals including Nuthatches, Crossbills, and many more. Another interesting perk of the Ponderosa Pine Tree is the fragrant bark to which some say smell like cinnamon and others say smells like butterscotch. Buy one for yourself and let us know what you smell.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-7
How To Plant Ponderosa Pine
Are you considering planting a Ponderosa Pine Tree in your landscape? Here are just a few requirements this tree needs to thrive. First consider sun exposure, the Ponderosa Pine tree thrives best in locations that provide full sun. Partial shade is also an option, however this may cause your tree's needles to be weaker and turn yellow faster. Next let's take a peek at soil conditions. The Ponderosa Pine tree offers amazing adaptable qualities when considering what soil will be best. These trees will thrive when planted in locations that provide well draining soil that is rich in nutrients, however this tree as stated is adaptable and can even grow in barren landscapes. If you so choose you may have your soil tested and amend it as necessary.
How To Water
Watering your Ponderosa Pine Tree is simple. We recommend watering at a minimum of twice a week until your tree becomes established. Once establishment occurs you may reduce the amount of watering to once a week or when needed. These trees do offer drought tolerance, however for the health of your tree we advise keeping an eye on the soil and watering when it gets to dry. It would be wise to keep an eye on your local weather and water as needed during periods of inclement weather such as high heat and drought.
How To Fertilize
Your Ponderosa Pine Tree is going to enjoy feeding every now and then. This is a simple process that starts at planting. We recommend incorporating fertilizer to the planting site, simply mix the fertilizer in with the soil and plant your tree. This will be the first of many feedings. If you are planting in the spring, your next addition of fertilizer should be in the fall just before winter. If you planted in the fall the following spring is the perfect time to fertilize just before the push of new growth. Keep this schedule in mind and you will enjoy a Pine tree that is happy and healthy.
How To Prune
The Ponderosa Pine Tree is relatively low maintenance. You may remove any dead or damaged branches at any time of the year, this will allow for proper airflow and prevent further damage to other branches. You may also shear this tree in its later years to maintain its shape. This process should take place in late winter when the growth of the tree has slowed down, this will help prevent your Ponderosa Pine Tree from contracting any ailments.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
