How to Grow a Japanese Black Pine
The Japanese black pine is a distinct pine that stands out in the Pinus family. This densely foliated evergreen produces deep dark green needles that often are so dark they appear black. The Japanese black pine tree reaches mature heights up to 35 feet with a spread that can easily exceed its height. With a high drought tolerance and a medium growth rate, the Japanese black pine is easily cultivated.
Select a fertile, well-drained planting location for your Japanese black pine. Choose a location that provides at least eight hours of full, direct sunlight. Ensure that the location is away from power lines and other overhead obstructions.
- The Japanese black pine is a distinct pine that stands out in the Pinus family.
- With a high drought tolerance and a medium growth rate, the Japanese black pine is easily cultivated.
Dig up the planting location to loosen any compacted soil. Remove weeds and other vegetation from the area to prevent competition with the pine. Make sure to remove the roots of weeds to prevent regrowth.
Dig a hole for your Japanese black pine. Create a hole with a width that is about twice the spread of the root system. Dig the depth of the hole so that the uppermost roots of the system (root flare zone) rests above soil level, as explained by Tree USA. Position the black pine in the center of the hole and gently spread out the roots. Fill the hole with soil to ensure that all of the tree’s roots are covered, except the root ball itself.
- Dig up the planting location to loosen any compacted soil.
- Fill the hole with soil to ensure that all of the tree’s roots are covered, except the root ball itself.
Apply a thin, 1-inch layer of mulch over the root ball. Keep the mulch about a foot away from the trunk to prevent root burn and rot. Line the diameter of the tree with a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch to promote soil moisture.
Irrigate your Japanese black pine tree regularly to promote good establishment. Allow your tree up to a year to establish itself. Irrigate only the root ball of your pine until it is moist but not saturated, as explained by Tree USA. Adjust your irrigation schedule for periods of drought and rainfall.
- Apply a thin, 1-inch layer of mulch over the root ball.
- Line the diameter of the tree with a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch to promote soil moisture.
Prune your Japanese black pine after it has established. Prune your black pine in the fall, as recommended by Japanese Gardening. Use sharp, sterile pruning shears to remove dead or damaged branches. Thin out old, interior branches and stems to increase light penetration and air circulation throughout the tree. Develop the desired shape and presence of your Japanese black pine over the course of many seasons to prevent growth stunt and dieback.
Fertilize your Japanese black pine tree in mid- to late spring, as recommended by the Online Gardener. Use a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 combination. Follow the instructions carefully to prevent root burn. Irrigate the fertilizer thoroughly into the soil.
- Prune your Japanese black pine after it has established.
- Prune your black pine in the fall, as recommended by Japanese Gardening.
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Writing professionally since 2004, Charmayne Smith focuses on corporate materials such as training manuals, business plans, grant applications and technical manuals. Smith's articles have appeared in the "Houston Chronicle" and on various websites, drawing on her extensive experience in corporate management and property/casualty insurance.
