What Type of Pine Trees Grow in Georgia?

Pine trees are evergreen, coniferous trees that belong to the family Pinaceae and the genus Pinus. They grow from 3 to over 100 feet tall and range in color from light to dark green.

Ten species of pine trees grow throughout the state of Georgia, including the eastern white, loblolly, longleaf, pitch, pond, shortleaf, slash, spruce, table mountain and Virginia pines.

Pine trees vary in shape and size, but all species of pine have a roughly conical shape. The lower branches are broad and long, and the highest branches are thin and short, creating the almost triangular appearance. The bark is usually thick and rough; the leaves are generally needlelike to reduce water loss.

Pine trees are native to the Northern Hemisphere and prefer temperate climates with full sun. The simplistic design of the pine tree gives it the ability to retain water, allowing the pine to survive drought periods. Pines can be found in various habitats, ranging from marshy, swamplike regions through high mountainous regions.

Pine trees are hardy plants that have varied uses in the wild and for domestic purposes. In the wilderness they are a source of food for animals and humans alike. Domestically they are used in landscape gardening as well as being farmed for their quick growing wood for use in varied lumber industries.