Scots pine
Recognizing Scots pine
You recognize Scots pine by:
- Its scaly bark which is thin and orange on the upper trunk
- Its short needles, found twisted in bundles of two
- Its small, brown pointed cones
Ideal sites for Scots pine
Temperatures
Annual average of 4-12°C. It has a temperature range of 70°C and is a heliophilous species.
Rainfall
Annual average between 700-1,300Â mm a year. It can cope with low rainfall for a certain length of time.
Soils
It prefers flinty soils but can grow in acidic, dry or humid areas. It can grow on chalky soils but be aware of the risk of asphyxiation in this case. The Scots pine is a very flexible species.
Root development of the Scots pine
- Well-anchored tap root system.
- Relatively wind resistant.
Growth and production of Scots pine
- Quite slow.
- Production of 3-6Â m3/hectare/year (depending on site).
Scots pine plantation
| Plantation | Spacing | Benefits and drawbacks |
| 1,111-2,500 plants/hectare | 3 x 3 m or 2 x 2 m | |
| Regeneration | Depending on the number of individuals having borne fruit | Rapid, frequent renewal of stems in number. Thinning out is essential. |
Scots pine wood
- Reddish-colored heart and broad sapwood.
- Easy sawing, dries without cracking or deformation.
- Heartwood with good mechanical properties.
- Excellent wood for carpentry, joinery and cabinetwork.
- Also used for poles.
- Trade name: Scots pine
HEALTH
Economic view
Pine could well be the wood with the highest number of applications.
Given its wide availability, valuable mechanical properties, low density and decorative appeal, pine is a classic timber species.
It can be used in a wide range of applications for building or for decoration.