White Weeping Pine

Trees are beneficial to every landscape, whether they are large or small, or in city or rural areas. Their positive impact on the environment is just as important as their visual appeal when used in a well-planned commercial or home garden design. When situated strategically around your property, trees can help reduce your energy consumption. They provide cooling shade during the hot summer months, which can lower your need for air conditioning or fans.

As winter approaches they filter out harmful UV rays while still allowing natural sunlight to filter in through your windows, therefore increasing the temperatures inside your home and reducing the need to turn the thermostat up. Trees help increase the value of your property when used in a low maintenance and well thought out landscape; this will also attract more potential buyers and make your property a great investment.

Growing White Weeping Pine Trees

The weeping white pine is adaptable to many of the USDA’s plant hardiness zones but is best suited for locations within zones 3 to 8. The weeping white pine is hardy to conditions in Minnesota and even the frequently cold and snowy state of Alaska. Northern parts of Texas and Florida are also suitable for this pine tree. However, locations further south tend to be too warm or humid for it, and should be avoided.

Planting Location

The weeping white pine loves soil that is rich in organic material and will thrive in loam type soils that have a medium level of moisture. In order to avoid root rot you should choose a location that is also well drained. Young trees will benefit from partial shade in the hotter locations but as the tree matures and reaches its tallest height, full sun throughout the entire day is acceptable.

Because of the tree’s ability to reach heights over 15 feet and diameters of 20 feet or more, you will want to situate the tree where it will have plenty of room to grow. As one of the slower growing species it could take up to 20 years for its full size to really show its impressive impact on your garden. As a general rule with trees of this size you will want to avoid planting it under power lines or too close to any kind of building if you plan on training it to grow more upright.

Care and Maintenance

Although the Pendula will require little pruning if left to its own devices, it is tolerant of heavy trimming when needed. Pruning can help prevent over-growth which will allow it to be planted closer to fences or buildings. By staking the tree or using small rope, you can train it to grow upright and away from these obstacles. As this is a pine it is highly susceptible to white pine blister rust which is usually deadly for the tree. Early intervention may prevent irreversible damage so it is important to check your tree regularly. This tree should not be planted in the vicinity of currant or gooseberry bushes.

History and Origins of the White Weeping Pine

Pinus strobus is native to the eastern portion of North America but can be found in the west, throughout Canada, and further south into Georgia. The tree is known to the Native American Iroquois nation as the Tree of Peace and is called the Weymouth Pine in the United Kingdom, where it was first introduced in 1620 by George Weymouth, an English explorer of the area that’s now the state of Maine.

The white pine is a popular tree for cultivars and several have been developed into new shapes; these include smaller dwarf versions and those with a weeping habit, like the Pendula. Pendula is a conical shaped tree with a broad spread – it can reach up to 20 feet in diameter. The weeping white pine tends to grow lower to the ground naturally so it makes a good candidate if you want to cover a large barren space. If you are interested in training the tree to grow upright, at maturity it will reach 15 feet or more.

Pendula has a tall straight trunk, with young branches typically spreading out horizontally before adopting the tree’s natural drooping appearance. As the tree matures the branches form a more irregular shape, accentuating its unique form. Its thickly covered branches are full of long, thin, blue to green-colored needles that are softer than the pine needles you’re probably used to from other species. Because the tree is an evergreen there is very little change in appearance over the autumn and winter months.

Adding Weeping White Pine Trees to Your Garden

If you are looking for a tree that is going to bring a one of a kind appeal to your property, you won’t have to look any further. The Weeping White Pine is a wonderful choice that is guaranteed to add a spark of difference to your space which it might currently be lacking. The Pendula’s irregular growth pattern will provide constant change throughout your generation and many more to come. We invite you to also browse through our complete collection of pine trees for more unique varieties.