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Pine trees too close #870068

Asked May 25, 2024, 2:22 PM EDT

I have four young ponderosa pines growing in my back yard (see photo). They are all 3-4 feet apart from each other, and their branches higher up are all intermingled. I am thinking of removing the center two trees to give the other two more space to grow. Is this necessary to ensure the trees will be healthy, or will they be fine as is?

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Jim,  It is a good idea to think about mature size in width for spacing.  If you leave them as is, it basically becomes one tree in that the canopy becomes one and the interior trees usually have a lot of needle loss from too much shade. 

I would recommend you remove the two.

Thanks,  Amy Jo   
Amy Jo Detweiler,  Professor and Extension Horticulturist Replied June 01, 2024, 5:32 PM EDT

Thanks. A local Arbor company told me: “The spacing looks okay maybe add some subsidized watering so they're not competing for water. September through May is the best time to do subsidize watering.”

The Question Asker Replied June 01, 2024, 11:12 PM EDT

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