The Scots Pine is our only native conifer to be grown commercially
for timber. This tree has a large, long, conical trunk which spreads
into a broad domed crown (maybe better indicating on the picture). The heavy and
short branches grow outwards from the trunk. The shape is very distinct
where the growth is slower; usually at higher altitudes or on poorer soils.
The Scots Pine can then take on a squashed and weather beaten look.
Age and size
It can grow up to 36 metres tall and 1.5 metres around the trunk. Some are
over 300 years old.
Bark
Young trees have grey / green bark. This turns orange or reddish and
develops fissures as tree get older. The colour is very noticeable at the
top.
Leaves
Are long, thin blue / green needles that grow in
pairs.
Seeds
Cones are egg shaped with a point. They have woody scales
that protect seeds inside.
Spring
Winged seeds are released as cone scales open.
Connected spheres of pollen from male flowers fertilise female flowers.
You can often find heaps of pollen in hollows on the ground.
Summer
Fertilised flowers form green cones.
The winged seeds inside takes
18 months or 3 years to ripen. Autumn
Cones turn brown.
Where and how does the Scots Pine grow?
Roots of the Scots Pine can develop as deep taproots or as a shallow root
system. This means it is very adaptable and can thrive in poor dry soils
and at higher elevations. These qualities and the fact that it is also a good
timber tree resulted in big plantations in the drier south-eastern parts of
England e.g. Thetford Forest and the New Forest. It is a popular tree for
planting on open and poor industrial sites because it can survive on poor soils.
Wildlife and the Scots Pine
The Scots Pine is excellent for wildlife. Lichens and insects grow around
and in the cracks on the trunk. You may find Stump lichen, the Narrow
headed ant and the Scottish wood ant in some of our native pine woods.
Birds such as the Siskin, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Great Crested tit and Crossbill can feed well around a Scots Pine. In Scotland the Wryneck and Capercaille can be found living in some pinewoods.
The level branches make good nesting places for birds of prey such as the
Golden Eagle, Osprey and Goshawk.
Red Squirrels are particularly fond of the
cones and seeds of the Scots Pine.
Timber
The timber is known as “redwood” or “red deal”. It is easy to work with
and is a reasonably strong timber with a light weight. When treated with
preservatives it is durable outside. The greatest appeal is the finish of the
wood which is an attractive yellow / red colour.
Uses of the wood today
It is used in many parts of the home including roof timbers, stairs,
doorways and skirting. It looks attractive and is popular for
making furniture. Also telegraph poles, fences and paper pulp. It makes
good firewood with a nice smell. It is still used in some parts of the
country for pit props in mines.
Old uses - This is a good tree for
being in contact with water. So in the past it was used to make ships,
ship masts and water wheels. The resin from the bark was used to make tar and
turpentine. Another product was charcoal.
