Japanese Pine Tree

The Japanese pine tree, belongs to the genus Pinus from the Pinaceae family. Native to Japan, as the name suggests, this member of the pine family can be found in other South East Asian countries like Korea and China, and some southern parts of Russia. Being a popular ornamental tree, it comes in some popular varieties, namely, the red pine, black pine and the white pine tree.

Japanese Black Pine Tree

The black pine is botanically known as Pinus thunbergii, and is called so because of dark, almost black-colored bark found on mature trees. The tree can grow up to 40 meters in height, in suitable conditions only. An irregular pyramidal tree, the pine's lustrous dark green foliage or needles persist on the tee for nearly three to four years, before shedding. A fast grower, will achieve its optimal height in full sun, and when planted in acidic, rich, moist soils with a pH range of 5 to 6.5. Although, highly tolerant of heat, drought, and strong winds, this tree is susceptible to frost and temperatures below -10° F. The Japanese black pine tree is pest-resistant, but its decline in popularity is caused by soil-borne, root feeding nematodes that make the tree susceptible to clots.

Japanese White Pine Tree

A striking tree, the Japanese white pine, known as Pinus parviflora scientifically, is a medium-sized grower; 25 to 50 feet has a spreading; pyramidal shape with a crown spread of 25 to 50 feet, depending upon the height of the tree. The tree is usually trained within a single leader system, and then allowed to branch when the stem caliper is about a couple of feet and leafless. The Japanese white pine tree has a lighter-colored thinner bark, as compared to other pines. The tree grows in full sun and prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is slightly acidic. This pine is moderately drought-resistant. The pine's wood is weak, and tends to break. Hence it is a good choice to prune young trees to establish a strong structure.

Japanese Red Pine Tree

A multi branching tree, Japanese red pine, also known as Pinus densiflora reaches a height and spread of 30 to 50 feet with an equal crown spread. The tree can be trained with multiple trunks, upright, or with a single showy trunk. The tree prefers a location with full sun and a slightly acidic and well-drained soil. The young bark peels in thin scales to expose a reddish color, but as the tree matures the bark becomes gray. There are a few pests that attack this tree, but the list of pine tree diseases is generally long; needle blight, rusts, Canker diseases, etc. Red pine is widely cultivated in Japan, for both timber and ornamentation. This tree is a regular feature in the classic Japanese gardens.

Caring for this pine begins with growing trees from pine cones, not only as medium to large landscaping trees, but also as bonsai, or miniature trees grown in large garden containers. Adequate watering, pruning, fertilizing and keeping an eye for pests and diseases are essential for proper care.