Planting and Caring for Pinyon

Pinyon may be a little difficult to grow, but it’s not impossible to raise these fragrant and beautifully gnarled pines.

They make an absolutely beautiful addition to any garden, but have significantly different requirements than many other plants.

First, be aware that pinyons are a native to southwestern and western North America. These are extemely arid and, in some cases, desert areas. The U. S. Department of Agriculture reports their range to include California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. They also exist abundantly in northern Mexico.

Pinyon’s most common environment is semi-arid areas, which receive a great deal of wind and sun.

Pinyon Seedlings – As hardy as pinyons are, seedlings need a little help if they are to survive.

Protect from Sun – Mature pinyons love sun, but the seedlings don’t. Plant the seedlings in filtered shade. Putting them on the north or east side of a structure (building, hill, ravine) is almost as good, because they will receive less sun from those directions.

Keep Clean

Remove any leaf litter that may accumulate on the seedlings.

Protect from Animal Damage

Place a wire cage over each seedling. This will protect them from chipmunks, mule deer, porcupines or other hungry animals.

Berms

Put a berm around each seedling to act as a water basin. The berm should be a foot or so in diameter and four to five inches deep.

Water Regularly

Water the seedlings regularly before transplanting. This is necessary to get them established. Deep watering once a week or whenever the soil around them is dry to the touch should be adequate. Do this for a year. (Yes, it takes that long to get them established.)

However, when you plant seedlings, think about their water needs (or lack of water need) after they become established. Once they become established, discontinue watering.

Well-Drained Soils

Also, if planting pinyons in heavy clay soils, remember that water does not percolate well through heavy clay. In this type of environment, water will accumulate around the roots and damage or kill the plant. Add sand or compost to the backfill soil to break up the clay. The intention here is to increase drainage, not to add nutrients.

Away from Gutters

Make sure they are not planted near gutters, canals and downspouts, because when it does rain, the rushing water may severely damage the plant.

Adult pinyon pines are adapted to areas which receive 10 – 15 inches of precipitation a year. This means that they do best in well-drained soils, with a minimum of water. It’s not a good idea to plant them alongside other plants, which have higher irrigation requirements.

Pinyons (even small seedlings) are impervious to frost, and, once established, need very little water.

Remember that once established, they are xerophytic and will not tolerate a lot of water or regular irrigation.

Pinyons can reach 25 to 30 feet in height in ideal conditions. However, they are extremely slow-growing trees.

Here are some related articles:

Pinyon – The Edible Pine

Pinyon for The Holidays