Turkish Pine

Turkish Pine (Pinus brutia) is a working tree for hot, dry, exposed ground. It grows to about 15m tall and 8m wide, carrying a broad open crown of long green needles that throws real shade rather than a thin screen. Salt, wind, drought and poor soil all pass it by, which is why it turns up on coastal blocks and inland properties where softer trees give up.

Why you'll love it

• Shade at genuine scale. An 8m spread covers a seating area, a paddock corner or a driveway turning circle in a way small ornamental trees never will.
• Coastal and inland both suit it. Salt tolerant and wind firm, and equally at home in dry Mediterranean and arid districts.
• It does not need good soil. Sandy, rocky and shallow ground is normal for this pine, and it holds together where topsoil is thin.
• Almost no maintenance. It builds its own form, so there is no shaping, staking or feeding regime to keep up with.

Where it works best

Windbreaks and shelter belts. Plant 5m apart in a row. On an exposed block a staggered double row at that spacing filters wind rather than blocking it, which is what protects the planting behind.

Shade trees on acreage. Give it room. At 8m wide it earns its place on a rural block, a large lawn or a paddock corner where stock and machinery need shelter.

Coastal gardens. It handles salt laden wind directly, so it works on the front line of a coastal property where more delicate trees burn off.

Growing Turkish Pine in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, always. It suits Mediterranean, warm temperate, cool temperate and arid or semi arid districts, and it is frost hardy once established. Humid tropical gardens are not its country, and it will be slower and less healthy there.

Soil. Poor, sandy, rocky and alkaline soils are all fine. What it will not accept is waterlogged ground, so avoid low spots that hold water after rain and plant on a rise where drainage is doubtful.

Water and feed. Deep water fortnightly through the first two summers to drive the roots down, then rely on rainfall in most seasons. Feeding is rarely needed and generally not worth the effort on a tree of this toughness.

Pruning. Minimal. Remove lower limbs over time if you want clearance underneath, and take out damaged wood after storms. Never top a pine, because it does not reshoot from bare old wood and the shape does not recover.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold in one size, a 45L advanced tree. That is an established plant with a formed leader and a solid root system, chosen so the tree can hold its own on an exposed site from the first season rather than needing years of protection.

Trees are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost, so freight on a 45L tree is quoted for your address. Expect a season of root establishment before strong height growth, and every tree is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the conifer range
• Compare plants for windbreaks and shelter
• Understanding conifers in the garden
• Plants that cope with a coastal site

Common questions

How much room does it need?

Plan for 8m of width and 15m of height at maturity. Keep it well clear of houses, sheds and overhead lines, which makes it a tree for acreage and larger blocks rather than a suburban courtyard.

Will it grow close to the beach?

Yes. It is salt and wind tolerant and is one of the more reliable large trees for exposed coastal ground, provided the soil drains.

Does it need pruning?

Not for shape. Lift the lower limbs if you want to walk or mow underneath, and otherwise leave it alone.

How fast does it grow?

Fast for a pine once established, particularly in warm dry districts. Deep watering through the first two summers makes the biggest difference to how quickly it takes off.