Saplings in Pine Straw Beds
The pine is the state tree of North Carolina, and plays an important role in our ecosystem, economy, and even the state toast - “here’s to the land of the longleaf pine…”.
Needles to say, there are a lot of pines to be found in the Triangle. Many communities are adjacent to pine forests, maintain natural pine areas, or opt for pine straw as a weed suppressant and affordable alternative to wood mulch.
It’s common to see small pine trees growing in straw in the springtime, shortly after being laid in beds. This could be for a few reasons…there may have been seeds in the pine straw that were ready to germinate, or seeds may have shown up through natural means like wind, birds, etc. We see them in other places too, like wood mulch, grass, or unmaintained areas.
This growth may look prolific, but it is not of concern. Through the course of regular maintenance, the small saplings will be cut down with “weed whackers”, sprayed with other weeds, eaten by animals looking for tender growth, or die off in the late spring heat. It’s a tough life for a baby pine tree!
If the young trees do in fact survive a season, it’s extremely rare that they will grow into an established tree. What you are seeing is the “grass stage” of the tree’s life cycle, and this particular stage can last up to 7 years! Meaning you will not see continued growth, and the select few pines that made it through their first year will likely not make it through the second (let alone seven).
Resources: