The Pine tree, though very important in the landscape industry, is far more important to the timber and paper industries. This member of the Pinaceae family is distributed far and wide, through North America and Central America, Europe, Asia and Northern Africa; from USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 1 all the way to Zone 11 can be found a variety of Pine.
When young these trees most often have a regular growing habit and symmetry, but as they get very large they can become very irregular in shape. Many find this an endearing trait of the Pine, making it a good specimen plant for large areas. As a functional plant they can become excellent windbreaks as well.
While good loamy growing conditions are preferred, they are not required by the Pine tree. They also have a preference for very well-drained or dry soils, and some can grow as large as 100' in height. Most prefer full sun exposure, but many can survive with partial shade. Foliage can consist of long, stiff needles, or very soft, flexible ones, with colors ranging from dark green to light green, yellow and glaucus (blue-green).