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Managing red (Norway) pine forests

Quick facts

  • Red pine is common on sandy soils, but it grows best on well-drained sandy to loamy soils.
  • Clear-cutting followed by planting is the most reliable way to regenerate red pine.
  • For wood production, the recommended rotation age for red pine is 60 to 90 years.
  • On most sites, you will want to control shrubs and expose mineral soil.
  • A common spacing for red pine is 7 feet by 7 feet.
Red pine stand

Red (also known as Norway) pine is commonly used for pulpwood to produce high-grade printing and wrapping papers. It is also used for lumber, veneer, pilings, poles, cabin logs and posts.

Red pine stands are generally considered poor habitat for game birds and animals, but bald eagles and many songbirds use old-growth trees as nesting sites.

Growing conditions

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Regenerating red pine

Clear-cutting followed by planting is the most reliable way to regenerate red pine. This is because the tree cannot tolerate shade, and good seed crops only occur at three- to seven-year intervals.

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Intermediate treatments

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Pest management

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Mel Baughman, emeritus Extension forester

Reviewed in 2018

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