Planting White Pines for Privacy

White Pines can be managed to stay relatively medium size (sheared) or very large (natural.

Christmas tree farms shear their White Pines to increase the branch density so the outcome will be a 5-6’ very dense tree which caters to hanging Christmas tree decorations. This branch density will slow down the growth of the trees a great deal, but the tree will maintain the dense shape through its lifespan.

Another choice for growing White Pines is to not share them and let the natural branch density give the tree its shape. These trees tend to grow fairly fast and grow to be eventually 60’ or taller.

Also important to note that White Pines will lose the branches which do not receive any sun exposure. Therefore if full branch coverage at the bottom is desired it is a good idea to give the trees plenty of room to grow.

We would recommend Sheared White Pines to be spaced 10’ apart and Natural White Pines 20-30’ apart. Of course, the further spacing of the trees will delay privacy.

Sheared White Pines on a Christmas Tree Farm waiting to be harvested