Native pines of the Georgia Mountains
By CINDA RAMAY GAMG, FLMG

Eastern White Pine trees can grow very old and very tall, as seen by this one of three white pines on the square in Hiawassee. The needles are very long and the pine cones are small enough to be easily used in decorating wreaths, centerpieces, etc. in fall and Christmas. The needles make great mulch around plants, holding in moisture and protecting from the cold.

"In the pines, in the pines, where the sun never shines, you shivered when the cold wind blows," - the opening words of a Bill Monroe ballad.

A pine tree or evergreen coniferous tree has the genus, Pinus, meaning that it has long, needle shaped leaves. Pines of the North Georgia Mountains are a valuable resource as well as a tree associated with a historical foundation and a use for development. They are a renewable resource and are found as a backdrop for our homes and communities and mountains.

According to recent information there are many variations of pines. Pines can be hybridized or interbreed naturally. Because of this interbreeding they can become hard to identify. They share characteristics of both genetic parents.

Pines found in our area are Shortleaf, Table Mountain, Pitch, Eastern White, and Virginia pines. Their needles vary from a slender flexible needle as found in shortleaf pines to twisted, thick, rigid or slender needles of the Eastern white pine. Also in identifying pines look at their flowers or pollen cones, woody cones, buds and bark. In addition to these characteristics pines generate resin.

Pine tree diseases and damaging insects are detailed online at T r e e H e l p . c o m (http://www.treehelp.com/trees/pine/p ine-iandd.asp). More information is also available at the Web site of The Georgia Forestry Commission (http://www.gatrees.org/)

Pines are beautiful and help keep our mountains a wondrous place for all to enjoy and love.

Eastern White Pine