Adopted Trees (Sept)
Having been asked to adopt a tree and observe it each month over the next year, I have decided to select two trees which I am already very familiar with. The RED and WHITE PINEs that live in my backyard. They are the only two native trees we have in our yard. We do have about 4-5 NORWEGIAN MAPLEs (which I would like to have removed).
For the longest time after we moved in the RED PINE was sick. The WHITE PINE had grown in such a way to crowd out the RED. We had them both trimmed and the RED has been doing much better. Both trees are home to a family of GREY SQUIRRELS. The WHITE PINE has a family which lives a leave and twig nest, while the RED PINE had a family which moved into a large and old bird house.
Throughout the summer both trees pretty much just chill, acting as host to the numerous birds which visit our feeder. The WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCHs particular like the WHITE PINE and we often see them working the trunk for little buggies.
| Common Name | Scientific Name | Family | Needles | Bark | Cones | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WHITE PINE | Pinus strobus | Pinaceae | 5 cluster, 3-5", bluish-green | dark with broad, flat ridges | 4-8" smooth scales without prickles | throughout Maine in moist situations |
| RED PINE | Pinus resinosa | Pinaceae | 2 cluster, 4-6", dark green | reddish-brown , flat ridges shallow fissures | 1.5-2.25" scales without prickles | throughout Maine in dry, light sandy soil |
