History and future: What would NC be without its longleaf pines?
Pine trees are so important to North Carolina that in 1963 it was recognized as the state tree.
Growing up in North Carolina, I was used to seeing towering pine trees around every corner. Because of this, I grew blind to pine trees rather than truly seeing them for their beauty and significance. They were not the beautiful trees that flower in the spring or the trees that drop magnificently colored leaves in the fall, so why even bat an eye? As I began to dive deeper into my biology and environmental science classes at UNCW, it opened my eyes to the importance and unique qualities that pine trees possess, specifically the longleaf pine species.
In the state of North Carolina, the longleaf pine has a long history of use and environmental significance. Pine trees are so important to our state that in 1963 it was recognized as the state tree. Historically, the longleaf pine has been harvested for many generations for timber and tar products. Due to the strength of its wood, the longleaf pine was harvested for various construction purposes (poles, roofing, etc.). The resin of this species was also harvested to be used in tar products, such as naval stores. This practice was so popular that it led to North Carolina acquiring the nickname “Tar Heel State.” The longleaf pine is also the habitat for many endangered and threatened species found here in Wilmington. One example would be the red-cockaded woodpecker, which finds habitat in the longleaf pine forest environment that is maintained by fire.
It would be crazy to think that a tree needs fire, right? For the longleaf pine, this is actually true. This species of pine is highly adapted to routine fire, as it has very thick bark and limbs that tower above the ground to prevent the tree from burning. Routine fire benefits the longleaf pine because it destroys other tree species that are competing for resources, such as sunlight. Fire also clears the forest floor, which is required for the longleaf pine seedlings to take root and begin growing. Without this routine fire, the longleafs are outcompeted and the environment transforms into a different type of forest.
Though many look at pine trees and see nothing but trouble, the longleaf pine has many benefits compared to others. A major concern of homeowners is that having a pine tree in their yard will eventually lead to said pine tree laying on top of their house after a storm. Though this may be true for some pine trees, the longleaf pine has a defense system against wind. This species of pine has a taproot that extends up to 15 feet below the surface and can be as wide as the trunk of the tree. This taproot, along with its lengthy lateral root system, anchors the tree to the ground during storm events. The wood of this species is also very strong, preventing it from snapping. Though it may look scary swaying in the wind, this species is well adapted to high winds and storm events.
As I have learned more about this species, it is easy for me to see its importance to the environment and its need for preservation. On the other hand, I am also able to recognize why it may be difficult for other citizens to care about a pine tree. While it may seem trivial, this tree holds a great deal of historical, cultural, and environmental value to this state. What would North Carolina be without its longleaf pines?
Elizabeth Burns is an Environmental Science student at UNCW serving as an intern with the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees this semester. She can be contacted through email at enb2817@uncw.edu. The New Hanover County Arboretum is free and open daily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.