Pinus ponderosa

Seed

No experience.

Transplant

1991  We purchased 30 ponderosa pine plants from the Colorado State Forestry Service (CSFS) and planted them in an area where the previous owner of our property cut down pine beetle killed trees. Although we put the CSCS plastic mesh protectors on each plant, the deer and elk ate at least 50% of the trees in the first year.

2003  We have many ponderosa pine trees sprouting naturally. These small trees usually get eaten in a year or two. I dug two small trees that looked to be about 3 years old; they were about 8 inches high. I transplanted to the area where we planted the CSFS trees and, this time, I did not put the yellow mesh protectors on them; I surrounded the two plants with branches which seems to work better. I also propped up a board by each tree to protect the newly transplanted trees from the hot sun. These trees survived the first year but, during a major drought the next year, died.

2008  The remaining trees from 1991 survived but more are being eaten each year. We still have about 5 left. They have been nibbled on by the deer and elk and are severely stunted.

Future Plans

I would like to try to determine when the ponderosa pine cones are ripe and harvest seed from them. I will germinate the seed in both a protected outside bed and in pots indoors.

I have also noticed many small, one year ponderosa pine trees sprouting in most parts of our forest. I will try to transplant some of the very, very small plants and protect them better and water them the first two years.