Pine — Lodgepole
Pinus contorta
Pine — Lodgepole (Pinus contorta) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–50 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide, and needs low to medium water. Iron chlorosis is common in our alkaline soils.
Colorado nativelow to medium water30–50 ft tall and 15–20 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended for Most Sites
- Botanical name
- Pinus contorta
- Variety / cultivar
- Lodgepole
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 30–50 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- loam, sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Insects & Diseases
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers (less for xeric pines in heavy clay — they're prone to root rot). Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen — evergreens transpire year-round. Year 3: taper to twice per month in summer; only during extreme drought thereafter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pine — Lodgepole good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Pine — Lodgepole is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a tree suited to Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended for Most Sites" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Pine — Lodgepole get?
- It matures to about 30–50 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide.
- How much water does Pine — Lodgepole need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Pine — Lodgepole native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
