Pine — Ponderosa
Pinus ponderosa
Pine — Ponderosa (Pinus ponderosa) is a Colorado-native tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 60–100 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, and needs low to medium water.
Colorado nativelow to medium water60–100 ft tall and 25–35 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Rating
- Recommended
- Botanical name
- Pinus ponderosa
- Variety / cultivar
- Ponderosa
- Type
- Tree
- Mature size
- 60–100 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Good for
- slope
Site factors to consider
- Critical: Salt Tolerance
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 — Ponderosa good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Pine — Ponderosa is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a tree suited to Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Pine — Ponderosa get?
- It matures to about 60–100 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide.
- How much water does Pine — Ponderosa need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Pine — Ponderosa native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
