Wood:In England,
the wood of this species is called "red deal," "yellow
deal" and "red wood." It is reddish-brown, soft and easily
split. It is used in Europe for building construction. The wood is also
used for poles, boxes, crates and wood pulp. The Scots pine is extensively
planted in the eastern and central US, but it has never been an important
timber tree in this country, as it lacks the qualities of some of the native
pine species. Growers favor this tree as it grows moderately fast, responds
well to shaping, and is a prolific seed producer whose seeds store well.
This is the most popular of the short-needled pines for use as a Christmas
tree. The blue-green needles are densely packed and needle retention is
excellent.
Wildlife: Pines are of great importance to wildlife. Pine seeds are eaten by many birds, particularly the red crossbill, Clarke nutcracker and white-headed woodpecker. Hoofed browsers eat the twigs and foliage; and many other mammals, such as porcupines, squirrels and hares, feed on the bark, foliage and seeds. Pines serve as valuable roosting places for birds and as cover for wildlife. Several songbird species use the needles as nest material.
Horticulture: This tree is one of the most picturesque pines planted in Iowa. The distorted shape makes this an excellent tree for specimen and group planting. Cultivars include 'Argentea,' with pronounced silvery foliage, and 'Beuvronensis,' a low, slow-growing, bushy form. This species is recommended for conservation plantings in western Iowa because of its resistance to drought and tolerance of calcareous soils. Sandy waste sites benefit from the stabilizing influences of the moderately deep, wide-spreading root system.
