How to Care for Sculptured Scotch Pine

The Scotch pine, or Pinus sylvestris, is a species of pine tree that originates from Northern Asia and Europe. The tree's thick foliage of relatively short, blue-green needles makes it highly suitable for sculpting. Because of its compact, upright structure, the Scotch pine is a common landscaping and Christmas tree. Tend a Scotch pine to prevent it from growing haphazardly.

Gardening shears

Mulch

Granulated fertilizer

Pruning shears

Remove any diseased or dead limbs from the Scotch pine with the gardening shears. Trim only new growth to give the tree the desired shape. A Scotch pine generally does not produce additional growth from a cut limb.

Water the tree only during periods of prolonged drought to encourage deep root development. A Scotch pine with an established root system can tolerate weeks of dry weather without harm. Water the tree thoroughly so the water reaches the roots.

Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to the Scotch pine to help the tree retain moisture in hot climates. Add additional mulch in the spring to maintain a thickness of at least 2 inches.

Apply a granulated fertilizer high in nitrogen during the winter according to the manufacturer's instructions. Nitrogen encourages the growth of thick foliage that comprises the sculptured Scotch pine. This generally involves scattering a specific amount of fertilizer under the spread of the tree. The fertilizer should not come into contact with the trunk.

Propagate a Scotch pine in the summer with a cutting. Cut several inches from the end of an actively growing stem, using sharp pruning shears. Insert the cutting into well-drained soil and keep the soil moist until the cutting takes root. This may require more than a year.