Fertilizing and Pruning White Pines for Uniform Privacy Screens

Fertilizer Recommendation

Use Holly-tone (Espoma) granular fertilizer—1–2 coffee cups per tree, twice yearly (early spring and fall). Rain will carry nutrients to roots. This keeps foliage dark green and healthy.

Pruning for Size and Shape

White pines under 15 feet are highly prunable. Shear annually after new growth candles open to maintain 6–8 foot height. Keep a single leader and pyramidal form. Without pruning, they reach 100 feet tall and 30 feet wide.

Achieving Uniformity

Pruning is the only way to make trees look alike; otherwise, they grow at different rates and shapes. Prune older trees to let younger ones catch up.