Q: What is your opinion about keeping slash pines on residential property? Two other neighbors with bordering properties have had their pines removed and 2 tree companies recommended we remove ours too. The tree companies say these pines are fast growing and are for commercial use only.

A: I spoke to the Nassau County Forester, since he has more experience with pines. He said these pines are fine for homeowner landscape use and removal is not necessary. Slash pines, Pinus elliottii, can reach heights up to 100 feet with trunk diameters from 2-4 feet. This tree provides shelter and food for many forest critters and birds. It can tolerate a wide range of soil and light conditions. The best criteria for removing a tree is: it is at risk of falling, it is invasive, it has a fatal disease or infested with insects.

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