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Monterey Pine

Pinus radiata

tree View on Calscape

Care

Sun

full sun, part shade

Water

moderate

Soil

Fast; Prefers sand or sandstone.

Size

49–197ft tall , 15–30ft wide

Bloom

Jan-Dec

Foliage

Evergreen

Keystone Plant

Supports up to 220 butterfly and moth species in Mediterranean California

Native Range

Coastal central California from Piedras Blancas in San Luis Obispo County to Año Nuevo in Santa Cruz County, below 1500 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant your Monterey Pine in full sun along the coast, staying well within the coastal fog bank - this is critical, as inland trees typically die after about five years even with supplemental water. Choose a location with fast-draining soil, ideally sand or sandstone, since this tree evolved on coastal soils. Plant in fall or winter to establish before summer heat. Space according to your mature tree goals, keeping in mind this can reach 50–200 feet depending on conditions.

After Planting

Water moderately and consistently during your tree's first growing season to establish a deep root system, then taper to a maximum of twice monthly during summer once established. Monterey Pine needs minimal pruning - just remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Your biggest mistake will be planting inland or outside the coastal fog zone; no amount of watering will save a tree in those conditions. Once established in the right location, this is a low-maintenance native that handles coastal conditions, cold down to 10–20°F, and poor soils with ease.

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