It is widespread throughout the world, but is mainly native to temperate northern regions. The Scots pine we are familiar with grows mainly in the mountains or plains of northern Europe. In the plains, pine is found in sandy soils, whereas at higher altitudes it grows peacefully on steep slopes. The pine tree is very adaptable and is not at all dependent on the weather. The lifespan of pine trees is estimated to be between 100 and 1000 years. However, the oldest pine, with the Matuzalem moniker, has far surpassed this figure and grows in Kalfornia with an age of up to 4,840 years!
Like all trees and plants, pines provide habitat and a variety of other ecosystem services, and pine seeds are a food source for birds, squirrels, and a variety of other animals. Many pines are grown as ornamentals, including black, white, and Himalayan pines. The main use of pine wood is again found in the construction industry, especially in the production of Tatra tiles, floors and furniture, but the oil pressed from pine needles is also used directly in medicine. Pine nuts that are roasted or baked are the seeds of the pine tree. Even the white interior of some pine trees can be used to make pine bread.
Pines have relatively soft wood and their needles grow in bundles of five needles. In our country, the Scots pine is the best known. Its wood is light, but can have a subtle reddish or yellow tinge. It has a distinctive striped texture in the cut, an unmistakable scent and a soft wood with a higher resin content, which makes the wood lighter and more flexible, but more durable. However, the wood has a large number of knots, which can be a disadvantage, and it is not the easiest to work with, is harder to sand and has aspects of mould, so proper drying and subsequent impregnation is in order to prevent blueing. Even at the most wonderful holidays of the year, pine trees make this time of year more pleasant for us. As Christmas trees, they are very durable, last a long time green, and can withstand a large number of decorations thanks to their strength. Pine logs are also used to make popular log structures, which you will have seen in various mountain areas of Slovakia.
The Scots pine from the Castle Garden in Hlohovec fought for the title of Tree of the Year in 2017, making it one of the twelve most successful trees from all over Slovakia. The aim of this project is to draw attention to rare, old and especially endangered trees and thus arouse people's interest in nature. After the competition, the "pine tree from Hlohovec" took the bronze place. As one of the winning trees, it received a prize - a treatment allowance worth 300€, which was used for its maintenance and landscaping.
However, the pine tree growing in Liptov, in the meadow above Bešeňová, has its best place. Thanks to the place where it grows alone and its crown is uncharacteristically mossy, it is considered the most romantic tree. Many couples will take amorous wedding photos by it, overlooking the horizon of the Liptov landscape.
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