St John's Preschool

Evergreen Trees

We'll be studying evergreen trees this month.

Pine trees refer to a large group of trees that are called "evergreens." Evergreens never lose their needles like other trees with leaves do each year in the fall. Pine trees are also called "conifers," because they produce their seeds in cones. Pine trees are one kind of tree in the evergreen family, along with cedars, balsams, spruces and firs.

Where Pine Trees Grow

Pine trees grow in most regions of the the United States, with the exception of the desert. Pine trees often grow together in groups, since the pine cones will fall from the tree and sprout nearby, creating more pine trees. Pine trees grow well in the forests, on the mountain ranges and even in landscaping around your yard. Pine trees can grow in most conditions where they have soil that doesn't stay wet and a bit of sunshine every day.

Who Lives in Pine Trees

Since pine trees keep their needles all year long, they provide homes for many creatures. Birds live in the trees during the winter because the branches hide them from other animals and the needles provide protection from the wind and cold. In the spring, birds will make nests in the branches and tend to their babies.

Squirrels, chipmunks, skunks and even a raccoon can live in a pine tree. Squirrels build large nests made of leaves at the very top of the tree and live in it all year. The squirrels will also nest with babies in the spring, then the babies leave to make their own nests in the summer.

Bugs such as beetles, caterpillars, ants and moths crawl around in the needles and on the bark of a pine tree. The bark provides protection and sometimes even a home for insects who burrow out holes.

What are Pinecones?

Pine cones are the "fruit" that drops from the pine tree. Pine cones develop on the ends of the branches of a pine tree each year, but might not fall off the tree each year. Some pine cones hold on and stay in a tree for three to five years.

When a pine cone is ready, its "petals" will open up and a seed will fall out. There are hundreds of seeds in each pine cone. Sometimes the whole pine cone will fall or just several of the seeds. the seeds get stepped on, the pine cones get crunched and the seed ends up in the ground, under the dirt.

Pine cones can be used in many crafts projects. Pine cones decorate wreaths, make bird feeders and can even be used in ornaments on a Christmas tree.

Plant a Pine Tree

Planting a pine tree is best when done from a plant and not a seed. When you are planting a pine tree, you need to dig a large hole and add other things to the soil to help feed the new tree.

When the hole is dug, mix in peat moss or compost with the soil already there. Then place the roots in the mixture and cover with soil, compost or peat moss. Pat the dirt firmly in to place. Depending on where you plant your tree, you might need to attach it to a stake to prevent the wind from tipping it over or making it grow crooked.

Uses for Pine Trees

Pine trees have many different uses. They are cut down and the logs are made in to boards. The boards are then used for building houses, sheds, play forts and furniture. When pine tree logs are cut down in to boards, the shaving are taken and kept to make in to smaller shavings. The smaller shavings are packaged and sold as pet bedding for small animals, such as guinea pigs and hamsters.

Pine trees also provide shade, wind blocks when planted in a row and places to live for birds and animals. Some people also cut down small pine trees and bring them into their houses each year as Christmas Trees.