There are many benefits to native forests. From biodiversity to protecting soil and keeping water clean. Pine trees help with this too.
Native and exotic trees can both protect the whenua and work together to create biodiversity. They also shelter whenua from the effects of climate change.
Growing a mix of native and exotic trees may be a good idea for your forest.
Here are a few ways pine trees can help native tree species and the environment.
In the first 3 to 5 years of being planted, native trees are vulnerable. Pine can protect native trees because they grow faster and are not as affected by bad weather. The pine trees create a layer of protection for the young native trees growing around them.
In well-spaced pine forests, native trees can grow in the spaces between the trees. As they grow, native trees will find the light, while the pine trees protect them. If the pines are not well-spaced, then they may need some canopy opening to let in the light.
The climate outside the forests affects the microclimate inside. Pines planted next to small native tree patches can provide a valuable microclimate buffer. This protects nearby native remnant from changes in light and wind.
Pines can protect native trees, especially while they are young and vulnerable, by shading them. The shade from the pine creates a cooler environment that helps native trees grow.
Watch Dr Adam Forbes' video about microclimates and how they impact forests.
Well-spaced, well-pruned pine trees can become a home to a rich understorey of native shrubs, ferns, and native trees. They also provide a habitat for insects and wildlife. Having different aged pine stands in a landscape can help support these values through the harvest cycle.
If a pine forest is near a native forest, birds can spread seeds from native trees to the pine forest. This enables native seedlings to establish and grow in the understorey of pine plantations.
Birds have an important role in spreading seeds and looking after the environment. Pine forests can connect landscapes ecologically, helping birds travel.
Insect-eating birds like pīwakawaka (fantails) and riroriro (grey warbler) move more easily around landscapes with ngahere, including pine. Landscapes with large open spaces are more difficult to navigate.
Older pine provides good cover for secondary crops and food like ginseng, honey and kōura.
Pine trees can give options for the ways whenua is used to benefit whānau. Some land may be used for farming, while pine for timber and carbon credits grows on land unsuitable for farming.
Using your whenua in different ways could provide benefits for whānau including food, income and employment.
Whenua Oho have a pine myth-busting video on their media page.