Scotch pine

Scotch pines have long been used on the prairies as windbreaks and have been valued for their winter beauty, drought tolerance, and intense hardiness. They are also notable for their fast rate of growth, their preference for poor sandy soil, and their beautiful reddish bark. Scotch pine can reach 60-80 ft. without problem, and they provide homes for a huge array of various wildlife. They make excellent shelterbelts but can also make an excellent tree for parks or boulevards. The cones are extremely hard though, so avoid stepping on them in bare feet!