I have a pine tree in my yard, that has an over abundance of cones. I was told they produce an over abundance if they are stressed? Could this be possible and what types of stress could it be?

Reply to post by Kathy, on June 09, 2000 at 16:47:48:

Most trees do react to environmental stresses by attempting to reproduce- producing more seeds. For pines, this means more cones (the seeds are held under the scales).

Some pines may also simply produce heavier crops of cones in some years. It can also indicate healthy condition and a lack of stress.

Stress can be from many factors. Extreme temperatures for the region; abnormal rainfall- too dry or too wet- can also have effects. Soil conditions, such as too much or too little of some nutrients, pH outside the preferred range for the species, soil texture, competition with surrounding vegetation (lawn); these all can cause physiological hardship for the tree, called stress. Sometimes there are several factors working together to stress the tree. But as I mentioned above, the tree may simply be doing well in its site and is responding with healthy growth and a good crop of cones.