When Do Pine Combs Drop From Their Trees In Flagstaff,…
Carolyn Asked
When do pine combs drop from their trees in Flagstaff, Arizona?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Carolyn: Covering millions of acres, Flagstaff, Arizona, is home to the National Ponderosa Pine forest. These pine trees are monoecious, meaning that each tree produces both male and female cones. The male cones are smaller and usually found on the lower branches, as opposed to the female cones that are much larger and found higher up in the tree. The male cones will fall from the tree shortly after the pollen is released, sometime in mid to late June, depending on climate and elevation. They tend to drop earlier during warmer weather and later at higher elevations. The female cones will remain on the tree for two years in order to mature. Some years are heavier than others in terms of pine production and this is not fully understood, but thought that climate is a factor. As a Kentucky gardener this is the most detailed information I can provide. If you are looking for more specific dates you can contact the horticulture agent in Coconino County, Arizona. Their Web site http://extension.arizona.edu/coconino
or call them at (928) 774-1868.
