My white pine has a ton of cones this year... We had a very wet year though.
I know that there are many studies out right now documenting large changes
in the environment due to global warming and that increased CO2 in the
atmosphere increases growth in plants....

Anyway, fire is generally what helps pine tree seeds to germinate since you
need something to open up the cone to allow the seeds to be released. I
have white pines come up from seed naturally but rarely without a fire
(luckily). You could experiment with the cones in your barBQ or
fireplace.... Collect the data on what works and let us all know? DKat


"Judi Canaan" wrote in message
...
I have noticed that here in Kalamazoo, Michigan many of the pine trees are
absolutely loaded with pine cones, more so than in other years. We did not
have either a very good spring/summer nor a very bad spring/summer, just
average. The trees do not seem to be distressed or dyring. Is there a
reason for the trees having so many cones, or is this just a natural cycle?
If I collected cones and planted them, would I get new trees, or is there
something special that needs to be done with the cones, or the planting
before new trees would grow? Any information would be welcomed.

Thanks,
Judi Canaan
Kalamazoo, MI