TALL PINES OF REHOBOTH

TALL PINES OF REHOBOTH BEACH

Wilmington New Journal , Wilmington, Wednesday April 16, 1969

Where are they ? What happened to them ? Why ?

There aren’t many spots along the Atlantic Coast, south of Long Island, where pine fores

extend to the shore line but one is right here at Rehoboth. Most of it was cut off so the land could

be farmed and grazed, then later for the streets, cottages, and hotels for a resort after 1880.

There is some of the original pine forest left just north of the town and is named “The Pines”.

The trees are not the 'old growth' pine, taller and larger sized, that are found inland on more fertile land, but are some are of a respectable age and size. They have long been a Rehoboth distinction and sets Rehoboth Beach apart from other beach resorts between New Jersey and Florida.

Loblally pine is not a long life tree, and the shallow top soil and sand of the beach area's don't

afford it well so many of the past generation are dead or dying and there are no new seedlings that

are noticed, never get started or the off shore winds wont let them survive.

So, it is clearly high time we get some expert advice as to what to do to keep the Pines

famous and healthy for looks, shade and smell.

International Paper Company has an experimental “Super pine” a genetically superior tree

of fast growth, straightness of trunk and dense wood fiber. They reduce the plant to harvest time

of 50 years to 25 years.

Is it not time that the city of Rehoboth Beach look into such stock to keep The Pines alive to

give character ?

Abstract: March 21, 2018 by Harrison H.