As a seedling it also possesses the ability to withstand prolonged drought. The trees are capable of growing exceptionally fast if conditions are good for them. Because of the taproot, the trees can generally withstand high winds. Some observers feel that a natural thinning process has largely disappeared because of organized fire protection. As a result even-aged, stagnating stands of the species have developed.
Ponderosa pines are prolific and pine seedlings grow in the shade of mature trees.
If not kept in check, young trees will form exceptionally thick stands. Because of the intense competition for nutrients, moisture and sunlight, very few trees develop fully. This creates a stagnate situation for all the trees and even the grasses and forbes in the area. Fires kept the forest in check and opened the land to grasses and other vegetation. Fires burned young seedlings so that only a few healthy ones survived to replace large trees that were dying.