When burned regularly, longleaf pine forests provide ideal habitat for many plants and animals. Longleaf pine is a pioneer species on a variety of sites but is intolerant of flooding during its grass stage. Historically, fire and moisture have been the principle factors controlling longleaf distribution within its natural range. Fire removes competing vegetation, exposing the bare soil necessary for successful establishment. In fire-dominated ecosystems, pure stands of longleaf pine are common.
Survival is usually highest when seedlings are planted.
However, direct seeding may be the best option for some situations, such as regenerating relatively small or vast areas. Site Preparation Longleaf pine is very intolerant of shade and is difficult to regenerate successfully without vegetation control. Vegetative competition around seedlings must be kept at a minimum until an adequate number of seedlings are at least as tall as the competition. The type and degree of site preparation will depend on the regeneration technique used and site conditions. Direct seeding should be preceded by prescribed burning as a minimum.