The wind-blown seeds are widely distributed and need no nurturing to take root. Wilding pines are a nuisance in areas where native forest does not occur, such as above the bushline, in mineral belts and tussock grasslands. In areas such as these it creates a major intrusion and modification to natural ecosystems. In areas where native forest regrowth is being encouraged pines are visually intrusive. They compete for forest space with native trees and plants, but provide none of the advantages these offer, such as berries and nectar, to encourage bird life and insects.
Pine needles form a carpet which discourages regeneration of native forest floor species.
If this is done carefully the use of herbicide is not required. In the Marlborough Sounds, cutting wilding pines down rather than ring-barking is preferred for aesthetic as well as practical reasons. If ring-barking is used it is important to ensure the trees, when they finally fall, will not cause a hazard to electricity lines. Hand-weeding is labour intensive but suitable for areas of low infestation. Small wilding pines can be pulled or eased out of the ground with a tool.