As trees grow, they compete with each other for light, moisture and nutrients. The more crowded the trees are, the more intense the competition. The growth rate is reduced in a crowded stand and the weaker trees eventually die. The first thinning in a loblolly pine stand usually occurs at about age 15. Periodic thinnings may follow at intervals ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Young stands are particularly susceptible to wildfire damage.
Stands can be protected by establishing permanent firebreaks around them. Firebreaks 10 to 20 feet wide or wider can be sown in some type of permanent cover and serve a dual purpose as wildlife food plots. Once trees are old enough, a good prescribed burning program will reduce the chances of wildfire. The two most important diseases of loblolly pine are fusiform rust and annosus root rot. Fusiform rust causes spindle-shaped swellings on the stem and branches.