The thick bark is divided shallowly into broad, flat ridges that are covered with thin reddish-brown scales. Red pine has a tall, straight trunk and a symmetrical crown. This species is an important timber tree. The wood is hard, very close-grained, light, and quite strong. It is used among other things for construction, pilings, and flooring.
Young trees have an irregular pyramidal crown.
Grown for Christmas trees and timber. Well suited for use on long abandoned, trampled pastures. Will tolerate somewhat poorly drained soils. May reach 60 feet in height. Very symmetrical, stout spreading branches.