Its first few years are characterized by little or no above ground growth. A dense tuft of needles is all that appears above the soil surface. Trees in the grass stage are surprisingly resistant to fire damage, as are the thick-barked mature trees. Longleaf produces valuable lumber and is one of the two species with major roles in the naval stores industry. SAND PINE Pinus clausa This species is not native to Georgia but has been planted on the sand ridges found along the fall line and deep sand hills of the southern and western part of the state.
Sand pine is intermediate in size.
On the best sites it may reach 80 feet in height and 15-18 inches in diameter, but is generally much smaller. It is well adapted to deep, well-drained, infertile, acid, sandy soils. On these sites, sand pine will grow faster than the other southern pines, though in general it is considered a slow-growing species. It is intermediate in its tolerance to shade. Natural pruning is slow and the lower limbs persist making it desirable as a Christmas tree species, windscreen, or blind.