CAUTION: INVASIVE TENDENCIES. Pinus sylvestris, or scots pine is not recommended to plant as it has invasive tendencies and is strongly discouraged for planting due to its negative impact on native ecosystems. It creates dense monocultures that prevent native species from thriving and is a vector for pests and diseases such as pine wilt nematode, Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) tip blight, sawflies, moths, and scale. This species is native to western Europe. It prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soils located in full sun, and is intolerant to compacted, clay soils. Its prolific seed production leads to aggressive seedling growth, further spreading the species. Scots pine drops long, slender needles year-round, with a heavier drop in fall and due to its invasive tendencies, it should be avoided in favor of native species. Consider planting Pinus strobus, or Pinus ponderosa instead.