Longleaf-Leader-Spring-2022-2.qxp_Layout 1 3/16/22 1:19 PM Page 15
GREEN SIDE UP
The candlestick-like appearance of an actively growing longleaf bud. Photo by Ryan Bollinger.
By Karen Zilliox Brown, The Longleaf Alliance
LONGLEAF CANDLING & FIRE Early spring brings the start of the growing season across the South. For longleaf pine, this means “candling” is well underway. What is a longleaf candle? Beginning in February to mid-March, a white growing tip will become evident, emerging upwards from the “leader” bud atop the central stem of a longleaf pine. This is the site of height growth for the developing tree. The white tip, commonly referred to as a “candle,” may grow a couple of feet in just a few months. Usually a welcome sight, this indicates the dramatic, active height growth is now ON for young longleaf. Terminal buds at the end of branches will show smaller candles, as they also elongate during this time. Soon green needles will emerge from the candle, rapidly growing to full length, while the candle base begins to turn scaly brown as the tissue turns to bark. Longleaf will also have several growth flushes during the summer, but they are not as noticeable, with each one shorter than the one before.
Can I burn during candling? Thick, luxurious longleaf needles can deflect a lot of heat just one of the pine’s adaptations to frequent fire. Without the needles’ protection, candling buds are more vulnerable to damage from fire until the new needles surround the bud again. This is especially true for grass stage longleaf and young saplings when the heights of the tree and passing flame are the same; direct flame impingement on the bud is all but certain. Damage to the leader bud is the greatest concern; a dead leader means the loss of most of this year’s growth, and maybe worse. Longleaf is fire resistant, but not fire proof. However, thermal pruning of the lower limbs can be advantageous to the growing tree, encouraging it to drop those limbs and promoting better form. Prescribed burning can still be done effectively in candling stands, taking care to manage the fire’s flame heights and intensity. Opt for igniting with moderate to narrow striphead fires, or use a grid ignition pattern. Observe the fire behavior that results from those techniques and adjust accordingly. Experience counts here.
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