The Longleaf Pine Tree is a slow-growing, evergreen conifer. These trees are in the Grass Stage, which means they stand about 2 ft. tall and resemble a small pine tree bush. These are young trees that will grow upwards of 80 ft. to 100 ft. tall and have a lifespan of over 300-years. The canopy of the longleaf pine is 30 ft.-40 ft. W at maturity. The longleaf pine has emerald green needlelike leaves that are 16 in to 20 in. L and grow in clumps of 3's. They also produce pine cones in the later fall into winter after the tree has started to mature. These pine cones are the largest among southern pine varieties. This tree features scaled, reddish-brown bark on its upright trunk. It is a self-pruning tree that sheds lower branches as the tree matures, giving you a vibrant canopy tree that is rarely matched in stature. The Grass Stage longleaf pine tree will grow slowly at first as it establishes its taproot. Once the tree builds a solid foundation, it will start to grow more rapidly upward with an average annual growth rate of 2 ft.-3 ft. You can encourage a shorter grass stage pine tree by making sure you are allowing the young tree Full sunlight, plant it in well-draining soil, and fertilizer with a slow-release fertilizer that is formulated for Pines and Evergreen trees each spring.