The red pine, which naturally spreads in the Northern Hemisphere, has the widest distribution in Anatolia. It is the backbone of our country's forests, covering 30% of it. The red pine is the most widespread coniferous tree species, extending over an area of 5.2 million hectares.
The red pine is widely distributed in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea regions. It can grow as pure stands up to 1,300 meters above sea level and as individual trees up to 1,500 meters. As a typical Mediterranean climate tree, the red pine is highly adaptable in terms of soil and water requirements. Although it prefers sandy-loam soils, it can also grow on calcareous and other soil types in the Taurus Mountains.
We are conducting natural regeneration efforts to ensure the sustainability of our red pine forests. The sites for regeneration are carefully examined, and areas that are too steep, rocky, or prone to erosion are excluded from this process. Since red pine has a high light requirement, regeneration is carried out using the clear-cutting method over large areas.
For successful regeneration, red pine seeds require a temperature of 15-35°C and a humidity level of 70% simultaneously for germination. To ensure these conditions, techniques such as branch spreading and mulching are applied in the field, supporting the healthy development of young seedlings.
As the General Directorate of Forestry, we have carried out natural regeneration efforts for red pine over an area of 164,779 hectares between 2019 and 2024. Through these efforts, we have made a significant contribution to the future of our forests and the national economy.