Q: Our home had a lovely screen of white pines but they eventually died. Could we replant this same species? Should we look for a substitute?

A: White pines are typically short-lived in Atlanta. They seem to succumb to summer heat and pine borers by the time the trunk is twelve inches in diameter. White pines are native to north Georgia and northwards to Minnesota. They prefer sandy loam and/or rocky soil that drains very well. For a substitute screen, consider deodar cedar, Arizona cypress, ‘Emerald Green’ arborvitae or ‘Black Dragon’ cryptomeria