Help with tree ID please, starting to go mad

[inquisitive andy]

Hi everyone, thanks for taking the time to try and help me. I have been trying to identify this tree for a number of days now and it’s starting to send me a bit mad. it is a Pinus I’m sure but struggling to identify it further. it is growing on the east coast of the UK, growing about 500 yards from the coast but in a well sheltered area. it has taken some damage from the "beast from the east" a few months ago and is still recovering. it was planted about 15 years and as far as I’m aware it hasn’t been topped so all growth should be natural and not shaped.

any help regarding this is gratefully appreciated.

 

Andy

[Mick Dempsey]

Maritime pine?

[Gary Prentice]

How long are the needles, and how many in a group. 

 

A close up up photo would help. Are the tips sharp, rounded etc

[inquisitive andy]

hi guys, thanks for the replies. last years growth needles are 15cm and this years are 5cm. the needles are growing in bunches of 5. I have taken some more close up pictures but unfortunately it was only off my phone so not the best quality im afraid.

[inquisitive andy]

[Yournamehere]

Han't looked further than the given page; but this might be handy

[Gary Prentice]

Collins Tree Guide groups 5-needled into; Bhutan 12-20 cm, Wymouths, Limber and Foxtail (2-4 cm ) and Endlicher - long stiff leaves.

 

I haven't checked myself, you need the tree/needles in front of you really, but try the Pinus key for Bhutan

Key_Pinus_JDL.pdf

[inquisitive andy]

thanks guys for the help, I really appreciate it. the needle width is <.5mm and they are also very soft. sorry for coming on and off again but I am  at work currently and keep getting called away from my desk. hopefully I will get a chance to check all the reference information given soon. I am not very clued up when it comes to horticulture and i'm glad you experts are not able to give a quick answer as I would feel I was wasting your time. I have even asked our local tree surgeon and he isn't able to give a definitive answer.

 

thanks again

[Gary Prentice]

Conifer ID can be difficult, with similar species only being discernible by minor/microscopic characteristics - so it helps a lot to know what type of information it's necessary to provide/collect when working through keys. Blurry images of the whole tree and a few needles with nothing for scale will only lead so far.