Planting pine provides more control over stand density (spacing) and arrangement. With natural seed fall, wherever a seed falls and germinates is where a new tree begins to grow. Natural stands are often too sparse or too dense, leading to added expense later (pre commercial thinning) or incomplete utilization of the site. Planting gives more control of growing space and decreases the risk of establishing a pine stand that is too dense or too sparse

Pine has a shorter establishment period. Good seed crops do not occur every year, so the site could be idle for several years before adequate regeneration takes place, thus creating problems with undesirable vegetation. Also, planting may reduce the length of rotation and increase the rate of return on investment.

An adjacent seed source may not be available for natural regeneration of pine. Planting is necessary to establish pines.

Pines have been developed through tree improvement programs that have better form, faster growth and more resistance to insects and disease. Planting, as opposed to natural regeneration, allows using seed from improved sources

Planting does involve the costs of seedlings, planting, site preparation and control of undesirable vegetation, if needed. However, in most cases, these costs are compensated by the improved growth of planted trees at proper spacing.