Austrian pine has pairs of needles 4 to 6 inches long. The needles are generally stiff, with the ends being very sharp to the touch. Originally introduced from Europe as an ornamental, it has considerable value in windbreaks and as Christmas trees. Austrian pine is best used in east or south inside rows of windbreaks. Austrian pine is susceptible to Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) blight and Dothistroma needle blight and moderately susceptible to Zimmerman pine moths. Sphaeropsis blight and Zimmerman pine moths can seriously deform or kill trees if not controlled. Dothistroma needle blight can cause substantial defoliation in wet years or when trees are closely spaced if not controlled. Pine tip moths are occasionally a problem.