Pine trees (genus Pinus) are evergreen, conifers (they produce cones that encase reproduction seeds) and can be found throughout the world, but they are native to northern temperate regions. There are a large variety of pines that can survive in extreme weather (deserts, rainforests) and it is unlikely you will see pines south of the equator that are native. Although they can survive in these environments, they prefer a mountainous region with fairly steady rainfall and favorable soils. Pine trees shed their older needles in the fall season but maintain some foliage year-round. Some pine species require fire to maintain a steady population growth.