Collecting Pine Pitch
I want to start by saying that winter is not the ideal time to collect pine pitch—but it is the perfect time to learn. When the land is resting, we can prepare, study, and learn the skills we’ll use when spring returns. This season may be a time of physical stillness, but it can still be a time of mental work, learning, and preparation.
Fun fact: Amber is fossilized, petrified tree resin.
You can buy pine pitch online, but if you’re surrounded by pine trees like I am, why not enjoy the fresh air and gather your own? If you do buy it, make sure it’s the real thing—there are synthetic resins on the market, and those are not what you want.
Pitch, Sap & Resin – What’s the Difference?
These three are essentially the same substance in different stages:
-Sap: thin and runny, like honey.
-Pitch: thicker and tacky—partially dried, but still sticky.
-Resin: the hardened form, after more evaporation.
Pitch forms naturally where the tree has sealed a wound, like a broken limb or damaged bark. As the turpentine and water evaporate, the sap thickens into pitch and eventually becomes hard resin.
When to Collect Pine Pitch
-Warm weather is best: the sap flows more freely.
-Around the full moon: sap often rises more strongly.
-A warm day + full moon = the most productive time.
Never cut around the entire circumference of a tree.
Doing so can kill it. No one likes a tree murderer.
It’s best to collect pitch that has pooled naturally rather than intentionally injuring the tree. In survival situations, you might need to take more direct measures, but in normal circumstances, collect what is already available.
No matter the circumstance, be respectful and gentle.
How to Collect Pine Pitch
-Look for old branch sites, knot holes, or storm damage.
-Gently scrape just the surface layer with a butter knife or similar tool.
-Gather into a plastic bag or container.
-Refrigerate the bag and peel the pitch away once firm.
If necessary, in a truly dire situation:
-Cut a small V-shape into the tree—not too wide.
-Insert a piece of metal or bark as a guide.
-Place a container or bag below to catch the sap as it runs.
Never take more than half of what’s available.
The tree needs the rest to heal and protect itself.
NOTE: Taking too much leaves the tree vulnerable to pests, rot, and disease. Plant and tree diseases spread just like human ones,
Handling Pine Pitch
Pitch is sticky. Really sticky.
-Use olive oil (or similar) to dissolve the residue.
-Then wash with hot water and soap.
-Wear gloves if you don’t want it stuck under your nails.
-Alcohol can help remove it from clothing—but expect to scrub.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy. Trust me.
Using Pine Pitch
Pitch is naturally:
-Antimicrobial
-Antifungal
-Antibacterial
It supports healing, helps seal minor wounds, draws out splinters, and soothes some skin irritations.
Pine pitch can be used for:
-glue
-waterproofing gear
-treating small wounds
-easing skin rashes or sunburn
-fire starter
-torches or candles
-improvised sandals / foot protection
-drawing out splinters
To turn liquid sap into usable pitch, evaporate excess water/turpentine in a double boiler. Never put sap directly over high heat—pine sap is flammable, and overheated pitch can ignite. Be cautious.
A simple test: Dip a stick in the sap, cool it briefly, then press with a fingernail. It should be firm, with just a little give.
After You Collect It
You can:
-Melt and infuse it directly into oil for balms or salves.
-Slow-infuse in a warm window or on a seedling heat mat.
-Use a double boiler for faster results.
Once softened, you can waterproof backpacks, boots, clothing, and even apply to feet for makeshift sandals in an emergency. When cooled to a safe temperature, it can be applied to minor wounds to help prevent infection or draw out splinters.
In Closing
Get out and walk through nature. Train yourself to notice the small things, like pools of dried pitch on the side of a pine tree. The more time you spend observing, the more you will notice when you aren't even looking.