Loblolly pine prefers acid soils and full sun, but will adapt to a variety of sites, including fertile, upland fields, moist forests, or with mixed hardwoods. It is often found in association with shortleaf pine (Pinus echinata).

Loblolly pine is found throughout much of the southeastern United States from New Jersey to central Florida and west into Tennessee, Kentucky, Texas, and Oklahoma. It is not found in the lower Mississippi Valley.

Loblolly pine is widely scattered throughout the forests of the coastal plains and lower Piedmont plateau.  It is very vigorous on fallow fields and cutover lands. It will often fully restock such areas in a relatively short time.