Future fire frequency and intensity will strongly influence species composition and dominance in pine-oak barrens. Short fire return intervals may favor pitch pine, while longer fire return intervals may favor oak species.

Fire suppression has contributed to the decline of pitch pine and the increase of oak in some areas. In fire prone areas, trees have characteristics adapted to frequent fire, including thick bark and serotinous cones that require fire to release the seeds. Pitch pine and scrub oak can resprout, which increases their ability to survive when fires are too frequent to permit seed regeneration. Deep roots are considered to contribute to drought and fire tolerance, although very hot droughts or very hot fires can damage roots and prevent resprouting. Fire suppression or reintroduction of prescribed fire are management decisions that will influence the actual occurrence of fire on the landscape.