Deciduous trees have their own merit but if you want some of that year-round interest, then you need more evergreen trees in your landscaping endeavors. They retain the beauty of your space long after deciduous trees turn dull and boring because their lush green foliage can withstand both the cold winter and the hot summer months.
Keep reading to learn about:
- Common Varieties of Evergreen Trees
- Planting and Taking Care of Evergreen Trees
- How to Plant Evergreen Trees
- Landscaping With Evergreen Trees
- Sustainable Practices for Maintaining Evergreen Trees
- Where to Buy the Healthiest Evergreen Trees
- FAQs
Short on Time? Check Out Our Key Takeaways:
- Evergreen trees offer year-round beauty and privacy.
- Popular varieties include arborvitaes, magnolias, cypress, spruce, cryptomeria, thuja, holly, and juniper.
- Proper planting, watering, mulching, and fertilization are essential for care.
- Sustainable practices include water conservation, organic fertilizers, and pest control.
- Choose evergreen trees based on your purpose, growing conditions, and specific needs.
Our collection of evergreens features the best varieties, such as arborvitaes, as well as broad-leaf magnolias. These trees are your best bet for your home’s vibrancy and reliable privacy screening.
Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden, but they also provide a habitat for wildlife while improving air quality.
Browse our collection to find the ideal tree for your landscape, and keep reading for detailed planting and care guides to help your trees thrive.
Common Varieties of Evergreen Trees
These popular varieties are known for their year-round beauty and hardiness, making them perfect additions to any landscape.
| Tree Type | Popular Varieties | Grow Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Cypress Trees | Leyland Cypress: 40-60 ft. tall, 20-25 ft. wide | 4 to 11 |
| Cypress Trees | Italian Cypress: 35-40 ft. tall, 5 ft. wide | 8 to 10 |
| Spruce Trees | Alberta Spruce: 6-8 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide | 2 to 8 |
| Spruce Trees | Norway Spruce: 50 ft. tall, 25 ft. wide | 2 to 7 |
| Cryptomeria Trees | Cryptomeria Radicans can reach 30-40 ft. in height and 15-20 ft. in spread | 5 to 9 |
| Cryptomeria Trees | Cryptomeria 'Globosa Nana': 4-6 ft. tall, 5-6 ft. wide | 5 to 9 |
| Thuja Trees | Thuja Green Giant height and spread: 30-50 ft. tall, 12-15 ft. wide | 5 to 8 |
| Thuja Trees | Thuja Emerald Green: They grow up to 10-15 ft. tall, 3-4 ft. wide | 3 to 8 |
| Holly Trees | Nellie Stevens Holly grows up to 15-25 ft. tall, 5-10 ft. wide | 6 to 9 |
| Holly Trees | American Holly grows up to 20-50 ft. tall, 10-20 ft. wide | 5 to 9 |
| Juniper Trees | Spartan Juniper: 15-20 ft. tall, 4-5 ft. wide | 5 to 9 |
| Juniper Trees | Hollywood Juniper: 15 ft. tall, 10 ft. wide | 5 to 9 |
Planting and Taking Care of Evergreen Trees
Planting and taking care of evergreen trees is the key to a homey and lively landscape.
Location: Avoid planting tall trees close to utility lines. In a similar vein, plant trees 10 to 15 feet from the foundation of your home, and at least 5 feet from fences, sidewalks, and patios.
How to Plant Evergreen Trees
Follow the instructions for planting and maintaining your new and existing trees. Most trees can be planted in spring or fall.
When you plant in spring, the roots can be established during the growing season. Meanwhile, fall planting takes advantage of moist soil conditions.
Water your potted trees thoroughly after planting.
Dig a hole
- Dig a hole that’s about 2 times wider than the root ball, and as deep as the root ball.
- If your soil is clay-ey or dense, dig a few inches deeper, and break up the soil to improve drainage and circulation. Then, add the soil back to the right depth.
- If you’re going to amend your soil with a planting mix, don’t use more than 50% of it.
Plant your tree
- Position your tree in the hole, while making sure it’s level on all sides. The root ball should be slightly above the existing soil line.
- Use your hands to backfill the soil, and tamp it down gently to remove any air pockets. You risk over-compacting the soil when you use your feet.
Initial watering
- Water your plant well, and let the water absorb deeply into the ground.
Mulching
- Add a 2–3-inch layer of mulch around the tree. Pine bark or pine straw improves the soil and is ideal for evergreen trees, as they add acidity to the soil over time.
- Cover the entire root zone or extend to the tree’s drip line. Be careful not to stack mulch against the trunk. It can be a pathway to pest and disease attack because of its airflow-constricting effect.
Watering schedule
For the healthiest trees with strong root systems, follow this watering schedule for the first 2 to 3 months:
- Weeks 1-3: Water deeply 3 to 4 times per week.
- Week 4: Water deeply twice per week.
- Week 8 onwards: Water once weekly.
Landscaping With Evergreen Trees
Our collection of arborvitaes is a signature facelift to any landscape or garden. You can use them for privacy screening, as borders, or as windbreaks.
Property Lines: Evergreens offer effective screening against prying eyes. Their foliage is lush and thick, and of course, green all year. You can use them as the backdrop for layering with shrubs and ornamental grasses or as border trees for your property.
For a formal landscaping effect, plant them in a straight row. In contrast, stagger them for a more natural look and feel. They are large and effective. Having just two trees in the focal area can provide the privacy you need.
Patios or Decks: These trees are great at providing shade. Position them near a patio or deck to enjoy exotic coverage from the sun.
Open Spaces: Evergreen trees are a stunning focal point in open spaces. Good thing there’s always a big open area in front yards and backyards. Use those open spaces in your yard for planting evergreens, and focus on areas where you need privacy or shade. This doesn’t include your garden where sun-loving plants grow.
Sustainable Practices for Maintaining Evergreen Trees
You can grow evergreen trees while minimizing the impact on the environment. Here are some eco-friendly practices to keep your trees healthy and your landscape green:
Watering: Evergreen trees generally require less water once established. To conserve water, water deeply and infrequently. Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses to deliver water directly to the roots. This practice reduces water waste. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
Mulch for Moisture Retention: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as pine bark or straw, around the base of your evergreen trees. Mulching properly helps with soil moisture retention, reducing the need for frequent watering. It maintains soil temperature and suppresses weeds competing for nutrients.
Use Organic Fertilizers: Go for organic fertilizers to nourish your trees. Compost or well-rotted manure are excellent choices that break down gradually, providing a steady supply of nutrients without the risk of over-fertilization.
Pest and Disease Management: Monitor your trees for signs of pests and diseases. Imbibe the practice of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. This includes introducing beneficial insects that prey on pests or using natural, non-toxic treatments like neem oil. Avoid using broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm beneficial organisms.
Soil Health: The quality of the soil can be enhanced sustainably. This includes avoiding the use of chemical herbicides and pesticides that can degrade soil quality. Instead, enhance soil fertility with organic matter, such as compost.
Energy Efficiency: Position trees strategically around your home. If done well, you’d create a natural windbreak, as well as a natural shade. This can reduce your heating and cooling costs and carbon footprint.
Where to Buy the Healthiest Evergreen Trees
It’s a no-brainer - the outcome of your gardening efforts rests largely on the quality of young plants in nursery.
As a result, the best investment you’ll ever make is to buy your trees where the value system is hinged on the best-growing practices. If you ignore this step, then nothing else will work, not even the perfect soil or the most tender loving care.
That’s why we’re committed to providing healthy, vibrant, and robust trees to our customers. If you want to join the league of satisfied growers, buy now from our evergreen trees trees. You also get expert guidance and ongoing support as bonus benefits.
FAQs
How do I choose the right evergreen tree for my yard?
You have to consider the purpose of planting an evergreen tree in the first place. Is it for privacy, decoration, or as a windbreak? Your ultimate goal will determine the trees you choose because different species of evergreen trees have different sizes at maturity.
Other factors like soil type and your local growing zone will help you select the best evergreen tree for your landscape.
How much sunlight do evergreen trees need?
Most evergreens thrive in full to partial sunlight, but specific sunlight requirements vary by species.
How often should I water my evergreen trees?
For newly planted evergreens, water deeply and regularly. Once established, they require less frequent watering, except during extreme heat or drought.
Can evergreen trees be used for hedges or privacy screens?
Yes, you can use many evergreen species, like Thujas and Junipers, as hedges and privacy screens. They have dense foliage and grow pretty fast.
