Evergreens 101
Why Choose An Evergreen
Tree?
Evergreen trees and shrubs are
generally more expensive than deciduous trees, but are well
worth the additional expense. Compare the pleasure their
year-round good looks give together with their ability to
perform reliably for years to come. Evergreens are
diverse and range from flowering broadleaved shrubs like
rhododendron and azaleas to the very tall coniferous pines and
spruces, commonly referred to as “evergreens”.
Common Evergreen Trees:
Pine, Red pine, Ponderosa Pine, Austrian or Black
Pine
Not surprisingly, the most common of
evergreen trees is the pine. It's well known for its long, soft
aromatic needles and vigorous growth. They often reach maturity
of 60 to 80 feet in just a few decades. The Red Pine is
very popular and useful for creating interesting and very
practical backgrounds and windbreaks. The Ponderosa Pine is a
compact tree often utilized for wind protection and in
ornamental landscaping. The Austrian or Black Pine has
spreading branches and is found throughout the Midwest
USA.
Useful Evergreen Trees: Norway Spruce, Black Hills
Spruce, Norway Spruce
If you want a
fast windbreak, then quite possibly the most effective
evergreen tree used for a windbreak is the Norway Spruce.
Growing very fast, it's extremely hardy, has short, tough dark
green needles, and its shape resembles a pyramid. The Black
Hills Spruce again is very tough and highly resistant to
drought and makes useful planting in very dry regions. Growing
far slower than the Norway Spruce, it can still grow to a
height of 40 feet. If you have plenty of time to
spare!
Alternative Evergreen trees: White Spruce, Colorado
Blue Spruce
Alternatively,
White Spruce may mature around 60 to 70 feet high and is
frequently used in landscaping designs where it excels.
Colorado Blue Spruce is reliably hardy except in extreme heat
and drought conditions, so take care in choosing a good home
for it.
Favorite Evergreen
Trees: Red Cedar
Red Cedar is considered a
favorite of the evergreen Cedar trees. It's regularly grown as
an ornamental tree for both hedges and windbreaks. It is
generally regarded as being very tough and completely hardy in
its normal habitat, and copes with winter weather very
well.
Best Evergreen Trees:
Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir Tree, Balsam Fir (Christmas
Tree)
Maybe outperforming the Norway Spruce, and possibly the best
all-round evergreen tree for windbreaks and screening is the
Douglas Fir tree. It is very hardy and drought tolerant, grows
fast, has an attractive pyramid shape, and looks terrific in
landscape designs. The Balsam Fir, also known as the Christmas
tree we have all come to love and admire. It is well-known for
its fragrant needles and beautiful shape. Becoming increasingly
popular, the White Fir tree has very an attractive silver color
and makes an excellent Christmas tree that enhances Christmas
decorations and Christmas lights.
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