Growing Evergreen Trees
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”. Growing evergreen trees is easier than growing deciduous
trees.
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.
Growing 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 Growing 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.
Growing Evergreen
Trees
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