Finding the Right Evergreen: Considerations

Evergreen trees are often taken to be the ultimate example of beauty since they hold on to their leaves all year․ Evergreen trees are green and healthy and make the landscape appear helpful and beautiful throughout the entire year‚ unlike trees that shed their leaves during the winter season․ There are many factors to consider when choosing an appropriate evergreen tree for a property or landscape․ They include the types of evergreen trees‚ the sizes‚ the ornamental features and colors in different seasons‚ and the climate in which the evergreen tree species may thrive․ These considerations can help narrow the possibilities‚ ideally down to a tree you would like to use․

There are many types of evergreen trees‚ including pines‚ spruces‚ firs‚ and cedars‚ and each has its own unique characteristics and benefits․ Species with long needles such as the pines and showy cones are especially popular with gardeners․ Spruces have a more conical habit and have needles that can be dull or bright blue and can be a highly decorative species in a landscape setting that adds some colorful interest․ The first have a pleasant smell when brushed with the branch‚ and smooth needles that can be soft or crisp; cedars are known for aromatic and tasty wood and layered branches․ Understanding these types helps homeowners choose an evergreen that fits into their landscape and their tastes and preferences better․

Another consideration for the home gardener is determining the right height of an evergreen relative to the planting site․ Many evergreens can reach considerable heights and provide privacy‚ shade‚ and shelter from wind․ Where the space is small‚ dwarfs give evergreen interest on a scale that is more appropriate than large trees․ A tree may be chosen for its size‚ so long as the location is carefully studied for its conditions (sunshine‚ soil‚ available space between buildings‚ number of other trees on the property) so that a tree is chosen that will fit in peacefully‚ neither dominating the situation nor seeming to be suffering from it․

Evergreens Provide Depth to Landscapes

Evergreen trees are valuable plants in landscape design for their ornamental qualities․ They add year-round visual interest as focal points or background plants for other species․ The green foliage of the evergreen tends to soften the lines of a house or other structure․ Evergreens planted together with flowering perennials or annuals can also create a more enticing picture by providing layers or depth of colors․ These trees can also be used‚ when carefully sited‚ to provide through views of the garden by framing or pointing out features such as walks‚ sculpture and fountains․ They can improve a house's street presence and encourage access to the garden․

In spite of the seasonal changes‚ the colors of some trees remain firm due to evergreen needles that may turn bronze or gold during the winter months․ Such trees experience seasonal color change‚ although more subdued than that of deciduous trees․ The cones or berries of some of these species can introduce some color in the winter months‚ when the bare dark twigs of deciduous trees dominate the landscape․ For this reason evergreens are particularly popular as ornamental plants in the winter landscape․ Thus‚ if you choose an evergreen variety with a strong seasonal color change‚ you can ensure that there is something to look out onto and something to look at․

Climate adaptation is another factor to consider in choosing an appropriate evergreen․ Some trees and shrubs perform better in cool climates‚ while others are suited to warmer climates․ Factors such as hardiness zone‚ amount of wind and sunlight‚ drainage and soil type must be taken into account when deciding what species of tree to plant․ Finding out which trees will grow well in a particular area is best done by finding out what factors work and checking with the local nurseries or plant specialists․ This allows pre-emptive action to be taken‚ helping to protect the plants themselves and reducing any work for the homeowner‚ who can then enjoy the area․

Evergreens Provide Year-Round Interest 

In summary‚ choosing an evergreen tree requires consideration of the species‚ the height‚ the shape‚ the color throughout the seasons‚ and the climatic conditions in its location․ However‚ an evergreen tree is not just a tree‚ but is a year-round companion that improves our landscape and creates our outdoor environment․ A formal garden can be a pleasant and beautiful addition to a yard or garden throughout the year‚ if the right plants are chosen․ If you are a homeowner searching for landscaping ideas or a gardener looking for a new plant‚ time spent wisely will result in a beautiful‚ efficient and long-lived garden․