Tips for Landscaping with Evergreen Trees
Evergreen trees can add depth and texture to any landscape. Depending on the climate, growing evergreen trees can take a considerable amount of time and money to properly cultivate. It is important to select the right evergreen for your area. Evergreen trees are conifers which mean they do not shed their leaves. Some conifer leaves will change slightly during fall and winter. Mother Lode Juniper turns bronze during the winter months. When spring returns the Juniper’s leaves return to their bright gold color.
When selecting an evergreen tree keep in mind the required space for a mature tree, not the size when planted. Some evergreens such as spruce and fir can grow to 30 feet in diameter at maturity. Certain species of pines grow to more than 50 feet tall. Small junipers are perfect for residential lawns due to their compact size. The shape of evergreen trees differs depending on the species. Some, such as spruce, pines and firs are shaped like a pyramid while the Black Hill Spruce is cone shaped. Evergreen trees can add color other than green. The evergreen Colorado Blue Spruce is blue and the Cesarini Blue Pine is a light powder blue.
When landscaping with evergreen trees utilize their height and texture to add interest to your landscape. Layering evergreen trees can provide a noise barrier for loud areas. Taller evergreens should be used in the back row, with mid-size evergreens in the center and dwarfs in the front. Tall and narrow evergreen trees can be used to add height and dramatic accents to landscapes. Large evergreen trees are best at blocking unsightly views and creating windbreaks. Broad evergreen trees can be planted alone or in groupings to create hedges, while dwarf and intermediate evergreens make perfect accents to gardens.
