Using Evergreen Trees For Year-Round Color

Evergreen trees hold their foliage throughout the entire year and are the ideal element that holds interest to the garden year-round.  During the winter we all crave the color “green” when the long, gray winter months won’t leave.  Especially when our other favorites are bare to the bone. Nothing more beautiful on a white snowy day to see than an evergreen covered in white snow.

Evergreens can be broken into two groups based upon their leaves.

Evergreen Trees Landscaping Ideas

There are a lot of great uses for evergreens and it is this wide range of applications that keeps this tree popular.  Planting ideas to consider:

• Privacy hedges – Create a “living hedge” by combining a variety of different shaped and sized evergreens.  Use both thin and broadleaf evergreens, as well as different colors to create a hedge in “living color”.  Just make sure to pick varieties that require the same soil type and watering needs.
• Accent tree – If you are looking to add color and character to your landscape – evergreens fit the bill. If it’s blue you crave – try planting the Sapphire Cypress or Skyrocket Juniper. They are also ideal for smaller spots.
• Add some elegance – There are so many stately and beautiful evergreens to use when trying to make a dignified statement in your garden. Try the Emerald Green or Thuga Green Giant. Tall and noble, they are sure to please.
• Backdrops – Evergreens make beautiful backdrops for your smaller flowering plants. Everything looks prettier when you add a nice green background to your gardening canvas.

Planting Tips

Like any plant, soil condition is imperative. When planting evergreens, make sure your soil condition matches the tree you choose.  For example, Rhododendrons need a sandy, more acidic soil that stays moist to survive.  Other trees can practically dry out without any harm at all.  If in doubt, talk to our professional nurserymen, they will know.

More planting basics:

• Most evergreens prefer full sun; others enjoy partial shade.
• In addition to soil, consider future space and site conditions, as well as weather factors.
• Always mulch around your plants, just take care to keep a few inches from the trunk. This helps protect against rodents and other issues.
• Most evergreens benefit from supplemental water during dry, warm or windy periods from November to March.