What are Evergreen Trees?
Evergreen trees come in all shapes and sizes, and each type has its own unique features. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of evergreen trees and what makes them so special. We will also provide tips for choosing the right evergreen tree for your home or property.
What are Evergreen Trees?
Evergreen trees are trees that keep their leaves throughout the year. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, evergreen trees retain their foliage all year long. This makes them a popular choice for landscapes and gardens, as they provide color and interest all year round.
Evergreen trees never lose all of their leaves at once. Instead, they shed their leaves gradually throughout the year, and new leaves grow in as others fall off. Because of this, evergreen trees are green even in wintertime when most other deciduous trees have lost their leaves, which is why they are called “evergreens”.
The needles on these trees stay moist and pliable throughout the year, allowing the tree to perform photosynthesis during the winter months.
Evergreen tree species have been around presumably as long as the Earth itself. There are approximately 284 different kinds of these trees today. Their numbers include conifers (cone-bearing) and broadleaf evergreens. Some examples of conifers are cedar, spruce, and fir trees. The list of over 100 evergreen broadleaf trees is composed of southern magnolias, hollies, oaks, many maples, some pines, and yews.
What makes them so special?
There are many reasons why people choose to plant evergreen trees in their landscapes. One of the main reasons is that they provide color and interest all year round. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, evergreen trees retain their foliage all year long. This makes them a popular choice for landscapes and gardens, as they provide color and interest all year round.
Another reason why people love evergreen trees is that they stay green throughout the winter months. While most other deciduous trees have lost their leaves by this time of year, evergreens continue performing photosynthesis even when it’s cold outside. This means that your landscape will always look green, no matter what season it is.
Finally, evergreen trees are great for the environment because they provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species such as birds, squirrels, raccoons and chipmunks. Evergreens also produce oxygen during photosynthesis which makes them beneficial to our planet’s ecosystem.
What types of evergreen trees are there?
There are many types of evergreen trees in the world, but only some have been identified.
Pine Trees
The pine tree is one of the most common types of evergreen trees. It has needles instead of leaves, and a thick trunk covered in bark which protects it from cold weather conditions or fire damage.
These trees can grow to be over 100 feet tall with branches that spread outwards up to 20 feet away from its base depending on type/species variation.
Redwood Trees
The redwoods tree is another popular species among homeowners who want an elegant-looking plant but not too much maintenance when compared against other options such as maple or oak varieties available today.
This particular variety tends to grow as high as 60 feet tall and has a lifespan upwards of 500 years old if kept properly watered during dry periods throughout its life cycle.
Fir Trees
The fir tree is a common type of evergreen, which can be found in many shapes and sizes. These trees tend to have needles that are flat on one side while the other end tapers off into sharp points, making them perfect additions for Christmas decorations or even just decoration around your home.
Spruce Trees
The spruce tree is a coniferous evergreen that can reach heights of up to 100 feet tall. These trees have bluish-green needles which are prickly to the touch, and often have cones that hang down from their branches.
Oak Trees
Oak trees are an amazing species of evergreen tree that can grow up to 80 feet tall. They have thick trunks that branch out into many smaller branches with leaves on top.
Cedar Trees
Cedar trees are another type of coniferous evergreen that can grow up to 300 feet tall. These trees have needles that are flat and scale-like, and often produce cones that hang down from their branches.
Characteristics of evergreen trees
- Evergreen trees are conifers, which means they have cones and needles. The leaves on an evergreen tree are typically needle-like or scale-like in shape and are attached to the branches in clusters. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves each autumn, evergreen trees keep their foliage all year long. This quality is what gives them their name – evergreens literally stay green throughout the seasons.
- Most evergreen trees are either conical or pyramidal in shape, meaning that they have a narrow top and wide base. Some species of evergreen tree, such as the Douglas fir, can grow quite large; others remain relatively small, like the hemlock spruce.
- The thick needles and branches of an evergreen tree act as a shield against wind and harsh weather. This makes them well-suited to live in colder climates, where the snow acts like insulation for their roots.
- Evergreens are also useful for landscaping purposes; they provide shade during warm months and protect against winter winds by serving as windbreaks. They can be used as privacy trees or hedges, since they block views year round when planted closely together. Some species, like the blue spruce, even produce very aromatic needles that add pleasant scents to gardens in springtime.
- Ability to retain green foliage year-round: Evergreen trees can keep their leaves throughout the year, as opposed to deciduous trees which lose their leaves in the winter.
- They can be either small or large trees, and they can grow in a variety of climates.
Tips for choosing the right evergreen tree for your home
If you want to keep your garden or backyard looking lush and beautiful all year long, evergreen trees are the way to go. Evergreen trees are a variety of tree species that retain their leaves year-round and never undergo a large-scale leaf-shedding like deciduous trees do.
Evergreen trees provide beauty and shade in all four seasons, making them a great addition to any yard. However, there are many types of evergreen trees to choose from. To help you pick the right one for your home, here is a detailed guide for choosing evergreens:
Consider your climate.
When choosing an evergreen tree, it’s important to consider the climate it will be growing in. Different types of evergreen trees are suited for different climates. For example, certain varieties thrive in cold weather while others prefer warmer temperatures.
If you live in a colder climate, choose an evergreen tree that will thrive in the cold weather. If you live in a warmer climate, choose a tree that can handle the heat.
Consider your landscape.
Another thing to consider when choosing an evergreen tree is your landscape. What type of scenery do you want to enhance with your tree? Do you have a lot of open space or are there other trees and plants around?
Think about the size of the tree when it matures.
When choosing an evergreen tree, it’s important to think about how big it will get when it matures. Some trees grow very large while others stay relatively small. Choose a tree that will fit well into your landscape and won’t overwhelm your yard.
Consider the type of foliage.
Not all evergreen trees have needles or leaves. Some varieties have small, round leaves while others have long, slender leaves. Consider what type of foliage you prefer before choosing a tree.
Consider the color of the foliage.
In addition to considering the type of foliage, also consider the color of the leaves. Some evergreens have green leaves while others have colorful leaves that change with the seasons. Choose a tree whose leaves will complement your landscape and home décor.
Pick a healthy tree.
When purchasing an evergreen tree, make sure to pick one that is healthy and has no signs of damage or pests. A healthy tree will be able to thrive in your yard and grow for many years to come.
Why plant evergreen trees?
Evergreens can provide winter interest to your landscape. Evergreens planted on the south side of your house can reduce heating bills by up to 25 percent.
Evergreen trees are great for windbreaks and provide privacy, reducing noise pollution. What could be better than relaxing in the backyard or looking out your window at a lush green landscape? Evergreens produce oxygen year-round and create habitats for wildlife such as songbirds, squirrels, and other small animals.
Most deciduous trees lose their leaves during the fall season. This can leave you with an empty yard that lacks luster until spring comes around again when they leaf back out. With evergreen trees, you get to enjoy thick green foliage all year long. What’s more – many types of evergreens have needles that change color throughout different times of the year, providing interest all winter long.
When planting an evergreen make sure that:
- The hole is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
- You backfill with the same soil you took out of the hole. Do not add compost or fertilizer to the backfill soil.
- You tamp down the soil around the plant gently but firmly so that there is good contact between the soil and roots. Do not pack too hard or you will damage fragile feeder roots.
- You water thoroughly after planting (and during dry spells thereafter).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that will add beauty and value to your outdoor space year-round, consider planting an evergreen tree. They’re the perfect choice if you want something that will last beyond one season and provide interest in the winter when everything else is gone.
You should always consider the climate, soil type, and other environmental factors when choosing the right evergreen tree for your landscape. Talk to a local nursery professional to get help selecting the best one for you.