October 10, 2018 If you are seeking a tree that is relatively low-maintenance and offers year-round beauty, an evergreen tree may be just what you are looking for. Benefits of Evergreen Trees Evergreen trees keep their foliage year-round, as opposed to deciduous trees that lose their leaves each fall. Evergreens are also known for being able to endure cold weather. What you may not know is that evergreen trees can serve many purposes, including decoration, privacy, and protection from the wind. Barrier from Snow Snow fences are typically put in place to prevent blowing and drifting snow that can block driveways or close roads. An alternative to what can often be unattractive fencing is to plant a living snow fence with evergreen trees. Living snow fences were first planted in the early 1900s to protect railroad lines and major highways, and many of these trees are still providing protection from blowing snow today. Living snow fences can capture more snow, are less expensive and more attractive than a slatted snow fence. In addition, a living snow fence provides wildlife habitat and enhances the beauty of your land. Wind Reduction In addition to blocking snow, a row of evergreens can also block strong winds. During cold months, the protection from the cold wind can mean fewer drafts coming into your home, and in the summer, your home will be shaded and protected from the heat. All of this protection from the elements can add up to energy efficiency and lower heating and cooling bills. Attractive Separation Evergreen trees can not only take the place of snow fencing but also privacy fencing. A row of evergreen trees planted on your property’s perimeter can provide both privacy and beauty that traditional fencing cannot. In addition, there are no height limits on evergreens, while there may be municipal restrictions on fencing heights. What to Consider When Choosing an Evergreen Tree Once you have decided upon the purpose of your evergreen trees, you will then want to consider which evergreen will work best for you. Knowing your growing zone as well as understanding your soil type will assist you in deciding on an evergreen tree. Some prefer drier soil, while others do well in moist soil. Some need alkaline soil, which is a drier type of soil, and others prefer acidic soil, which holds moisture better—something most evergreens prefer. Care Required for Evergreen Trees Full to partial sunlight is required for most evergreen trees. Each variety will have differences in regard to its needs for soil drainage and tolerance of extreme weather conditions, insects or other pests. Some will require pruning and fertilizing and others may drop their needles. If you desire an evergreen tree that does not lose its needles, keep this in mind when considering which variety is best for you. Evergreen Tree Sizes Your needs will determine what size evergreen tree is most appropriate. It is important to be aware of how large a particular evergreen will be at full maturity, as well as how long it will take to reach its full size. Some evergreen trees are fast-growing, while others will take longer to reach their mature height. Evergreens can reach heights of anywhere from 4 to 60 feet. Where to Plant Evergreen Trees There are a variety of locations to consider planting your evergreen tree. Again, you will want to consider the full growth potential of the variety you choose when you decide the location. It is recommended to plant evergreen trees at least 10 to 15 feet from the foundation of your home and at least five feet from patios, fencing, and sidewalks. When to Plant Evergreen Trees Spring and fall are both ideal times for planting evergreen trees. Spring The benefit to planting in the spring is that it will give the root system time to develop throughout the growing season. Fall Fall may be the best time to plant young evergreen trees to avoid the risk of heat damage. Also, the roots of evergreen trees grow more aggressively when planted in the fall than in the spring. Evergreen trees planted in the fall also benefit from the ideal soil conditions caused by the moisture in the air. If you plant your evergreen in the fall, it is best to do so before November, so you don’t risk the possibility of winter damage. There are many attractive varieties of evergreen trees to choose from that can provide barriers from the snow and wind, wildlife protection, and energy efficiency. The team at Front Range Arborists can consult to help you select the variety of evergreen tree that will thrive best on your land and provide you with several tree care services. Give us a call today. Find out more about how Front Range Arborists can help provide services to residential, commercial, and municipal institutions with all of our Tree Services: Tree Pruning Stump and Tree Removal Shrub Pruning Fire Mitigation Fertilization Winter Watering Pest Control Tree Preservation
