Evergreen Trees

What Are Evergreen Trees?

Evergreens have green foliage throughout the year. These plants do not drop their leaves in fall and go dormant in winter like deciduous trees. Conifers are the most common type of Evergreen trees for sale. They are seed-producing plants that bear cones. Fir, Pine, Hemlock, Cypress, Spruce, Redwood, Yew, and Arborvitae/Thuja are coniferous trees. Broadleaf Evergreens like Holly, Magnolia, Wax Myrtle, and Live Oak have green leaves year-round.

How to Prune Evergreen Trees

There are no Evergreen Trees that require pruning. In fact, certain types of pruning, like topping, can forever change the shape of your tree which is fine if you are creating a hedge. Otherwise, avoid this type of pruning. The best time to prune most Evergreens is in early spring, but minor trimming can be done at any time. Avoid pruning and shearing in late fall. Pruning encourages new growth that can be damaged by freezing temperatures.

How to Plant Evergreen Trees

Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and not quite as deep. Place your tree level in the hole. Be sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher than the existing soil line and backfill with the existing soil. Water deeply until the water begins to pool. Apply 1 to 2 inches of pine straw or pine bark mulch to reduce watering needs, retain soil moisture, and keep weeds at bay. Extend the mulch a couple of inches beyond the tree’s canopy. Learn more about How to Plant Evergreen Trees.

Why Are My Evergreen Trees Turning Brown?

Evergreens turn brown for a variety of reasons, some more serious than others. Natural browning of older leaves and needles occurs prior to growing new foliage. Drought is the most common reason trees turn brown, but too much water can be an issue too. Drought tends to lead to dry, crispy foliage where excess water causes brown, but soft and limp foliage and can lead to root rot. Bronzing in winter is normal for many evergreens. It is caused by drought, wind, and sun. Most plants green-up in spring. A thick layer of mulch and good watering prior to deep freezes can help reduce bronzing and winter desiccation. Disease and pests can also cause browning. For proper identification and treatment protocols speak with a professional arborist or your local extension agent.

How to Care for Evergreen Trees

For the first 2 to 3 months water deeply at the base of the tree 1 to 2 times per week. Water once weekly during the first summer, especially if you are in the south or any hot climate. Cold, dry climates can help protect your trees with a once-weekly watering throughout winter prior to hard freezes. Evergreens prefer acidic soil. If needed, especially early on, you can acidify your soil with Elemental Sulfur. Use pine straw or pine bark mulch to help add acidity to your soil over time. Fertilize Evergreen Trees in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Which Evergreen Trees are Deer Resistant?

Magnolia, Juniper, Arizona Cypress, Spruce, Holly, Cryptomeria, Deodar Cedar, Eucalyptus, Thuja Green Giant, and Wax Myrtle trees are all deer resistant trees. For more information on Deer Resistant, Evergreen Trees check out our Deer Resistant Privacy Trees Blog.

What are the Best Evergreen Trees for Tight Spaces?

The best tall evergreen tree for narrow spaces is the Italian Cypress. It grows in growing zones 7 to 10. The best dwarf narrow evergreen tree for small spaces is the Sky Pencil Holly which grows in zones 5 to 9. Consider these when searching Evergreen trees for sale.

How to Get Rid of Bagworms on Evergreens

Scout for bags in winter and watch for caterpillar emergence in spring to determine the ideal time to treat bagworms. Bagworms can be treated with Bacillus thuringiensis, spinosad, permethrin, carbaryl, or malathion between late May and June. Treating later in the year is ineffective. Thoroughly spray the entire tree. If you have a small tree simply trim off the bags and dispose of them.

This Thuja is a hybrid of the Japanese Thuja and the US native Western Redcedar. This tree takes the best qualities of both trees. This specialized selection and breeding is why these characteristics stand true for the Thuja Green Giant. As it becomes more and more popular, we hope this privacy tree is able to stand the test of time with these important traits.