Evergreen Trees in Edmonton 101
Unlike deciduous trees, evergreen trees maintain their foliage year-round. Evergreen means that trees will continue to grow leaves, even when other leaves fall off. Any tree that maintains its foliage all year, even in cold climates, dry conditions, and humidity, is an evergreen. As beneficial as evergreen trees are for homeowners in Edmonton, they fare very well with our backyard ecosystems. Did you know that evergreens can help sustain populations of birds and squirrels? During the harsh winter weather, animals carefully seek refuge on the branches, huddling together to protect themselves from predatory hawks and other threats. The mighty evergreen trees provide a privacy screen, safeguarding the delicate balance of nature.
In Canada, you’ll never find a shortage of evergreens. Though, the spruce is the most prevalent tree in Canada, with approximately 40 species found worldwide, five of which are native to our home country.
Needle-ss to say, evergreen trees are a splendid choice for both your own backyard and community parks. They showcase remarkable resilience by persistently growing, undeterred by any obstacle that comes their way.
In this article, Trusty Tree Services will present you with valuable information about evergreen trees, whether you are considering planting them or simply eager to learn more about these extraordinary trees. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of evergreen plants, where we will discover their remarkable characteristics, various types, and tips for successfully planting them!
The Characteristics of Evergreen Trees
Literally, “evergreen” denotes a tree that stays “green forever” throughout its life. Evergreens are frequently associated with immortality and eternal life due to their ability to keep their leaves throughout the winter. Evergreen trees do shed their leaves, but unlike deciduous trees, they drop them gradually throughout the year instead of all at once during a specific season. Some evergreens have slender, pointed leaves, often referred to as needles, while others have thicker leaves, known as broadleaf evergreens. Certain evergreen species have aromatic needles, filling the forest with scents unmatched by any perfume. In the summer, the tiered branches of an evergreen tree provide the perfect conditions for some afternoon shade.
Different Types of Evergreen Trees
Like all species of living things, evergreens have many varieties. From tall and majestic spruces to low-growing junipers, there is a wide range of evergreen tree species to choose from. Each variety offers unique characteristics, such as colourful foliage or exceptional tolerance to harsh climates. Whether you’re looking for a stunning centrepiece for your garden or a windbreak for your property, there’s an evergreen tree to suit your needs.
If you want to buy an evergreen tree for your Edmonton home, there are popular varieties available in plant stores.
- The Norway Spruce Tree: The Norway spruce growth rate is fast, and displays a graceful silhouette, featuring sweeping branches upon reaching maturity. At its full height, it can soar up to 25 meters with a spread of 12 meters. Ideal for large gardens, it thrives in spacious corners, not narrow spaces, where it can extend its branches. Its expansive shade is perfect for shielding homes and providing relief from the high sun.
- The White Spruce Tree: If you are seeking a tree that can effectively shield you from powerful winds, consider the White Spruce. Its sturdy trunk is adept at withstanding strong gusts, making it an ideal choice for areas prone to intense winds. These trees are best suited for planting in locations you wish to safeguard, such as near your home or in the heart of your garden.
- The Colorado Spruce Tree: The Colorado Spruce is a robust choice for windbreaks, especially when compared to the White Spruce. In addition to its hardiness, this tree can serve as a striking specimen or an effective garden hedge. With the potential to reach 20 meters in height and a 5-meter spread, it offers impressive coverage.
- The Colorado Blue Spruce Tree: The Colorado Blue Spruce is a stunning variation of the original Colorado Spruce. This exceptional specimen boasts vibrant blue-green needles, which perfectly match its name. With the ability to reach towering heights of up to 20 meters and a spread of 5 meters, it is truly a sight to behold. While it may not be the fastest-growing tree, its moderate growth rate leads to reaching its majestic peak over time.
- The White Pine Tree: You should definitely consider adding the stunning White Pine to your tree list. Standing tall at 25 meters with a spread of 10 meters, this tree offers two compelling reasons to make it yours. Firstly, its remarkable growth rate allows you to enjoy fully rooted and sturdy trees in no time. Secondly, the White Pine’s soft, long, and green needles seamlessly complement your privacy shrubs, creating an ideal privacy screen. Moreover, this tree serves as an exceptional specimen, adding a touch of sophistication to your surroundings. Don’t miss the opportunity to enhance your landscape with this perfect choice.
- The Serbian Spruce Tree: The Serbian Spruce stands out as one of the most elegant spruce trees, suitable for providing shade in your garden. Its slender straight trunk and thin arching branches give it a graceful appearance, and its needles come in varying shades of green. With a height reaching up to 15 meters and a spread of 8 meters, this tree is narrower than most other spruce trees, making it perfect for landscaping projects.
- Leyland Cypress Trees: The Leyland cypress is a remarkable tree that grows rapidly and showcases a bountiful display of lush, blue-green foliage. With their evergreen needles that persist throughout the year, these trees effortlessly form a dense hedge when planted in close proximity. While they require minimal upkeep, it’s important to note that pests and diseases can pose a potential challenge. If left unpruned, they can reach an impressive height of 40 to 60 feet, spreading out to cover an area of 15 to 20 feet. What sets them apart is their exceptional growth rate, as they can easily gain three or more feet in height within their second year of growth. Additionally, certain Leyland cypress are drought tolerant.
- Thuja Green Giant Trees: The name Thuja Green Giant perfectly captures the essence of these spectacular trees. Thriving in ideal conditions, they can grow up to 3 feet per year, with a mature height of 50–60 feet and a width of up to 12–20 feet. These trees boast a uniform, columnar shape, saving homeowners the hassle of regular pruning. Their large, dense, pyramidal form showcases a vibrant green hue in warmer months and a rich bronze in winter. The tightly packed, glossy leaves create a stunning fan of distinctive foliage.
How To Properly Plant Evergreen Trees
Many evergreen trees thrive in areas with full to partial sunlight, and they exhibit varying degrees of tolerance to factors such as poor soil drainage, salt spray, extreme weather, and pests. Generally, evergreens are low-maintenance plants, making them an excellent choice for landscaping. Certain trees only need occasional pruning and yearly fertilization. Some types will drop needles and seeds during certain times of the year. For instance, evergreens like Cypress and Spruce Trees shed their foliage annually, creating needle litters. So, if you’re worried about having a messy yard, it might be best to steer clear of these varieties.
Ideally, the best time to plant evergreens is in the autumn. However, as long as the weather is not excessively hot, these resilient trees can also be successfully planted during spring.
The Growth Rate Of Evergreen Trees
Consider the future size of the trees once they are fully grown and take into account their growth rate. Will you be satisfied with a slow-growing tree, or do you require something that will quickly reach a considerable height? If shade or privacy screening is crucial, a fast-growing tree may be the best choice. It’s essential to carefully consider the actual size of your yard and the space available for the trees in order to choose your evergreen trees wisely. Some evergreens may not look as appealing if they outgrow their designated area.
For smaller homes and yards, it is advisable to opt for small to medium-sized varieties, placing smaller trees near your home and taller trees farther out in your landscape. When it comes to soil for evergreens, moist soil, as well as well-drained soil is ideal. A soil type like loamy, silt, or peat will provide the perfect amount of nutrients for excellent tree growth!
Trusty Tree Services: Edmonton and Area’s Reliable Choice For Tree Service
Be-leaf us when we tell you that Trusty Tree Services is the true embodiment of arboricultural excellence. As a local company led by certified arborists dedicated to safety, we offer expert tree care, including pruning, removal, planting, and disease management to preserve the vitality of Edmonton’s urban greenery. Our company focuses on providing exceptional tree services, including tree planting, removal, and informative guidance regarding a wide range of tree species. Need help planting your evergreen trees in Edmonton, or have concerns about which one to plant? We can help you out!
Trusty Tree Services is more than just a service; it is a commitment to caring for, safeguarding, and elevating the innate beauty that blesses our community. Get in touch with us now and select our team of specialists for a future that is not only greener but also healthier!