“Evergreen” trees, also called conifers, got their name from their ability to maintain their foliage, regardless of the season. They are not only ideal for wildlife sanctuaries, they can also improve private property. In addition to providing you with the privacy you need, evergreen trees can also elevate the beauty of your landscape, especially when they are purchased from the right planting experts.
Some people reject the idea of having evergreen trees in their garden since their colour may seem drab. Other homeowners don’t like them since they tend to become overgrown, making them appear shabby in the long run. Also, homeowners wth small garens prefer short and skinny shrubs over evergreens which can be tall and wide.
Some may believe that there is no value to evergreen trees for landscaping, but that isn’t the case. Below is a detailed list of all the landscape benefits you can get out of planting evergreen trees.
Common Evergreen Trees in Canada
Before we delve into the list of benefits, let us first get to know some of the common species of evergreen trees in Canada:
- Pine trees
Pine trees are perhaps one of the most famous evergreen types because of their fragrant and decorative cones. They are long and narrow, and their needles grow in clusters, which are flexible and soft to the touch.
- Fir
This is a genus of more than 40 species of evergreen trees and is highly distinguishable for its leaves. Unlike pine needles, flat and soft fir needles grow individually from the tree branch.
- Spruce
Like fir needles, spruce needles also grow individually from the tree branch. Their thin-scaled cones hang to the ground. Compared to a pine cone, a spruce cone is smoother and more flexible.
Some of the fastest-growing evergreen trees for shade are the following:
- Norway spruce
- Green giant arborvitae
- Leyland cypress
- Eastern white pine
If you want something smaller for adornment purposes only, check out some attractive evergreen trees for small gardens.
You’ll never run out of options when you decide to plant evergreen trees for your landscape enhancement! The following are essential evergreen trees characteristics that can further improve your landscape, not just with their appearance but also their functionality:
Benefits of Evergreen Trees
Here’s how evergreen trees can contribute to your landscape:
- They can act as an alternative fence
Sometimes, we want to elevate our privacy by installing cement walls or barbed wire fences. Whenever you’d like to screen your lawn from the view of nosy neighbours or double your privacy (if you already have a fence), you can plant fast-growing evergreen trees instead. It’s a cheaper option.
Yes, evergreen tree species for privacy take a long time before they are fully grown, but the wait will be worth it since they will last for decades. They are pleasing to the eye and will improve the aesthetic of your landscape.
- Their thick leaves act as insulation against frost damage
During harsh winter months, living things usually hibernate; most plants cannot survive, which is why they shed their leaves. Meanwhile, the thick and leathery leaves of evergreen trees remain vibrant and attractive all year round, complementing your lawn.
By having them on your property, evergreen trees can protect not only your house but they also provide insulation for the tiny plants in the garden, protecting them against harsh and cold winds and frost damage
Furthermore, evergreen trees can act as an air pollution barrier and windbreaker during these cold winter months. You can rest easy knowing that all your garden plants will not die from the relentless cold weather.
- They are good for summer energy conservation
We’ve discussed how evergreen trees act as insulators during the winter season. Now, what about the hot season? Do they provide your landscape with any benefits? Indeed, they do!
For the hottest months of the year, they provide shade, especially the taller and wider species. You can get that much-needed rest because of evergreen trees if you prefer to lounge in your garden during the summer months. Children playing out in your garden can rest under the silhouettes of evergreen trees.
Evergreen trees cast shade over your house and garage, allowing you to conserve energy. They intercept the solar radiation that hits your property and warms your roof, reducing the need for air conditioning indoors.
- They are ideal to use as decorative trees
Because evergreen trees remain green and vibrant all year round, many homeowners see their all-green leaves as their most attractive feature because they make homes appear bright and lush.
In autumn, deciduous tree leaves change to brilliant colours before finally shedding. With evergreen leaves, your lawn will always retain its rich-looking quality, all year round.
If you long for a connection to nature, especially now that several restrictions have been implemented due to COVID-19, what better way to achieve this than putting trees in your garden? You’ll never go out of decorating ideas with evergreen trees!
- They gradually renew their leaves, ideal for water conservation
Evergreen trees’ ability to retain their green colour is not only ideal for its aesthetic appeal. This also comes with their impressive ability to adapt, ensuring that they do not become dehydrated. The thick waxy cuticle covering their leaves prevents them from losing water. Because of this winter-resistant ability, they are famous for being drought-resistant.
This is also why evergreen trees maintain their green leaves all year round. Because of these qualities, property owners find it more convenient to have them since they don’t cost much to maintain.
Now that you know the benefits of evergreen trees for your landscaping, choosing the suitable species that meet your evergreen tree requirements is the final trick. If you are looking for the best planters in Toronto and type in “evergreen trees for sale near me” or “evergreen trees for sale in Toronto,” look no further than Caledon Treeland!
We will help you make an informed decision when purchasing your trees. You can call us at 905-880-1828 or email us for your inquiries via treeland@treeland.ca.