Evergreens: year-round beauty in your yard

The main benefit of evergreens is they keep their leaves all year. That type of tree is perfect for creating hedges and getting a little more privacy. You don't have much time? Evergreens are great because they require little maintenance.

The leaves of evergreens do not contain chlorophyll and regenerate on a daily basis. Energy is stored through wood tissues and roots.

They always seem to have this beautiful green colour, regardless of the time of the year. They easily adapt to the heat and cold with their thick, robust leaves.

Difference between a conifer and an evergreen

Several people think evergreens are necessarily conifers. The two types sometimes overlap, but that does mean they are equivalent.

Conifers bear this name because they reproduce through cones instead of flowers containing seeds. Evergreens are trees whose leaves or needles are present year-round.

Before planting

This type of tree or shrub comes in various colours and sizes, and that is why you must first determine the purpose of your purchase. Are you looking for a little more privacy, or do you want protection from the wind or a decoration? Keep your objective in mind to make the right choice.

Also, think about your plant's size once it has reached maturity: will its roots be a problem for your foundations or electric cables? Will it be too close to the house?

It's also very important to know the type of soil and climate of your region. You can test your soil using a soil testing kit to verify its nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content, as well as the pH of your lawn and vegetable garden soil.

Maintenance

Evergreens do not require much maintenance. However, they still need to be watered, especially the first year following planting. They should receive at least an inch of water every week. Do not forget to water them in the fall as well to help them get through the winter.

Keep an eye on your tree or shrub to know if fertilizer should be used. If you notice its needles do not have a healthy green colour, that they are shorter than usual, or that your plant lacks vigour and flowering, it's probably time to act.

A few varieties

Trees and shrubs for hedges

Thuja Green Giant – Zones 5-9
Thuya géant vert

Leyland Cypress – Zones 6-10
Cyprès de Leyland

American Holly – Zones 6-9
Houx américain

Thuja Nigra – Zones 3-7
Cèdre noir

Decorative trees
Italian Cypress – Zones 7-11
Cyprès italien

Blue Atlas Cedar – Zones 6-9
Cèdre bleu de l'Atlas