Thriving Evergreens: How to Choose, Maintain, and Protect Them

Evergreens are a symbol of life and resilience, standing tall even in the coldest winters. Their green boughs keep hope alive when the world seems to lose its color. But evergreens are more than just beautiful additions to your yard. They play vital roles in landscaping, ecosystems, and traditions. 

Across the globe, these trees have become an integral part of both natural and cultural environments.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

• Different types of evergreens and their uses
• General maintenance and care
• Common pests and diseases

Let’s dive in and learn how to keep these remarkable trees thriving!

Popular Types of Evergreens

There are a significant number of types of evergreens you can choose from. Here in North America or in other temperate areas of the world, when someone mentions evergreens, we often think of conifers. These conifers can range from towering trees to low-growing shrubs.

Here are a few types of conifers that are most common and popular:

Pines: Known for their needle-like leaves and resilience, pines are popular for windbreaks and erosion control. Their height and dense foliage also make them excellent privacy screens.

Spruces: With their symmetrical shape and rich green needles, spruces are favorites in ornamental landscaping and holiday traditions.

Junipers: These hardy evergreens are perfect for ground cover or low-maintenance borders, thriving in various conditions.

Firs: Often associated with Christmas trees, firs are prized for their soft needles and aromatic qualities.

Cedars: Valued for their fragrant wood, cedars are ideal for hedges and creating natural fences.

Whether used for aesthetics, function, or tradition, evergreens are indispensable in enhancing landscapes and supporting wildlife habitats.

General Maintenance and Care

While most evergreens will grow in poor soil conditions and harsh climates, it doesn’t mean we can totally neglect them in our yards or landscaping if we want them to thrive.

If you’re planting a new tree in your yard or garden, make sure it’s in the best location. Evergreens need good draining soil, as any standing water may cause root rot. Also consider the eventual size and shape of the tree so it has enough room and sunshine as it grows.

For established trees, you want to ensure they are getting watered. Give them a long, deep soak if you have been experiencing dry spells recently. A layer of mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce any weeds that can outcompete for nutrients.

Pruning is another important task. Remove dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth. You can also trim for shape or size if the tree is overcrowding other plants, but be sure to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

With these simple steps, you can ensure your evergreens remain a lasting, healthy part of your landscape.

Common Evergreen Pests 

Luckily, evergreens are pretty hardy trees and they can hold up against most pests and diseases. However, if they are stressed or weakened, an insect or fungus could kill them under the right conditions.

Here are a few common insect pests to be on the look for and how to treat them:

Bark Beetle

Bark Beetles: These tiny insects bore into the bark, leaving small holes and sawdust-like frass. They can cause dieback or even kill the tree.

Spider Mites: These pests feed on needles, causing them to discolor and drop prematurely. Look for fine webbing as a sign of infestation.

Bagworm Cocoon

Bagworms: These caterpillars create protective bags and feed on needles, leading to defoliation. It’s best to cut off individual bags with scissors and dispose of them. If you try spraying for them, use products containing Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) in June and July when the bags are small.

Scale Insects: They appear as small bumps on needles or branches and suck sap, weakening the tree. Fortunately, these insects aren’t a huge problem for most evergreens, but they can be a problem for new saplings or nursery stock.

Sawflies: These caterpillar-like pests are actually wasps. They tend to feed on needles in groups and clusters, shaking their bodies when they are disturbed.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Adelgids: These insects look like aphids, but are covered in a waxy layer. They feed at the base of needles and can cause galls. It’s best to spray for them in the spring.

Now let’s look at some common diseases and ways to treat your trees:

Crown and Root Rot: This is caused by poor drainage and several species of root rot fungi or root molds may be the cause. It’s best to reduce soil moisture and increase drainage around the tree. Too much mulch can also be the problem.

Rhizosphaera needle cast: This is an issue for Colorado blue spruce trees and can make the needles turn purple or brown. Use fungicides on the tree or products containing copper or chlorothalonil. This can help prevent the spread of the fungus.

Cytospora Canker: This fungal disease creates sunken, discolored areas on branches, often exuding resin. If you find this fungus on your evergreens, prune infested limbs, and destroy them. Remember to disinfect your pruners in between each cut

Gymnosporangium Rust: Causes bright orange spots on needles and gelatinous orange spore masses on branches during wet spring conditions, especially on junipers and cedars. Prune infected branches, improve air circulation, and use fungicides in late winter or early spring to prevent spread.

Tip Blight: Tip blight causes the browning of new growth and small black fungal fruiting bodies on affected needles, often in stressed or mature pines and spruces. Prune off infected branches and apply fungicides in the early growing season.

Evergreens are remarkable trees that offer beauty, function, and resilience in a variety of landscapes. While they can thrive in challenging conditions, a little care goes a long way in keeping them healthy.

By selecting the right evergreen for your space, maintaining proper watering and pruning routines, and staying vigilant for pests and diseases, you can ensure these trees continue to flourish for years to come.

Whether providing privacy, enhancing wildlife habitats, or simply adding year-round greenery, evergreens are a valuable addition to any yard or garden. 

- Grant @ ARBICO Organics