Landscaping a garden or yard with evergreen trees is the ideal solution. Pines, firs, spruces, and cedars are among the trees that lose their leaves gradually and keep their foliage throughout the year. Some evergreen trees are huge magnificent trees while others are little bushy bushes. Thus, there are several types of evergreen trees to choose from, whatever your landscaping needs may be.
Evergreen trees are hardy woody plants that can grow in a variety of climates. You should pay attention to growing zones and cold hardiness before settling on an evergreen for your landscape. Privacy hedges may be created using some evergreen trees and shrubs, while ornamental trees may be created using others.
This article focuses on conifers or needle evergreens, even though there are different kinds of broad-leafed trees that are evergreen. You’ll get descriptions and pictures of the finest conifers for your landscape garden, in addition to their botanical names.
What are Evergreen Trees?
Evergreen trees are those that maintain their foliage all year. Evergreen trees are constantly in a variety of green hues, even in chilly freezing conditions or scorching dry places. Conifers have needle-like leaves. The needles of some pine trees and junipers, for example, may be sharp and spiky.
Depending on the species, they might be soft like those on fir or cypress trees. Soft needle leaves are seen on many pine and spruce species. Evergreen trees generate cones in the majority of cases. Pollen cones and seed cones are the two different types.
Evergreen Trees for Landscaping
It is vital to pick the appropriate evergreen trees before undertaking a landscaping project. Screening hedges or windbreaks can be made quickly with certain kinds of cypress and conifer trees. A conical shape that resembles a Christmas tree grows on many different forms of firs, spruces, and pines.
Planting weeping evergreens or ones that may be trimmed and shaped can also create a dramatic effect in your landscape. You may also pick dwarf evergreen trees, depending on your landscape needs. These evergreens aren’t particularly tall. In reality, they only reach heights of around 3 to 6 feet (1 to 2 meters), unlike some pines and firs, which can reach heights of several feet.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The needles and cones of pine tree cones grow downward (left) whereas those of fir grow upward (right). Needles on pine trees, for example, cluster in twigs in groups of two, three, four, or five needles. Spruce and firs are attached individually.
In contrast to pines and spruces, fir needles are more often flat. Fir tree cones rise up on the branches, but spruce and pine cone droop down when compared to cones growing on the tree.
Types of Evergreen Trees – Pine
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular evergreen tree species for your garden or yard.
Eastern White Pine Tree (Pinus strobus)
The dwarf cultivar of eastern white pine, also known as soft pine, is a wonderful decorative evergreen tree for gardens and landscaping. If you plant a few eastern white pines together, you may use them as a privacy hedge.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Dwarf forms reach heights of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 meters) while these pines reach heights of 230 feet (70 meters). Blue-green needles, small light brown cones, and evenly distributed branches characterize eastern white pines.
Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
Because of their fragrance and needle retention, Scots pines are popular as Christmas trees. Dwarf tree varieties like the Glauca are especially suited to tiny gardens. The tops of the trees are commonly covered in flat foliage that resembles an umbrella. They’re a common kind of Christmas tree that thrives in containers.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Scots pines, which grow to 114 feet (35 meters) and have lovely blue-green foliage that turns silvery-blue during the winter, are slow-growing landscaping trees. When mature, cones turn from red to brown.
Norway Pine (Pinus resinosa)
The Norway pine, sometimes known as the red pine, is a tough evergreen tree with weeping branches. Norway pine landscaping with upturned branches has a conical shape. These are very cold-hardy pine trees that flourish in full sun and acidic soil.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Large trees have dark green pointed needles, egg-shaped brown cones, and flaky bark that is orange-red towards the top of the tree. They may reach lengths of 66 to 115 feet (30 to 60 m).
Pinyon Pine (Pinus Cembroides)
Pinyon pines are easy-to-grow little evergreen trees that may be used to create shrub borders or specimen trees. They’re robust small evergreens. These sturdy pine trees can withstand dry spells and flourish in warm regions. If you want to harvest the edible pine nuts from the cones, pinyon pines are also a good tree to grow.
Evergreen Tree Identification
These little pine trees, which grow to 20 feet (6 meters) in height, have a stunning pyramid shape. This is an attractive species for a landscaped garden because of its upturned branches, yellow-green long needles, and tiny cones.
Japanese Black Pine (Pinus thunbergii)
The Japanese black pine has an exotic oriental look due to its spreadout leaves and crooked branches. Pruning this Asian pine variety produces lovely ornamental pine trees. Miniature trees and bonsai trees are also excellent candidates for this tree.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The needles are up to 5 inches (12 cm) long, and the little cones develop in clusters of Japanese black pine foliage. These pine trees are distinguished by their unusual black bark, as their popular name suggests.
Douglas Fir Tree (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
The Douglas fir is a kind of evergreen pine tree, not a genuine fir tree. Soft flat needle-like leaves cover these evergreen conifers. The tree’s conical form adds year-round beauty to garden landscapes, giving it significant decorative worth.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Douglas firs reach heights of 70 to 260 feet (20 to 80 meters). They have one-and-a-half-inch (4 cm) needles that are solely and completely attached to the light brown branches, which cover them entirely. The branches are covered in large tan-colored scaly cones.
Types of Evergreen Trees – Spruce
Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Norway spruces have soft green needles with blunted tips and grow quickly in cold, harsh environments. These fast-growing conifers, which may be used to produce massive privacy screens or a one-of-a-kind specimen tree, are ideal for landscaping. In colder climates, Norway spruces are popular as Christmas trees.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Norway spruce trees may reach heights of 115 to 180 feet (35 to 55 meters). The branches form a triangular cone shape, and the cones are 7″ (18 cm) long and have short soft needles.
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Picea glauca ‘Conica’ is a dwarf Alberta spruce that looks like a conical evergreen tree. With somewhat drooping branches, several mature kinds seem like slender conifers. The tree’s light-green soft needles give it a “fuzzy” appearance, and dwarf landscaping cultivars have a conical shape. Foundation plantings, hedges, and specimen plants are all excellent uses for these.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The dwarf white spruce ‘Conica’ grows to 13 feet (4 meters) as a landscaping tree and has a spread of 10 feet (3 meters) at its widest point.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
This is a lovely tree for the garden because of its pyramidal forms, blue-green leaves, and stumpy branches. This beautiful tree thrives in full sun and grows successfully in most zones. The blue color of the leaves and foliage distinguishes this spruce specimen from other species.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The height of Colorado blue spruce trees may reach 49 feet (15 meters). The branches of the evergreens that curve upwards have waxy blue needles 1 inch (2.5 cm) long that grow radially. Against the silvery-blue foliage, the pale brown 4-inch (10-cm) long cones stand out.
Types of Evergreen Trees – Fir
White Fir Tree (Abies concolor)
Because of its ornamental appeal, the white fir is a popular evergreen tree in many gardens. The lighter-colored firs and spruces contrast nicely with the light blue-green foliage. In both hot and temperate climates, this hardy fir tree thrives.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The white fir tree, which grows to around 75 feet (22 meters), is prized for its lovely winter-green leaves. It has light-colored needles, brown cones, and white bark that are 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.
Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri)
Due to their soft green needles, small pyramid form, and minimal care, Fraser firs are a tiny evergreen tree that adds beauty to ornamental gardens. These firs are a fantastic option if you want a vertical highlight in your garden and thrive in colder regions. They’re also effective specimen trees, border plants, and container plants for outdoor patio settings.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Fraser firs are soft dark green needle leaves with 2.75″ (7 cm) cones that grow upright on branches and have a traditional Christmas tree form that grows to between 30 and 50 feet (10 and 15 meters).
Types of Evergreen Tree – Cypress
Mediterranean Cypress Evergreen Tree (Cupressus sempervirens)
Mediterranean cypress trees are tall, slender evergreen trees that provide height and beauty to any decorative garden landscape. These little columnar trees are excellent for forming dramatic large hedges because of their dark dense soft foliage.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The slender pointed form of Mediterranean cypress conifers may grow to 115 feet (35 meters). These big slender trees have pleasant-smelling silvery-blue or dark green needles, tiny oval brown cones, and tall branches with thin trunks.
Leyland Cypress Tree (Cupressus × leylandii)
Because of its fast growth, dense green foliage, and silky soft feathery touch, Leyland cypress is one of the most popular landscaping conifers. To construct privacy hedges, soft borders, or simply as a ornamental tree, these are fantastic additions to landscaped yards. Each year, Leyland cypresses may reach a height of 3 feet (1 meter).
Evergreen Tree Identification
The flat soft scaly needles and small cones measuring 0.78” (2 cm) identify these cypress trees, which reach between 65 and 82 feet (20 and 25 meters).
Thuja Emerald Green (Thuja occidentalis)
In many gardens, the Thuja Emerald Green is a popular evergreen tree. It’s also one of the best trees for keeping secrets. Thujas are well-known for their delicate nature, lime green color, and conical form. They are shrub-like evergreen trees belonging to the Cupressaceae family. A dwarf variety of thuja known as the “Emerald Green” thuja isn’t too tall. In a landscape, it’s ideal for forming borders, hedges, and screens. Thujas are simple to sculpt into beautiful shapes for the adventurous gardener.
Evergreen Tree Identification
This spreading evergreen dwarf cypress tree grows to a height of 12 to 14 feet (3.6 to 4.2 meters) and a width of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). These are popular landscape trees because of their feathery emerald green leaves, fragrant qualities, and slender conical form.
Thuja Green Giant (Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’)
Thuja standishii and Thuja plicata species are combined to create the evergreen hybrid ‘Green Giant’ thuja. Thuja is an excellent tree for making towering privacy screens or windbreaks. Their glossy green leaves, pyramidal growth habit, and minimal upkeep make them ideal for mixing in a landscaped garden with other trees. Because they are more resistant to disease, many gardeners choose Green Giants over Leyland cypress.
Evergreen Tree Identification
A thuja ‘Green Giant’ can grow up to 40 feet (18 meters) tall and make an impressive impression in a designed yard. It’s a conical evergreen with soft dark green needles on the branches.
Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica)
The Arizona cypress is a lovely blue-gray foliage tree that thrives in landscaped settings. Because it has a conical form, delicate thick green leaves, and high ornamental value, this is a popular evergreen conifer. The needle-like leaves of some Arizona cypress species are dull blue-green, while others are gray-green. Select the blue ice cypress to make a strong impression with a gorgeous landscape tree. This is drought and heat tolerant and has a narrow columnar form with oblong cones.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Arizona cypress trees can reach heights of 40 to 50 feet (12 to 15 meters). Pruning and shearing, on the other hand, may limit development and develop attractive soft hedges. Needles come in sizes ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 inches (0.5 cm) long and are green and flat with scales.
Types of Evergreen Trees – Cedar and Juniper
Chinese Juniper Tree (Juniperus chinensis)
Several cultivars of Chinese juniper exist. The Chinese juniper, Juniperus chinensis ‘Expansa Aureospicata,’ is a decorative evergreen shrubby tree with needle-like leaves and scale-leaves. Landscape parks, gardens, and green areas are favorite choices with this juniper species.
Hundreds of Chinese juniper cultivars are also suitable for growing in a variety of climates. Some species have blue-green leaves, while others have dark green spiky foliage. Some evergreens have yellowish-green leaves.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Chinese junipers may grow to be 3 to 65 feet (1 to 20 meters) tall, depending on the cultivar. The tree produces tiny dark blue or black berry-like cones and the needle leaves are short and barely 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.
Hollywood Juniper Evergreen Tree (Juniperus chinensis ‘Torulosa’)
With dark green-bluish foliage, twisting branches, and a fast-growing nature, the Hollywood Juniper is a kind of rapid growing evergreen tree. This popular juniper evergreen gets its name from its popularity in Los Angeles gardens.
You may prune and sculpt the specimen tree, or you may build a lovely privacy barrier or windbreak. Apart from very cold climes, this cultivar thrives in most zones.
Evergreen Tree Identification
The Hollywood juniper has thick, robust green foliage that grows to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
A slow-growing hardy evergreen tree, the Eastern Red Cedar is a It’s not a cedar tree, the natural kind. The ornamental evergreen juniper tree Eastern red cedar is likewise drought tolerant and hardy. These are bushy conical trees with thick, dark green leaves that grow at a gradual pace. Where the trees assume a slenderer, pointed form, they may grow to be tall.
Evergreen Tree Identification
Between 16 and 66 feet (5 and 20 meters) tall, Easter red cedars. Sharp needle-like and flattened scale-like leaves are used to identify the species. They can cover the brown woody branches and grow up to 0.4″ (1 cm). The eastern red cedar has little black berry-like cones, as do other evergreen junipers.
Types of Evergreen Trees – Yew Trees
Yew trees, also known as coniferous evergreen trees with dark-green linear needle-like leaves, tiny red berry-like fruits, and small inconspicuous flowers, are a group of coniferous evergreen trees. The most prevalent species of yew trees is the English yew (Taxus baccata). However, ornamental conifer trees include Irish yew, Western yew, and Japanese yew.
Common Yew / English Yew (Taxus baccata)
The English Yew, also known as Common Yew, is a medium-sized evergreen tree with flat needle leaves and red berries that grows from a single seed. The yew tree may be up to 60 feet (18 meters) tall and 15 feet (4.5 meters) broad, in the wild. Little fleshy, cup-shaped bodies with a seed in the center make up the English yew fruits.
The arils, which are red or burgundy in color, grow on the tree in the fall and may be up to 1″ (2.5 cm) long. The only part of the tree that isn’t poisonous is the red yew fruit’s flesh. The fruit has a sweet flavor and looks like a berry.
Evergreen tree identification
The flat leaves, thin scaly brown bark, and fleshy red cup-shaped berries of the evergreen English yew tree help to identify it.