Choose Trees to Plant This Spring

There are several varieties of evergreen trees that homeowners can choose from when looking to improve their property. Pine and spruce trees have properties that make them a beneficial choice for many reasons, and most are easy and quick to grow.

Information on Evergreen Trees

Pine and spruce trees are classified as evergreens, meaning they never lose their foliage, or needles in this case. There are over 100 species of pine trees, and most are easy to grow. There is a wide variety of size, and shape, so every homeowner should be able to find one to meet their needs.

Benefits of Pine and Spruce Trees

Pine trees are quick-growing trees and most varieties can survive in poor soil, and extreme weather conditions. Even the gardener with the worst luck will usually have success with a an evergreen tree. Homeowners considering trees should also know that pine or spruce trees provide:

• A windbreak. Because of their height, and quick-growing nature, planting many in a specific area will break the wind and possibly lower heating costs.
• Privacy. While they won’t keep animals or children in your yard, if you just want some privacy from neighbors this will provide a more attractive option than a fence.
• Color. Northern climates’ deciduous trees are bare for 6 months or more out of the year. Evergreen trees provide some beautiful color in a long winter. There’s nothing prettier than a pine tree with some freshly fallen snow on it.
• Wildlife. Birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer all use evergreen trees for their habitat and food.

Common Varieties of Pine Trees

Some of the most popular varieties of Pine trees are White Pine, Austrian Pine, and Scotch Pine. Bristlecone pines are popular for bonsai gardens.

Spruce trees include Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Red Spruce. Spruce trees are a common choice for Christmas trees.

Tips for Planting Trees

All trees need some tender loving care, especially when first transplanted. To avoid shock. make sure the roots have plenty of room, and keep it well watered. Most evergreens should be planted about 15 feet apart, but keep in mind when planting many trees, some of them will not make it, so you may want to plant more than you want. If all of them survive, you can thin them out as they grow bigger.

Most varieties of Pine or Spruce trees are very hardy, and easy to grow. There are many varieties to choose from, and they have many benefits that will add to any homeowners landscaping needs.

Sources: Feeley, Tivon. Iowa State University Extension, November 14, 2005