Evergreen Trees - Evergreen Trees

by R.A. Cox and J.E. Klett1 (4/05)
Quick Facts...
Most evergreens prefer full sun; some will tolerate partial shade.
In selecting evergreens, consider space, soil and site conditions, and weather factors.
Evergreens have different water preferences. Group drought-tolerant types separately from those that require more water.
All evergreens benefit from mulches. All need sufficient water to become established after transplanting. This varies with species, soil conditions, weather and site conditions.
Most evergreens benefit from supplemental water during dry, warm or windy periods from November to March.
Narrowleaf evergreen (conifer) trees give a landscape year-round interest, color and texture. Conifer trees are versatile and can be used as specimens, hedges, privacy screens, backdrops for smaller flowering plants, or as a windbreak planted on the north and west to deflect or intercept winter winds. (See fact sheet 7.225, Landscaping for Energy Conservation.)

"Evergreen" refers to trees that normally retain most of their foliage (needles) through the winter. Such trees, however, do not retain all of their needles indefinitely. For example, ponderosa pine drops needles each year that are three to five years old. These older needles are the innermost ones toward the main trunk. Younger needles, further out on the branch, are retained until they are three to five years old. This annual browning and drop of innermost, older needles can cause concern, but it is a natural process. Other evergreens may have needle lifespans of two to 17 years, depending on the species.

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