The appeal of a lush green landscape is undeniable, but it can be challenging to maintain when the winter months roll around. Fortunately, evergreens provide a solution to this problem with their ability to retain their green color throughout the year. In Missouri, evergreens are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add some color to their yards during the colder months.
In this article, we’ll explore the best evergreen trees to plant in Missouri and provide tips for planting and caring for them. From pines to spruces, hemlocks, and junipers, there is no shortage of options when it comes to choosing the perfect evergreen for your Missouri landscape.
These trees not only add aesthetic value but also provide a sense of belonging to the community of homeowners who appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article will provide valuable insights into selecting, planting, and caring for evergreens.
So, let’s dive into the enchanting world of evergreens and discover the best trees to plant in Missouri.
Key Takeaways
- There are 15 evergreen trees that can be grown in Missouri, including pines, spruces, and hemlocks.
- Pine trees can be used for various purposes such as specimen trees, windbreaks, screens, and mass plantings.
- Evergreens should be planted on soil that drains well and watered in late November if the summer or fall has been very dry.
- Junipers are popular in Missouri due to their resilience in hot, dry, poor soils and require direct sunlight for optimum growth.
Types of Evergreens
Among the 15 evergreens that can be grown in Missouri, junipers are particularly popular due to their resilience in hot, dry, poor soils. They come in various sizes and colors and are categorized into prostrate, spreading, and upright types. Junipers require direct sunlight for optimum growth and will not grow on soggy, poorly drained soil or in areas with a lot of shade. Despite their hardiness, they still require proper evergreen maintenance to thrive.
Juniper varieties are often used as groundcovers, screens, and hedges. Their low-growing, dense foliage makes them an excellent choice for groundcovers, while their upright and spreading varieties make for great screens. They are also easy to maintain as they require little pruning and fertilization.
With their unique foliage and versatility in landscaping, junipers are a great addition to any garden or landscape in Missouri.
Planting Tips
To ensure successful growth of needle-like foliage, it is recommended to plant evergreens on soil that drains well and to avoid planting too deeply or in areas prone to winter drying.
For poorly drained soil, raised beds can be beneficial.
Evergreens should be planted in early to late spring or early to mid-autumn in Missouri.
If the summer or fall has been very dry, it is important to water the evergreens in late November to prevent winter dryness.
In addition, evergreens should only be fertilized after at least one growing season to establish themselves.
While fertilizer is unnecessary for plants with proper growth and decent color, it may help plants weakened by pests, illnesses, bad drainage, or infertile soil.
If fertilizer is necessary, it should be applied between mid-October and mid-March.
Winter conditions that make it difficult for roots to replenish moisture may cause evergreen foliage to lose moisture, so it is important to take care of the plants during the winter months.
Pine Trees
Pine trees, with their diverse range of needle bundles and unique growth habits, offer a variety of options for both functional and decorative landscaping in Missouri. These trees can be used as specimen trees, windbreaks, screens, and mass plantings. Among the popular pine tree varieties in Missouri are the white pine, Austrian pine, Scotch pine, Japanese black pine, and Mugo pine. Each of these varieties has its own distinct characteristics that make it a great choice for different types of landscaping projects.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, pine trees offer several benefits such as providing shade, reducing erosion, and improving air quality. Pine needles are also useful in mulching and can help reduce weed growth and retain moisture in the soil. When planted in the right location and cared for properly, pine trees can thrive and provide many years of enjoyment for homeowners and their families.
Spruces and Hemlock
Spruces and hemlock are two other popular evergreen tree options for landscaping in Missouri due to their unique needle-like foliage and growth habits.
Spruces are known for their four-angled cross-section needle-like foliage that sets them apart from other conifers. The Norway spruce is one of the quickest-growing spruces and produces large cones. The Black Hills spruce, on the other hand, is a slow-growing, compact spruce with lush blue-green-to-green foliage. The Dwarf Alberta spruce is a small tree with a conical shape and bright green foliage, making it a perfect choice for smaller landscapes. The Colorado blue spruce, with its rigid growth habit and unique color, is an excellent accent plant.
On the other hand, hemlock is one of the better-needled evergreens for growing as a hedge. It requires well-drained soil to grow well and tends to thrive in wet soil. Pruning techniques are essential for maintaining the shape and size of these evergreens. It’s essential to prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to prevent damage to the tree and promotes healthy growth.
Additionally, for optimal growth, hemlocks require a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. A soil test can help determine the soil’s pH, and amendments can be added to adjust the pH level accordingly.
Overall, spruces and hemlock are excellent evergreen tree options for Missouri landscapes, but proper pruning techniques and soil requirements should be considered to ensure their optimal growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any evergreen trees that are poisonous to animals or humans?
Toxicity concerns exist with some evergreen trees for both animals and humans. Safe alternatives include non-toxic species such as spruce, pine, and hemlock. Researching the specific species before planting is recommended to ensure safety.
Can evergreen trees be used for timber production in Missouri?
Evergreen timber can be produced sustainably in Missouri through responsible forest management practices. Economic benefits can be gained through meeting market demand for timber products from species such as pine and spruce.
How do you prune evergreen trees to maintain their shape and health?
Pruning techniques and shaping tips can help maintain the health and shape of evergreen trees. Regular pruning of dead or diseased branches, thinning dense foliage, and shaping the tree’s growth can promote healthy growth and improve their appearance.
Are there any particular pests or diseases that commonly affect evergreen trees in Missouri?
Common evergreen tree pests in Missouri include spider mites, bagworms, and scale insects. Prevention methods include proper planting, pruning, and watering techniques, while treatment methods can involve insecticides or natural predators such as ladybugs.
What are the environmental benefits of planting evergreen trees in Missouri?
Planting evergreen trees in Missouri provides environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration and air purification. These trees can trap carbon dioxide and filter pollutants from the air, creating a healthier environment for all.