Everything you want to know about Evergreens

Most people love trees/plants but have little idea what to grow in their gardens. Before buying any plant, one should know the difference between an evergreen and a deciduous plant. The former has leaves all year round whereas the latter completely loses its shrubbery for some part of the year (e.g. winter). However, even though a plant is an evergreen, the leaf perseverance may fluctuate from several months to many years. When the plant sheds it leaves, new leaves rapidly replace old ones.

What are common evergreen plants and trees?

The list of evergreen trees and plants is long. Some of the more common species include the following:

- conifers
- spruce
- Broadleaved shrubs
- Perennials
- Hellebores
- Arborvitae
- Yews
- Junipers
- Pines
- annuals

Why do evergreens thrive all year round?

Plants like animals adapt to their environment. Many deciduous trees discard their leaves as an adaptation to winter or dry arid summers. The majority of plants in the tropics are evergreens; the leaves are gradually restored throughout the year as they age and fall off. In areas where weather is seasonal, plants may be either evergreens or deciduous. In general, in warm climates the plants are evergreen but in cool temperate climates, most plants are deciduous. The most common evergreen in temperate climate is conifers.

Another important reason for a tree or a plant being evergreen is because of adaptation to nutrient conditions of soil. When soil has fewer nutrients available, evergreen plants have a survival benefit over deciduous plants. There are some pines and cypresses that have capacity to grow on soil that is depleted of nutrients. Other evergreens like the broadleaf plant can grow on highly acidic soil.

Moreover, in cooler climates evergreens can help fortify their own survival because these plants have the capability to produce a higher carbon: nitrogen ratio than deciduous plants. This high carbon: nitrogen ratio contributes to increased soil acidity and decreased nitrogen content in soil. These conditions favor growth of evergreens and make it almost impossible for deciduous plants to thrive. Finally, evergreens also provide shade/protection for other evergreen plants to survive in cooler weather and in times of drought.

Which type of plant is most affected by insets, pests, and disease?

Similar infections and insects equally affect both deciduous and evergreen plants.

Does pollution affect trees or plants?

Yes. However, because evergreens are always green they are generally more affected in the long-term by pollution, smog, ash and many toxic chemicals in the environment.

What are advantages of growing Evergreens?

All Evergreen trees/plants remain bright throughout the year. The majority of evergreens remain the same color during both winter and summer. Evergreen trees convey bright colors to backgrounds that are dull due to harsh cold weather, arid dry weather, or infertile soil. Finally, Evergreen trees are durable, have low maintenance, and are resourceful.

Why does one use Evergreens in the landscape?

Evergreens have multiple uses. Some people utilize these trees or plants as windbreakers to decrease wind speed, deflect, or block winds. Others utilize evergreens on North side of homes to prevent accumulation of snow in certain areas of the home.

To know more about evergreens for your landscape, visit www.tnnursery.net. This website has a comprehensive list of evergreens and FAQs on the topic.