Winter is on the horizon and our colorful deciduous trees have lost their leaves. On the other hand, evergreens provide green color year-round and are hardy so they are an excellent choice for Minnesota’s long, harsh winters. They are also great accent plants in the home garden. But not every evergreen will work in every garden. To determine the best evergreen for your landscape, consider factors such as: intended use; plant location; hardiness zone; available sunlight; and soil type. 

As a rule, evergreens do not require a lot of care but not all evergreens have the same needs. Evergreen trees may differ in their sunlight needs and tolerance for factors like poor soil drainage, salt spray from snow plows, extreme weather conditions and pest or insects.  It’s important to be informed - check the tag or ask questions about the evergreen you are considering.

But first, what is an evergreen? Evergreen trees typically have foliage year-round, unlike deciduous trees - think maples and oaks - that shed all their leaves annually.  Any tree that keeps its green foliage year-round, enduring the cold weather and dry seasons or hot, humid temperatures, is an evergreen.  

Photo credit: University of Minnesota Extension

Common Types of Evergreen Trees

• Pines: Needle-bearing trees like the Eastern White Pine that grow tall and can provide wide shade.

• Spruces: Pyramid-shaped trees with stiff needles that work well as windbreaks or focal points in yards.

• Arborvitae: Dense, scale-leaved shrubs and trees often planted close together to form privacy hedges.

• Junipers: Versatile plants ranging from low ground cover to tall upright bushes that handle tough conditions well.

• Holly Trees: Best distinguished by their glossy foliage. The leaves are typically saw-toothed.  Some hollies are deciduous, and some have flowers and/or berries.

Intended Use

How will your evergreen trees be used?  Windbreak, screening and privacy or decorative tree? Evergreens come in many different shapes, sizes and shades. Knowing the purpose of your tree will help you determine which evergreen will work best in your yard.

Location and Sunlight

Consider the evergreen’s height at maturity. Trees should fit their surroundings. Many evergreen trees are very large.  Evergreens will not look as attractive if they outgrow the area where they have been planted.  Use small to medium-sized varieties for smaller homes and yards. Place smaller trees near your home and taller trees farther out in your yard.  Also, plant evergreens at least 10 to 15 feet from your home’s foundation and at least 5 feet from fencing, sidewalks, and patios. Only short trees can be planted underneath utility lines.

Consider a tree’s growth rate.  Will a slow-growing tree work or do you need something that will grow tall quickly? If shade or privacy screening is important, choose a fast-growing tree.  

Most evergreens thrive in partial or full sunlight. Although, avoid exposure to northwest winter winds and southern exposures as they can damage the plant. 

Photo credit: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/winter-burn

Hardiness Zone and Soil Type

Knowledge of your hardiness zone will determine which evergreen will work for you. Some trees are hardier than others, so check the zone rating on trees you're interested in. Minnesota is in cold hardiness zones 3 and 4 and 5, in some areas. 

Also, it is good to know what type of soil the evergreen prefers.  Most evergreen trees prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soil.  But some plants tolerate drier soil, while others need moist soil. Knowing the pH balance of your soil prior to purchasing a tree can also be helpful. Alkaline soils are drier soil types, so it is best to buy drought tolerant trees.  Acidic soils hold moisture better – most evergreens like acidic soil (7.0 to 6.0).  For more information about evergreens for difficult sites, check out this article from the University of Minnesota Extension. 

Top Evergreen Choices for Minnesota

• Black Hills Spruce: This native Three Timbers Minnesota choice grows 30 to 50 feet tall. Featuring dense, dark green needles and a classic pyramidal shape, it makes an ideal windbreak or privacy screen.

• Eastern White Pine: Minnesota’s state tree.  It grows from 80 to 100 feet tall and prefers open spaces.  Shape is pyramidal (Christmas tree shape) with long needles and soft, gray-green foliage.  

• Emerald Green Arborvitae:  A popular, low-maintenance shrub, this arborvitae is narrow (4 feet wide) and reaches 15 feet tall.  Keeping its bright green color through winter, it works well for tight hedges. 

• Balsam Fir:  This native conifer has a formal spire shape and fragrant needles. Reaching up to 85 feet, it thrives in cooler northern locations and handles partial shade better than pines. 

• NOTE:  Colorado Blue Spruce - Not Recommended

  • Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) is no longer recommended for Minnesota landscapes due to its susceptibility to several debilitating spruce diseases, specifically, Rhizosphaera needle cast and Cytospora canker.  Concolor fir (Abies concolor) and some white spruce are good alternatives to Colorado Blue Spruce.

    
    

Photo credit: University of Minnesota Extension

Knowing about evergreen trees before you plant is essentially. Consider the sources at the end of this article for more on evergreens in Minnesota.  Happy planting!

References:

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/eastern-white-pine.html

https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/lawns-and-landscapes-in-minnesota/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-for-your-landscape

https://www.trees.com/blogs/plant-care-guides/evergreen-trees-guide