Evergreen Shrubs A Year-Round Beauty

One of the saddest things about changing seasons and colder weather approaching is seeing dead plants and bare spots in your garden and yard. If you’re looking to spruce up a barren yard, then evergreen shrubs are the perfect solution to fill that space in. Evergreens are not only aesthetically pleasing but can serve many other purposes depending on where you plant them and what you are planning to use them for.

Filling In The Gaps

Many evergreens can grow to massive sizes and require constant trimming, which might not be what you are looking for to fill spaces in your garden. However, you can plant plenty of compact shrubs that will stay within the confines of your designated space.

• Compact Maximum Rhododendron – This bush requires no pruning to maintain its shape and only grows to 3 feet tall. With beautiful blooms and hardiness that can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees, this shrub can bring new life to your garden.
• Compact Inkberry Holly – This bush is dense and can grow 4 to 6 feet if left unpruned. It can also withstand temperatures up to -30 degrees.
• Dwarf Japanese Black Pine – This shrub is wonderful for open areas that need to be filled in because it is deer resistant. It reaches only 4 feet tall and has a 2-foot span. With the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees, this is a perfect fit for smaller areas.
• Dwarf Pencil Point Juniper – With a height of 5 feet and a span of 1 foot, this is a wonderful addition to a skinny area or a smaller garden that needs a little addition. These shrubs can withstand temperatures of -40 degrees.

We All Need A Little Privacy

If privacy is your issue and you just need something to separate your yard from the people next door, consider planting evergreen trees. Most areas require a permit for a fence over 6 feet tall in the backyard and 2 and 1/2 feet tall in the front yard. Acquiring a permit can take up to two weeks, depending on your state. Planting evergreen trees does not require a permit, and you can let them grow higher than a typical fence.

Most evergreens love the sun and require about 6 hours a day of direct sunlight. This will keep their foliage full year-round and maintain the level of seclusion you want. When planting privacy shrubs, no one wants to wait years upon years for their plants to reach full maturity. Fortunately, there are many fast-growing evergreen shrubs that will create more of a privacy screen with green foliage in a short amount of time.

• Emerald Green Arborvitae – These shrubs reach maturity at 10-15 feet tall and are only 4 feet wide. They maintain their gorgeous full green foliage all year round.
• North Privet – These particular shrubs are drought resistant and can tolerate being in partial shade, making them a very easy shrub to sustain. Nort Privets can be 4-15 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide. During the summer season, they will bloom beautiful white flowers.
• Red Robin – These shrubs grow 9-12 feet tall and 9-12 feet wide. During spring, these shrubs will produce big white flowers. What makes them incredibly eye-catching are the leaves. Even though the leaves stay full and green all year round, during the fall months, new growth comes in, and these leaves turn a rich maroon color.
• Leyland Cypress – With a growing rate of three feet a year, this shrub is one of the fastest-growing evergreens. It is also one of the most inexpensive shrubs and comes in sizes ranging from 4 feet to 100 feet which is why it is one of the most popular varieties.

Other Evergreen Benefits

Privacy and visual interest are not the only major benefits that come with planting evergreens. Having shrubs that go all the way to the ground and act as hedges can greatly reduce noise. Studies have shown that a well-placed hedge can lower noise by up to 40%. In addition to noise reduction, evergreens can also block the wind significantly, creating a windbreak for particular plants or areas of your yard.

Certainly, one of the more creative reasons for having evergreens throughout your yard is the availability of holiday decorations just outside your door. Bringing inside the natural aromas from your plants and adding a little holiday flare in the form of homemade wreaths or ornaments will perhaps create a tradition for years to come.

If you are planning to get planting, remember always to check your zones and research which plants will work best for your area! Check your local Southern States location for availability.