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Evergreens in Michigan
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Evergreens MI
Evergreens in Your Michigan Garden – English Gardens of Michigan is Your Local Supplier of Evergreens Serving the Communities of Royal Oak, Clinton Township, Dearborn Heights, West Bloomfield, Plymouth and Eastpointe MI
Looking for evergreens in Royal Oak, Clinton Township, Dearborn Heights, West Bloomfield, Plymouth or Eastpointe MI then come over to English Gardens for the area’s largest selection of evergreens to choose from
Evergreens are a category of trees, shrubs, and plants that retain their foliage year-round and are a mainstay of Michigan Gardens and Landscapes. One misconception of evergreens is that they don’t ever drop their foliage, but they do, they simply drop and have regrowth throughout the year, so that they remain “evergreen” unlike deciduous trees, shrubs and other perennials that shed their leaves annually. Evergreens are known for their ability to provide consistent greenery in various landscapes and under a variety of conditions such as our sometimes harsh Michigan winters. Evergreens continuously afford gardeners the beauty of their landscapes throughout all seasons here in Michigan.
Evergreen trees and shrubs also offer year-round shelter and food sources for wildlife and are effective at reducing soil erosion through their extensive root systems.
Evergreens are adaptable to a range of climates and soil types, making them a great choice for Michigan landscaping, and are fantastic options for living privacy screens, windbreaks all while providing ornamental appeal.
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Different Types of Evergreens That are Great for Michigan Gardens and Landscapes
There are numerous varieties of evergreens, each with unique characteristics. From towering pine trees like spruce and fir, to compact boxwoods, holly, and eucalyptus, to plants like grasses, vines and ferns, evergreens come in many forms.
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Evergreens can Thrive in Diverse Conditions
Evergreens can thrive in diverse climates and soil conditions, making them versatile for landscaping. Depending on the type of evergreen, you can find varieties that do well in alkaline soil such as some of the broadleaf evergreens even though in general they prefer acidic soils. In terms of soil type, again, they can tolerate a wide range of soil types from clay to their ideal, well drained, nutrient rich fertile soil. Be careful in clay soils as they tend to shed moisture and become extremely hard during periods of drought which makes it difficult for water to get to the root systems efficiently.
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Evergreens – Giving Back
As we mentioned prior, evergreens also have a lot to offer back to the environment. Besides the obvious one in terms of generating fresh air as we all know, they can help in the following;
Reducing Soil Erosion:
Evergreens play a significant role in preventing soil erosion. Their extensive root systems help to hold the soil in place, reducing the impact of heavy rains and wind that can wash or blow soil away. This is especially important on slopes and hillsides where soil erosion can be a major concern.
Shelter for Wildlife:
Evergreens provide essential habitats for a variety of wildlife. Birds, insects, and small mammals often rely on evergreen trees and shrubs for shelter and nesting sites. The dense foliage offers protection from predators and harsh weather conditions, making evergreens a crucial component of a healthy ecosystem.
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Placement of Evergreens
Evergreen trees and shrubs are great additions to any garden or yard. One of the best uses for evergreen trees and shrubs is for living privacy screens. By planting evergreen trees and shrubs along property lines and natural yard separations, you can create a natural barrier that offers privacy and beauty and can also be used to create enchanting outdoor rooms and living spaces.
Another popular use for evergreen shrubs and smaller trees is in hedges. Evergreen shrubs can be pruned and shaped to create uniform hedges that define garden spaces and add structure to larger outdoor spaces. They are also excellent for foundation plantings, providing a lush, green backdrop for flowers and other plants, especially during periods where other plantings go dormant for the season.
Evergreen shrubs are perfect for creating focal points in gardens and yards. Planting a cluster of evergreen shrubs around a central feature, such as a fountain or statue, can draw your eyes attention.
Additionally, evergreen shrubs are ideal for erosion control on slopes and banks, as their roots help stabilize the soil. Plant in clusters to help retain embankments and slopes.
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The Most Ideal Growing Conditions for Evergreen Shrubs
To ensure your evergreen shrubs thrive, it’s essential to understand the most ideal growing conditions. Evergreen shrubs prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and is slightly acidic, but as we noted previously there are types of evergreens that can tolerate other types of soils such as clay, and soils that are alkaline. Ensuring the soil is neither too compact nor too sandy will help your evergreen shrubs grow robustly so in clay soils it is good to amend the soil during planting to loosen it, allowing water and nutrients to pass through root systems.
Most evergreen shrubs flourish in full to partial sunlight, requiring at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, some varieties of evergreen trees, shrubs and plants can tolerate shaded areas, so it’s important to choose the right species for your garden’s light conditions.
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Helping Your Evergreens Flourish in Your Michigan Garden
Evergreens Prefer Regular Watering: While generally drought-tolerant once established, evergreen trees, shrubs, and plants need regular watering during their initial growth period.
Evergreens Prefer Adequate Mulching: Mulching around the base of your evergreens helps maintain moisture levels and regulate other soil conditions such as temperature.
Evergreen Planting With Proper Spacing: Proper spacing is vital in avoiding competition for resources and to allow for proper air circulation.
Facilitating these growing conditions will help you grow vibrant and healthy evergreen trees, shrubs, and plants in your Michigan garden.
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Evergreens in Michigan – Tolerating the Sometimes Harsh Weather
Evergreens are renowned for their year-round greenery, but can evergreens weather varied climates with extremes in seasons? The answer lies in their adaptability and hardiness. Many evergreen species are equipped to handle extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. Evergreen trees like pine and spruce for example have thick, waxy needles that reduce water loss, helping them survive during harsh winter conditions.
In hot climates, certain varieties of evergreens, such as junipers, thrive due to their drought-tolerant nature. These evergreens have deep root systems that access water from deeper in the soil, allowing them to withstand prolonged dry spells. The ability of evergreens to weather harsh climates with extremes makes them a versatile choice for diverse environments, especially those that have both extreme heat and cold even if for just periods throughout the year such as we do here in Michigan
Wind resistance is another factor to consider. Many evergreens have sturdy branches and flexible trunks which enables them to endure strong winds without significant damage. This can be helpful in areas that experience high winds during storm events as well as additional loads such as snow and ice that can occur in colder winter regions. The same characteristics that allow evergreens to survive high winds allows them to survive heavy weight loads without breaking. So rest easy knowing that during those Michigan summer thunderstorms with high winds, or those blustery winter days with their sweeping dry winds, that your evergreens can withstand quite a bit of sway!
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Fast and Slow Growing Evergreens
Evergreen varieties exhibit a range of growth rates. Fast growing evergreens, such as Thuja Green Giant, are favored for quickly creating privacy screens and windbreaks. On the other hand, slow growing evergreens, like boxwood and dwarf Alberta spruce, are prized for their compact form and low maintenance. These slow growing evergreens are perfect for formal gardens and decorative hedges, where controlled growth is desired. Their steady growth rate allows for precise shaping and minimal pruning.
Some examples of fast and slow growing evergreens include:
Fast Growing Evergreens:
- Thuja Green Giant: Quickly adds height and coverage, ideal for windbreaks.
- Eucalyptus: Fast growth, providing quick shade and ornamental value.
Slow Growing Evergreens:
- Boxwood: Compact form, perfect for formal gardens and hedges.
- Dwarf Alberta Spruce: Low maintenance, ideal for decorative use.
- Japanese Holly: Slow and steady growth, suitable for precise shaping.
Whether you need the quick coverage of fast growing evergreens or the manageable size of slow growing evergreens, there is an evergreen variety to suit every purpose. Knowing the growth rates of evergreens can help you select the right tree, shrub, or plant for your Michigan garden.
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Caring for Your Evergreens
Proper care is important in keeping your evergreens healthy and looking great. Start with regular watering, especially during those Michigan summer dry spells as evergreens need consistent moisture to thrive.
Pruning is important for a couple of reasons, first by removing dead or diseased branches you are keeping the tree, shrub or plant healthy and free of pests that gather around dead wood and organic material. Second, pruning allows you to thin out and shape the plant for optimal growth. Late winter or early spring is the best time for pruning, as it encourages new growth.
Fertilizing evergreens with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer helps provide the necessary nutrients for sustained growth. Apply fertilizer in early spring to give your evergreens a healthy start to the growing season.
Mulching around the base of evergreens helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. A layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or bark, is ideal.
Finally, you should regularly inspect your evergreens for pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious damage.
By following these best care practices, you can maintain your evergreens and ensure they remain a beautiful part of your landscape for years to come.
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Winterizing Your Evergreens
Preparing evergreens for the sometimes harsh Michigan winter is important to ensure their health during the cold months and for prepping them early for the next spring. Follow these essential steps:
Watering Your Evergreens:
- Thoroughly water your evergreens before the ground freezes. Proper hydration helps evergreens withstand the drying effects of winter winds and dry air.
Mulching Your Evergreens:
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your evergreens as mulch insulates the roots and retains soil moisture and can help in preventing soil temperature fluctuations that can stress the tree, shrub, or plant.
Protecting Evergreens from Harsh Conditions:
- Use burlap wraps or windbreaks such as plywood tents to shield evergreens from strong winds.
- In heavy snow areas, gently brush off accumulated snow to prevent branch breakage.
Pruning Evergreens:
- Prune your evergreens before winter to remove dead or damaged branches as it reduces the risk of breakage under the weight of snow and ice.
Evergreens and Anti-Desiccant Spray:
- You can optionally apply an anti-desiccant spray to reduce moisture loss from evergreen needles during winter.
By following these essential steps for preparing evergreens for winter, you can ensure that your plants remain healthy and robust, ready to take off when spring arrives!
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Preparing Your Evergreens for New Spring Growth
Preparing evergreens for spring ensures their health and increased growth throughout the season. Start by inspecting your evergreens for any winter damage. Prune away dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy new growth.
Fertilizing is an important step in preparing evergreens for spring. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for robust growth. This will help your evergreens recover from the stresses of winter and thrive during the growing season.
Watering is also essential as the ground thaws and temperatures rise. Ensure your evergreens receive adequate water, especially during any spring dry spells, this is critical because so many of us ignore dry spring periods because we associate wet periods during this time. Deep watering encourages strong root development, which is vital for the overall health of your evergreens.
Mulching around the base of your evergreens early helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons. A fresh layer of mulch, such as wood chips or bark, is ideal for spring evergreen care.
Finally, inspect your evergreens for pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing serious damage.
By following these essential steps for preparing evergreens in and for spring, you can ensure your trees, shrubs and plants are ready to flourish during the seasons to come.
As a side note, evergreens can also be moderately self-sustaining once they are have been established. We have noted optimal care above, but many evergreens do just fine with minimal care throughout the year and respond well to reactionary care. Your mature evergreens will appreciate as much, or as little care as your time allots. The more care and love you give them, the better they will respond throughout the years.
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Complimentary Plants and Shrubs for Evergreens in Your Landscape
Creating a beautiful landscape involves selecting complimentary plants and shrubs that enhance the presence of one another. Perennial flowers, such as daylilies and hostas, are excellent choices to pair with evergreens. These complimentary plants add vibrant colors and textures, creating a dynamic and appealing landscape by contrasting these features on the evergreens.
Deciduous shrubs, like hydrangeas and azaleas, are also great companions for evergreens. Their seasonal blooms provide a striking contrast to the year-round foliage of evergreens, adding visual interest throughout the seasons. Additionally, ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass, offer a complimentary texture and movement that balances great with the fixed structure of evergreen trees and shrubs.
Ground covers, like creeping phlox and vinca, are ideal for filling spaces around evergreens. These low-growing complimentary plants help to create a meandering interest and will also prevent soil erosion. Further, flowering bulbs, such as tulips and daffodils, can be planted around evergreens to add bursts of color in spring, and are easily cleaned up for those summer perennials to steal the show!
By incorporating complimentary trees, plants and shrubs with your evergreens, you can create a balanced and inviting landscape. These plant combinations bring out the beauty of evergreens and contribute to a beautifully diverse garden.
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Deciding Between Small and Large Evergreens for Your Michigan Garden
Deciding whether to buy a small or large evergreen(s) for your garden depends on several factors. Small evergreens are ideal for limited spaces or when you desire more controlled growth. These smaller plants are easier to manage, and can be shaped to fit specific landscape designs. Additionally, small evergreens are often less expensive and easier to transplant, making them a practical choice for many gardeners.
On the other hand, large evergreens provide immediate impact and presence in your garden and landscape. If you are looking for quick privacy or a focal point, a large evergreen is an excellent option. However, large evergreens require more space and careful planning to ensure they do not overwhelm other plants or structures in your garden.
Consider your garden’s size, design, and specific needs when choosing between small and large evergreens. While small evergreens offer versatility and ease of maintenance, large evergreens deliver instant visual impact and mature beauty.
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Protecting Your Evergreens From Pests
Evergreens, while resilient, are susceptible to various pests that impact their health and appearance. One common pest that affects evergreens is the spider mite. Spider mites feed on the foliage, causing discoloration and defoliation. Another prevalent pest is the aphid, which sucks sap from evergreen needles, leading to stunted growth and the secretion of honeydew that attracts mold.
Bagworms are also a significant threat to evergreens. These pests create protective bags from foliage and can defoliate large sections of trees. Scale insects are another concern, as they attach to branches and trunks, sucking sap and weakening the tree. Additionally, caterpillars and beetles, such as the pine sawfly and the bark beetle, can cause extensive damage by feeding on needles and burrowing into the bark.
Proper pest management is essential for maintaining healthy evergreens. Regularly inspecting your evergreens for signs of pests and applying appropriate treatments, such as horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps, can help control infestations.
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Fertilizing for Your Evergreen Trees, Shrubs and Plants
Selecting the right fertilizers for your evergreens is important for promoting healthy growth and beautiful foliage. The best fertilizers for evergreens typically contain a balanced mix of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Slow-release fertilizers are particularly effective, as they provide a steady supply of nutrients over time, reducing the risk of over-fertilization.
Organic fertilizers, such as compost and well-rotted manure, are excellent choices for evergreens. These natural fertilizers improve soil structure and fertility, enhancing the overall health of your evergreens. Additionally, fertilizers formulated specifically for acid-loving plants, like Holly-Tone, work well for many evergreen species by maintaining the soil’s pH balance.
Granular fertilizers are convenient and easy to apply, slowly releasing nutrients into the soil. Liquid fertilizers, on the other hand, offer quick nutrient absorption and are ideal for giving evergreens a boost during the growing season. Fertilizers with added micronutrients, such as iron and magnesium, are also beneficial for maintaining the deep green color of evergreen foliage.
By understanding the types of fertilizers that work best for your evergreens you can ensure your trees, shrubs, and plants receive the nutrients they need for optimal growth and health. Regular fertilization with the right products will keep your evergreens beautiful year-round.
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Pruning Evergreens - Maintaining Shape and Promoting Health
Pruning evergreens although not essential, does help in maintaining their health, shape, and overall appearance. Effective pruning starts with understanding the best time to prune evergreens. Late winter to early spring is ideal in Michigan, as it encourages new growth and allows the cuts to heal before the growing season begins.
Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. This not only improves the health of your evergreens but also prevents the spread of disease. Thinning out over-crowded branches helps improve air circulation and encourages light penetration, which is important for the overall health of the tree, shrub, or plant.
When pruning evergreens, it’s important to use sharp, clean tools to make precise cuts. For shaping, follow the natural growth pattern of the tree, shrub or plant. Avoid cutting into the older, woody parts of the plant as much as you can as evergreens may not regenerate from these areas.
Regular pruning of evergreens also helps maintain their size and shape, preventing them from becoming overgrown and unwieldly. By mastering these essential tips and techniques for pruning evergreens, you can ensure they remain healthy and well-maintained throughout the year.
Search our Inventory of Evergreens
Evergreens are a Great Addition to Your Landscape and at English Gardens we Have a Large Variety to Choose From!
Come to English Gardens of Mi and Discover the large variety of evergreens available for your year-long enjoyment! Whether you prefer the majestic presence of soaring evergreen trees or the contained appeal of evergreen shrubs, or perhaps you love a nice broadleaf shrub or perennial for even more variety during the winter months, there is a variety of evergreen perfect for you and your landscape! Come enjoy the variety of evergreen trees and shrubs available at English Gardens
West Bloomfield
6370 Orchard Lake Rd. at Maple
West Bloomfield, MI 48322
Easy to get to from Keego Harbor, Auburn Hills, West Bloomfield, Auburn Hills, Waterford, Drayton Plains, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, Clarkston, Novi, Milford, Commerce Twp, White Lake, Union Lake, Walled Lake, and Wixom Michigan!
Plymouth
9900 Ann Arbor Road W.
Plymouth, MI 48170
Easy to get to from Ann Arbor, Belleville, Chelsea, Dexter, Manchester, Milan, New Hudson, Northville, Plymouth, Saline, South Lyon, Canton, Willis, and Ypsilanti Michigan!
Dearborn Heights
22650 Ford Rd. at Outer Dr.
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
Easy to get to from Allen Park, Dearborn, Melvindale, Dearborn Heights, Flat Rock, Brownstown, Brownstown Twp., Garden City, Grosse Ile, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Romulus, Taylor, Trenton, Woodhaven, Wayne, Westland, Wyandotte, Riverview, Wyandotte, Southgate, Detroit, Hamtramck, River Rouge, Ecorse, River Rouge, and Redford, Michigan!
Eastpointe
22501 Kelly Rd. at Nine Mile Rd.
Eastpointe, Michigan 48021
Easy to get to from Centerline, Eastpointe, Fraser, Hazel Park, Roseville, Madison Heights, St. Clair Shores, Warren, Harper Woods, and Grosse Pointe Michigan!
Clinton Township
44850 Garfield Rd. at Hall Rd.
Clinton Township, MI 48038
Easy to get to from Algonac, Anchorville, Fair Haven, Harsens Island, Clinton Twp, Marine City, Macomb, Mt. Clemens, Macomb, Harrison Twp., New Baltimore, Romeo, Washington, Rochester, Sterling Heights, Utica, Shelby Twp., and Oakland Michigan!
Royal Oak
4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073 (248) 280-9500Easy to get to from Troy, Birmingham, Clawson, Franklin, Southfield, Royal Oak, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Southfield, Ferndale, Oak Park, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield, and Bloomfield Twp. Michigan!
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