Help to select evergreen trees for landscaping

15 years ago

The soil( flowerbed under the windows is 32 inches wide from the foundation. I would like to plant two needle evergreen trees in two sides of the door (and may add another two on two sides of the house as a frame). The house is one story. So, the tree cannot be too high. The tree roots should not go through under the foundation of the house. I have two questions and hope experts to help me select the best evergreen trees for good landscaping.

1) Which size on the tree label is related to the length of the roots, " Spacing, Average Size" or both? What size on the tree label should I pay attention for the 32 inches wide of the flowerbed?

2) I saw two evergreen trees in the Home Depot and LoweÂs, the dark green Spartan Juniper (is it the same as the Juniper Blue Point?) and bright green Emerald Green Arborvitae. Which one is better or you have other recommendation? Thanks.

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Comments (5)

holleygarden Zone 8, East Texas
15 years ago
Spacing generally refers to the mature width of the plant (and most likely, but not neccessarily the roots), whereas average size indicates the height of the plant. (if you're not talking trees, avg. size might even indicate the avg. height you can keep the plant pruned) Trees either have shallow roots which spread (think crepe myrtle), or a tap root (a main root which goes straight down)-(like pines).
Some evergreen trees can get huge! You will need to post your planting zone in order for anyone to let you know which evergreen tree they would recommend.
Mike Larkin
15 years ago
You really do not have enough room for the evergreens listed. These plants will grow in time and eventually overgrow the small space. Also avoid the the two soldiers standing guard at the front door look. As they get big, it will crowd the entrance. It will not welcome visitors.
Also you will work hard to maintain them both at the same height.
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On the landscape design forum you would be chastised for leaving such a narrow bed, but sometimes ya gotta do what you gotta do. Now, in the conifer family you have I think only one choice for that much shade, namely yews (Taxus). There are columnar forms and they take well to pruning so you can even do wider or low arching ones and keep them to width. But don't bother with the gold forms as they won't show their colour in so little sun. Maybe also hemlocks (Tsuga). You might have more selection in broadleaf evergreens. I have a great shrub called Ilex 'Mariesii' but as I grow it in more sun than that I can't promise it would work for you. Also, you may have a problem with tall plants leaning away from the house for more sun. Depending on how dry it is (assume it is under house overhang or in its rainshadow at best) you might also be able to look at Rhodos, as some are tall and narrow. Filler plants, Hellebores and ferns would be a good bet.
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I know I have written twice about River Birches. I am no expert on trees. But I do think that you should contact a landscape designer in your area. Someone who can walk your property with you and give you an idea of what can work for you. Many years ago, I contacted a wonderful designer and spent two hours with her in my yard. We walked every inch of my property. She gave me advice on hard scape, planting beds, planting material, shrubs and trees. I took extensive notes. I paid her for her time. It was, honestly, the best investment I have ever made in our home. Over the past 30 years I have implemented nearly all of her suggestions. Patios, walkways, trees, shrubs, perennials, annual plantings. Garden beds. Even garden accessories. It is, I believe, a beautiful yard. I did it over time as my budget permitted. AND...as a consequence of her advice, I didn’t make too many planting mistakes. I didn’t plant things that would inevitably fail because they weren’t suited to my environment. That is the best advice that I can give to you. Not to recommend A tree, but to locate someone who will help you see the big picture, the long term solution. Good luck!
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compiler
Original Author
15 years ago
I do not know what is the planting zone in Athens, GA. Can anyone recommend some good evergreen needle trees or shrubs before my one story house with 36 inches wide of flowerbed if you think the dark green Spartan Juniper and bright green Emerald Green Arborvitae is not a good choice?
Frankie_in_zone_7
15 years ago
A photo or drawing might help.
Are you limited to the 32 " of space, or is it just that the current "bed" is only 32"? That is one question, because only small (overall) or narrow things will fit there currently.
Second is more akin to plantman--without knowing more about the entryway and house facade, the "design" question about what would look good, or not, is hard to consider--in thinking about the "form" of various plants.
Finally, sun or shade?
laag
15 years ago
Without getting into the design aspect, neither is going to be a root problem, either can be controlled by shearing, both should have a lot of sun (juniper more than arb), and both are often used for height in narrow spaces.

You can use your judgement of whether or not you like sheared plants, how much maintenance you want to do, how long you want these plants to be functional, and whether or not you like the aesthetic of vertical plants in these locations.

Help to select evergreen trees for landscaping

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holleygarden Zone 8, East Texas

Mike Larkin

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Help to select evergreen trees for landscaping

Comments (5)

holleygarden Zone 8, East Texas

Mike Larkin

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Frankie_in_zone_7

laag

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