Choosing a Location for Evergreens
The best way to succeed is to plan before you plant. Let’s discuss location: Do you know where you want to plant your new trees? Avoid many future problems by considering all aspects of the planting spot, such as:
- Sun and good soil
- Check out the surroundings
- Space wisely
NOTE: This is part 3 in a series of 9 articles. For a complete background on how to grow evergreens, we recommend starting from the beginning.
Sun and Good Soil
Your plant would love a sunny place with well-drained, fertile soil. Some evergreens may thrive in shady conditions, please refer to your plant’s care instructions.
Surroundings
If you’d like your tree to become a landscaping asset, choose the planting place with this in mind. Imagine it as a full-grown tree and check everything out: Wires overhead? Sidewalk underneath? Does it obstruct something you want to see? Can you keep an eye on it from the house? Will other trees be in the way, allowing for their additional growth in the meantime?
Even a year or two after planting, your tree will be very difficult to transplant. Take the time to plant it in just the right place.
Space Wisely
Creating an effective and aesthetically pleasing privacy screen with evergreen trees and shrubs involves careful consideration of spacing. To achieve optimal results, it’s essential to space these plants strategically to ensure both privacy and healthy growth. Consider the maximum width of the evergreen tree or shrub, and plan accordingly. Depending on the branching—be it limber or more structured—and the growth rate, evergreens can be spaced so that at maturity they’re overlaying up to 18-24" to achieve optimal privacy. Additionally, staggered or offset planting patterns can enhance privacy by creating a denser, more natural appearance. Proper spacing not only maximizes the individual plant’s potential but also fosters a cohesive and lush green barrier, offering an effective and visually pleasing solution for creating privacy in outdoor spaces.
