evergreen

Trees and Shrubs That Will Attract Birds

Fall is an excellent time to plant trees or shrubs. Many of the spring bloomers yield an excellent crop of berries later in the season.  These berries will attract local birds, and also those on the fall migration.

 To attract birds, consider some of these:

  • Flowering Crab Trees – we carry over 20 varieties. Spring blooms range in color from white to pink to purple to deep red. Most grow 10 – 20’ tall.  All varieties, except Spring Snow, produce small berries that the birds love. They typically aren’t messy as the berries are small enough that most cling to the trees until the birds clean them off. 

  • Serviceberry Trees – these come in a single stem or clump form and grow  20-30’.  Trees bloom white in the spring, followed by orange berries in fall.  These berries are a favorite of  cedar wax wings on the migration.

  • Viburnums (Cranberries) – There are many varieties of viburnum shrubs ranging in size from 3’ to 20’. Spring blooms turn to red or dark blue berries in the fall. Most varieties also have beautiful red, orange, and yellow fall colors. 

  • Aronia Berries And Cotoneasters – Aronias produce white blooms in spring followed by dark blue berries. They are considered an antioxidant for humans and can be made into juice or wine. Birds love them also. Leaves have a beautiful red/burgundy color. 

  • Coral Berries/Snowberries – These are smaller plants ranging generally from 2-4’ tall. Berries may be white or pink depending on the variety. A good choice if your space is limited. They tolerate part sun. 

Evergreen Windbreaks

An evergreen windbreak or screen can add curb appeal to a home, greatly reduce winter winds and heating bills, and/or block unsightly views. 

Fall is an ideal time to plant an evergreen windbreak. 

If you are considering planting an evergreen windbreak or screen, we have a very large selection to choose from. Some hardy varieties to consider include:

  • Norway Spruce – Fast growing, drooping branches, grow 50 -60’, good as farm windbreak

  • Blackhill Spruce – Medium grower, conical shape, grow 30-50’, good as farm windbreak

  • Meyer Spruce – Similar shape and color as a blue spruce but more disease resistant, Grows 40’, good as farm windbreak 

  • White Pine – Long needle evergreen, may be a little more prone to winter burn, Grows 50-80’

  • Techney Arborvitae- Smaller variety for urban or farm setting, Grows 12-15’ tall, 6-8’ wide, will tolerate part sun, excellent screen

  • Brandon Arborvitae- Smaller variety for urban or farm setting, Upright, conical, Grows 20’ tall, 8 ‘ wide, excellent screen

EVERGREENS

Evergreens.jpg

Evergreens add year round beauty and interest to your yard. They add shade, habitat, and protection for wildlife. Evergreen windbreaks slow down winter and summer winds to reduce heating and cooling bills.

Years ago choices were limited and evergreens planted around home foundations often became over-grown and unruly. Today we have hundreds of varieties to choose from.

Here are a few common varieties of evergreen options today:

Low Growing Evergreens

Some low growing evergreens may get only 6 inches tall but spread 6-8 feet. These are useful on banks or wherever you want to fill in an area with a low growing shrub. Some varieties include Blue Chip Junipers  and Icy Blue Junipers. 

For evergreens around a foundation, there are new dwarf varieties that stay small and compact and require little or no trimming. Some of these include Hetz Midget Arborvitae, Danica Arborvitae, and Blue Star Junipers.

 Mid-size Evergreens

There are many new varieties of mid-size evergreens that grow anywhere from 3 to 6 feet tall. They come in a variety of foliage and colors. Mint Julep junipers are deep green and are a good foundation plant. Sea of Gold Junipers are green with golden tips for added interest. Globe Blue Spruce grow 4-5 feet tall with a rounded shape, a very blue color, and require little or no trimming. Dwarf Norway Spruce also grow into a similar size and shape but are a deep green color.

If you have a lot of shade, Yews are your best option. These are deep green, soft needle evergreens that tolerate full or part shade. Taunton Yews grow 3-5 feet tall and wide and can be trimmed.

Upright Evergreens

For some added height, upright evergreens are a good choice. Emerald Arborvitae are deep green and grow 12-15’ tall but only 3-4’ wide. Blue Arrow Junjpers grow 12 feet tall but only 2 feet wide. Techney Arborvitaes are often used on farm windbreaks. They grow about 15 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide. There are many varieties of upright junipers, yews, and other arborvitaes to choose from.

Evergreen Trees

There is nothing more stately than a 100 year old, 100 foot tall  drooping Norway Spruce. These have survived the test of time. Unfortunately some tall evergreens have become susceptible to disease. 20 years ago Colorado Spruce were a favorite, but these have now become prone to a disease and are no longer recommended.

Eastern Red Cedars are the only native evergreen to Iowa. These have also survived the test of time and can be seen growing wild in ditches and along roadways. Although they are not the most beautiful shape, they survive the tough Iowa winters and thrive here.

Ornamental Evergreens

One of the most fun new additions to the plant world are ornamental evergreens. A Globe Blue Spruce Tree is basically a Globe Blue Spruce on a 3 to 5 foot stem. Some old traditional evergreens are now trimmed into pom pom shapes, spirals, and other interesting forms. These all add interest and some fun to your landscaping.

Globe Blue Spruce in the snow

Globe Blue Spruce in the snow

Care and Maintenance of Evergreens

Care and maintenance of evergreens will extend their life and keep them looking beautiful. New plantings should be watered 2-3 times a week for the first season. Established plantings are usually self sufficient but still need to be watered in prolonged periods of dryness. Be sure plants are well watered going into winter. This helps prevent winter burn.

It is good to fertilize evergreens with Miracid fertilizer at least 2-3 times during the early growing season. It is best to not fertilize in the fall. Trim evergreens to keep a nice shape. Most can be trimmed in the early spring. For evergreen trees it is often recommended to trim one half of the “candle” as new growth emerges.  

If you have a special need for an evergreen or have questions, feel free to call the nursery.