The Best Urban Evergreens

My husband loves pine trees.  They remind him of Christmas.  He loves those huge 50' scotch pines that grow in city parks, near the library, and {tragically} in residential landscapes.  He'll applaud a 30' wide blue spruce completely engulfing a 1/4 acre property.  I am what you could call an anti-needled-evergreen person.  I have been against these huge monsters my whole life.  Although I definitely appreciate the beauty and majesty of these giants when in their natural and native habitats of the nearby mountains, I am completely opposed to their ultilization in the captivity of urban landscapes. 

Yet through my study of garden design I have come to appreciate the structure that evergreens {both needled and broad leafed} add to a landscape.  So now instead of being completely anti-needled-evergreen I am pro-residential-sized-evergreen.  This has inspired a compromise between my pine tree loving husband and my need for balanced, harmonious design.  Take a look at these urban garden friendly evegreens. 

Vanderwolf Pyramid Pine {Pinus flexilis 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'

This long needled, densley branching pine is a perfect specimen or accent tree.  The pyramidal growth habit for which it is named adds year round structure at an appropriate scale.  In addition to its compact appearance, Vanderwolfs are both disease and insect resistant adding low maintenance to its list of desirable urban garden traits. 

 



USDA Zones: 2-7
Height: 20-25'
Width: 10-15'
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: ocassional watering after establishment  

Moerheim Blue Spruce {Picea pungens 'Moerheim'}

 

This spruce is the largest of my urban evergreen recommendations.  But for those who love the silvery-blue of the blue spruce, this is a great replacement.  Its 10-20' spread is more appropriate for residential gardens.  Moerheim will work as a great as a screen to reduce noise from traffic, block wind, and increase the privacy of your garden. 

 

 

USDA Zones: 2-8
Height: 25-30'
Width: 10-20'
Exposure: Full to partial sun
Water Requirements: weekly watering, more in extreme heat


 

Bosnian Pine {Pinus leucodermis}

 

Dense, ruffled branches of the Bosnian pine are fast growing, providing a more established appearance at a quicker rate.  It thrives in dry, alkaline soils and makes a statement when planted singly. 

 



USDA Zones: 4-8
Height: 20-25'
Width: 10'
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: regular watering until established

  

Weeping White Spruce {Picea glauca 'Pendula'}

 

This spruce is one of my favorites.  Slim and trim, its perfect for any location in your garden where you need a little height but cant go very wide.  Its narrow growth habit is perfect for planting right up against a house or fence.  Use it on either side of a walkway or porch to add formality and structure.  Plant in groupings of three for a manicured woodland garden. 

 

 

 

USDA Zones: 2-9
Height: 20-25'
Width: 8-10'
Exposure: Full to part Sun
Water Requirements: moderate 


 


Photos:
Vanderwolf
Moerheim
Bosnian
White