Maybe it has something to do with Charlie Brown and his tiny, rescued Christmas pine. Or the spike in our spirit that comes from a flush of green during the coldest, colorless days of winter. But evergreens hold a special place in our hearts. And yards.

They’re also some of the world’s oldest trees, dating back 4,000 to upwards of 10,000 years! So, if you choose the right evergreens for the right spaces (ask us!) and help to get them established, yours could be around for a very long time.

And it’s not an accident we’re talking about them in fall. It’s one of the best times to plant any tree, shrub or perennial. But here’s why it makes a lot of sense to plant an evergreen this autumn: 

1. Perfect planting conditions.

It’s more comfortable to be outside for you and your evergreen. Planting isn’t such a workout, there’s generally more moisture and it doesn’t evaporate as quickly, which means you don’t have to haul out the hose quite as much. Plus, freshly planted fall trees have a period to focus solely on laying down a healthy root system when they’re not under stress or in an active (visible) growing phase.

2. Year-round texture and color.

Your landscape can get mighty bare and boring without some wintergreen. And there are plenty evergreen tree and shrub varieties, so you can mix up the shades of green and the overall shape and needle/branch structure. Rhoads carries Norway Spruce and White Pines because they grow best in our area. Plus, a variety of arborvitae, boxwood, juniper and holly. 

3. Privacy.

By holding their leaves year-round, they give you uninterrupted privacy and can hide undesirable views in your yard or your neighbors’.

4. Four-season home and shelter for wildlife.

Does it age us to say we enjoy watching the wildlife in our yards? Play host to birds, squirrels and other creatures by giving them safe cover from predators as well as a place to nest.

5. Pinecones.

We find them charming, kids love to collect them, they look great in indoor and outdoor winter arrangements and when dried out, they make great fire starters for bonfires, wood-burning fireplaces and stoves.

We love collecting larger varieties for a wildlife friendly craft. Start by attaching an ornament hook or pipe cleaner to the top of your pinecone. Cover the cone in peanut butter with a spatula or spreading knife, then roll the cone in birdseed. Hang the cones around your yard this winter when food is scarce for birds, squirrels and other wildlife.

6. Really low maintenance.

This is about as close to no-maintenance as you’ll get. No pruning necessary. Just focus on helping your evergreen trees and shrubs get established in the first few weeks with plenty of moisture, then enjoy a mostly maintenance-free addition to your yard. Check out our Guide to Successful Planting and Growing, complete with watering tips. Or ask us to deliver and plant for you!

7. Happy home and homeowner.

Because of their dense, full-bodied habit, evergreen trees are especially effective sound, air pollution and wind barriers. And because of their ability to block harsh winter winds and the most relentless summer sun, they can keep a home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, to the tune of 20-50% lower energy bills according to the USDA Forest Service.

8. Built-in Christmas decorations.

Back to Charlie Brown. But is there anything prettier than twinkling lights on a snow-covered evergreen? Or clipping some fresh holly from one of your shrubs? We even love white twinkly lights strung from tree to tree for spring, summer and fall parties, barbecues and celebrations.

Have questions about the evergreen varieties we carry or can order for you? Need help with an existing evergreen? Like us to design an outdoor space complete with beautiful evergreens? Please stop in or give us a call at (740)474-2028.