Growing Conifers in the North Central States
Conifers are a type of tree that has needle-like leaves and cones. They are well-suited to the cold winters of the North Central states. There are many different types of conifers to choose from, including pine, spruce, and fir.
Choosing the Right Conifer Trees
When choosing a conifer tree for your yard or garden, there are a few things to consider:
- Hardiness zone: Make sure the tree is hardy to your specific hardiness zone.
- Maintenance requirements: Some conifers require more maintenance than others. Consider your time and budget when making your selection.
- Size: Conifers can grow to be quite tall. Choose a tree that will fit the space you have available.
- Compatibility: Make sure the tree is compatible with the other plants in your yard or garden.
Planting and Care
Once you have chosen a conifer tree, it is important to plant it properly. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree deeply after planting.
Conifers generally do not need a lot of fertilizer. However, it is a good idea to mulch around the trunk of the tree after planting. This will help to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Water your conifer tree deeply when the soil is dry, about 1 to 2 inches down. You may also need to stake your new tree until it is sturdy.
Maintenance
Once a conifer tree is established with good roots, it will need little to no maintenance. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your tree healthy:
- Prune: Prune your conifer tree as needed to remove dead or diseased branches.
- Water: Water your tree deeply during periods of drought.
- Fertilize: Fertilize your tree every few years with a balanced fertilizer.
Popular Conifer Trees for the North Central States
Here are a few of the most popular conifer trees for the North Central states:
- Concolor fir: Also known as white fir, this tree has foliage similar to that of blue spruce. Needles are short and bluish-green. It is hardy to zone 4 and will tolerate alkaline soil.
- American arborvitae: This is a great species for privacy screening and hedging. It is a small-to-medium tree, and there are also dwarf cultivars of arborvitae to choose from.
- Rocky Mountain juniper: This smaller juniper provides good wildlife habitat with food and cover. It is a pretty ornamental tree for smaller spaces.
- Siberian spruce: Siberian spruce is a large conifer that grows between 1 and 3 feet per year. The shape is upright and weeping, and the needles have unique silvering on the undersides.
- Scotch pine: Popular as a Christmas tree, the Scotch pine is medium to large and grows in a pyramid when younger, becoming more rounded in shape as it ages. It has attractive, orange-brown, peeling bark and tolerates sandy soils.
- Bald cypress: This is a unique kind of conifer in that it is deciduous. Bald cypress sheds its needles each fall. This is a southern native, but is hardy to zone 4 and tolerates wet soils.
Avoid Planting Colorado Blue Spruce
Colorado blue spruce has long been popular in the Midwest, but the species is in decline due to diseases. Similar alternatives include the concolor fir and some species of dwarf blue spruce.
Conclusion
Conifers are a beautiful and versatile addition to any landscape. By following these tips, you can choose the right conifer trees for your yard or garden and enjoy them for many years to come.
