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In North Dakota where Eid-Co Homes creates our communities, we experience all sorts of extremes in weather. From hot and dry summers to cold and snowy winters. This can make it a challenge to know what to plant around your home since not everything will survive or thrive in such varying conditions. One species of greenery that grows hardily in our North Dakotan climate is the evergreen. Evergreen trees and shrubs are a great addition to any yard as they provide year-round beauty and maintain their foliage throughout the seasons. Here are how evergreens can help your yard stay beautiful all year and how to care for them.

Benefits of Evergreens in Your Yard

Year-Round Color

Evergreens retain their leaves or needles throughout the year, providing consistent color and texture to your landscape even during winter when other plants may be dormant. And evergreens come in a range of shapes and colors from light green to blue and from shrubby to tall and sculptural. So, you do not have to sacrifice variety!

Privacy and Noise Reduction

Evergreens can also act as natural screens, creating privacy and reducing noise pollution by blocking views and absorbing sound. This means that you can enjoy your outdoor space without the invasive prying eyes of your neighbors or without having to experience excessive road noise.

Windbreak and Energy Efficiency

Planting evergreens strategically around your property can serve as a windbreak, reducing cold drafts and helping to insulate your home. This can result in energy savings during colder months.

Wildlife Habitat

Evergreens provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for birds and other wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity and ecological value of your yard. Enjoy drinking your coffee in the company of newly found critter friends.

Erosion Control

Another benefit of evergreens are their dense root systems and year-round foliage since these help prevent soil erosion on slopes or in areas prone to water runoff. Thus, saving your foundation and preventing flooding in your home.

Basic Care Tips for Evergreens

Planting

Choose an appropriate location based on the specific needs of the evergreen you're planting, considering factors such as sunlight requirements, soil type, and available space. Ensure proper spacing between plants for healthy growth.

Watering

Water newly planted evergreens deeply and regularly until they establish a strong root system. Afterward, water during dry periods or when the soil feels dry about an inch below the surface. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.

Mulching

Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of evergreens to help retainmoisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weeds, and provide organic matter as it decomposes.

Pruning

Evergreens generally require minimal pruning. However, you can selectively prune to maintain desired shape, remove dead or damaged branches, and improve airflow. They also respond well to pruning for simple aesthetic reasons. Prune during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plants.

Fertilizing

Some evergreens may benefit from a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring. Follow the specific recommendations for the particular evergreen species and fertilizer product you use.

Protection from Winter Damage

In colder regions, like ours, protect vulnerable evergreens from winter damage by wrapping them with burlap or applying an anti-desiccant spray to minimize moisture loss.

And there you have it! Some of the benefits of adding these wonderful plants to your yard and how to make sure they stay healthy for years and years.