Top 5 Evergreens for Erosion Control/Reclamation for Zones 5-7

 Top 5 Evergreens for Erosion Control/Reclamation for Zones 5-7

1. 'Green Giant' Arborvitae (Thuja plicata x standishii 'Green Giant')

This increasingly popular selection of Arborvitae is an excellent choice either as a screening tree or as a stand alone accent. Because it gets so large, it can be used as a reclamation tree as you would other large evergreens. Foliage is very soft to the touch. It does bronze some in harsh Winters, but is fully hardy down to at least -25°F to zone 8a. When young this tree grows very vigorously at 3'-5' per year. Performs best in Full sun, but is tolerant of partial shade.

2. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

This tree is a classic landscaping tree. The most commonly planted evergreen in the Eastern US. It has been widely planted since the 19th century. They grow very large up to 100' tall by 30'-40' wide at maturity after about 100 years. When young they grow 3'-4' per year. Very cold hardy to -40°F if not colder to zone 7. Unlike most other Spruce, Norway Spruce has some shade tolerance so it can take some competition from other large trees. However this tree isn't tolerant of full shade, and prefers full sun.

3.  Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This evergreen has been widely planted in the Eastern US since Europeans first colonized the region. Is is most heavily planted in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley regions closer/in its native range. Will grow anywhere in the Eastern US in USDA Zones (3b)4-7(8a). Unfortunately the White Pine requires acidic soils and performs poorly in drought and compacted clays. So many have to site this tree properly if poor clay soils are an issue. Chlorosis can be a problem if not in the correct soil. As a reclamation in great soil in a wooded area this tree is an excellent choice. The needles are very long, but super soft aka not prickly)

4. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This evergreen is the most common evergreen in parts of the Eastern US. They grow in virtually the poorest soils, from disturbed sites, to slopes, to foreat edges and others. The Eastern Red Cedar not a true Cedar but in fact a Juniper can grow in Alkaline or Acidic soils. They don't like poor draining soils however, so make sure if you have clay soils to make sure water drains away from the roots. Since it can grow in the poorest soils, it is excellent as a restoration tree on disturbed sites. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9. Mature Size ranges from 25'-50' tall by 15'-25' wide. Full sun is a required for this tree.

5. Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca 'Densata')

This tree native to the Black Hills of South Dakota is also the state tree is one of the best Spruce options further South where hot Summers may stress other Spruce such as the regular White Spruce. Black Hills Spruce has a more compact slower habit than the White Spruce slowly maturing to 30' by 15' instead of over 60' tall like the White Spruce. Black Hilld is more tolerant of higher heat than the regular White Spruce, also tolerates drought better as well. Extreme cold hardiness down to -50°F to zone 7. Full sun is required for this tree. The needles have more of a silvery/bluer tinge to the deep green needles than the regular White Spruce.