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. 

Ponderosa Pine

 Ponderosa Pine

Pinus ponderosa

Pictured Above are a Grouping of Ponderosa Pines in Boulder, CO

Ponderosa Pine is a long needled Pine native to the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Navada, and into parts of the Northern Plains. The species is divided into four subspecies. One native in the NW, one in Sierra Navada range in California, one in the Southwestern part of the country, and one in the Colorado Rockies to the Northern Plains. This tree is also very popular in landscaping as an erosion control tree or for common landscapaing. It dislikes the clay soils and high moisture in Eastern states, however they will adapt if sited properly. I have read of specimens grown near Chicago with great success, as well as in some East Coast areas.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3-7

Mature Size: 50'+ tall by 20'-30' wide

Light: Full Sun

Water: Dry

Performs best in well draining soils.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Requires deep well draining soils. While not preferring clay soils, they will adapt if placed properly with adequate drainage. Most Conifers including Ponderosa Pine prefer slightly acidic soils, but Ponderosa Pine does have quite the tolerance for a wide range of soil pH from Alkaline to Acidic.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Sand Pine Christmas Tree

 Sand Pine Christmas Tree

Pinus clausa

The Sand Pine is an underrated Christmas tree native to Florida and small sliver of Alabama. Many may not beleive me, but the most common type of native tree in the state of Florida is Pine. Several species are native in the state. The two most common are Slash Pine and Loblolly Pine. There are a few species of Conifers that are grown as Christmas trees in Florida. However most can only be grown in the North half of the state because the Southern half is too warm. Unlike other Pines, Sand Pine has very short and compacted needles ao its excellent to be grown as a Christmas tree. Sand Pine can grow anywhere in the state from Miami to Tallahassee. So even people who want to cut their own tree in South Florida have to option. Many tree farms exist in Southern Florida that grow Sand Pine. Sand Pine is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11. This tree grows in sand dunes in Central Florida and along sandy coastlines. It is intolerant of wet soils. It is also nicknamed the Scrub Pine due to scrubby growth. When young it is very contact and decent looking, but becomes very scraggly with age, and usually not very tall.

Upclose

Native Range

Wild Sand Pines

Sand Pine on Florida Christmas Tree Farm

None of these pictures are mine. 

Sources:

http://www.floridachristmastreefarm.com/tree_types.htm

https://www.bonsai-bci.com/index.php/by-common-name/evergreen-conifers/585-pinus-clausa

https://mapio.net/pic/p-40672509/

Giant Sequoia

Giant Sequoia 

Sequoiadendron giganteum

Giant Sequoia is regarded as the largest and one of the oldest trees on Earth. No tree compares to these ancient monsters! Most people know about these trees however because they are so infamous. The are quite adaptable and will grow beyond the Sierra slopes in California. In fact, several cultivars have been bred for better cold tolerance and overall durability to harsher environments. Generally given a little TLC and protection from harsh winds these trees should grow in zones 5 or colder areas of zone 6. However, saplings are the most sensitive. These tree will grow over 2'-4' per year or perhaps faster given optimal conditions. They are somewhat picky for conditions. They require loose draining soils that don't remain super dry through the hot seasons. They also can not tolerate wet sites. So finding the great spot is key. They are adaptable to clay soils so long as Water quickly drains after heavy rains. Saplings were selected back in the '40s from California and were planted along Lake Michigan in Manistee. 3 seedlings out of the 6 survived. 1 is doing exceptionally well. For that climate the harsh cold winds should kill a Sequoia. However, the trees likely had better genes than most sequias, so that is the advantage. The man who owns the trees has been micropropagating them in the millions to plant to slow climate change due to their unique ability to survive Michigan winters. Also a key factor, to their survival Michigan along the coast is slightly warmer due to the lake than inland. That helps the trees survive. The sandy soils aid with water drainage, but being right on the lake prevents them from becoming bone dry. Really the perfect locations for these amazing cultivars. Another breakthrough cultivar 'Glaucum' is a blue cultivar bred for blue needles and much stronger cold hardiness into zone 5 than the species. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-9 

(zone 5 with protection)

Mature Size: 100'-250' tall by 25'-40' wide

Light: Full Sun

Water: Dry-Moist

Performs best in loose well draining soils. Does not tolerate wet sites. Does not tolerate very dry soils especially when young. Very drought tolerant once established.

Soils: Prefers Acidic soils. Prefers loose well draining soils. Adaptable to other soil types such as clay or loamy clay, so long as adequate drainage is provided.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen 

Windmill Palm

 Windmill Palm

Trachycarpus fortunei 

This hardy Palm is renowned as the hardiest "trunked" Palm in the world. Once established it will survive brief temperatures down to between 0°F to 5°F with severe foliar damage. Usually temps above 10°F will result in no foliar damage. Sustained freezing temperatures will kill this tree however. Fast growing Palm. They put on as many as 5-10 new fronds per season. They tend to dislike extreme heat year-round (aka during the Winter). They will perform best with hot and humid Summers, and cool/mild Winters. Windmill Palms don't perform well in the hot South Florida climate. However, they thrive in virtually any other part of Florida. They have been successfully grown unprotected to Tennesee, Maryland, Virginia, Arkansas, and others. Hardy in USDA Zones 7b-9 (sheltered areas of zones 10-11 out of hot afternoon sun). Will survive in protected areas in zone 7a and perhaps 6b if heavily sheltered.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 7b-9 

(Shady areas in zones 10-11)

Mature Size: 30'-40' tall 

(Rarely up to 50'-60' tall)

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade 

(Part shade to mostly shade in sub-tropical climates such as zones 9b and warmer)

Water: Medium-Moist

Performs best in moist well draining soils. Has some drought tolerant once established.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Not particular with soil type and will grow in poor soil conditions except wet ones. Performs best in slightly acidic well draining soils.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Food Forest

 Food Forest

"What on Earth" is a food forest?! A food forest is a fairly new concept of agriculture. However, this is different from any other form of agriculture. This for of agriculture is not maintained by man, but is let go to nature. Edible plants are grown in a manor similar to the structure of wild plants. Mother nature has perfected this over hundreds of millions of years. Imagine a forest, humans don't need to intervene at all to keep the plants alive and healthy, but we have to for most agriculture. A food forest uses native plants to mimic nature and we get food with little intervention at all. 

Most food forests use only native plants, however this isn't always necessary. So long as a plant is not invasive and is fully hardy to one's regions, it can act as a food forest plant. Most people consider natives becuase they are guaranteed fully 100% will thrive in that region and won't become invasive and hurt the rest of the ecosystem. Providing a canopy in most regions that support forests is key to prevent the soil from drying up and becoming infertile. And ground covers and lower trees and shrubs are also necessary for Maintaining a balance. We know this practice of agriculture can NOT replace conventional means of agriculture far too many people to meet those demands, however if we can transform some land to this not only will we help the Earth against many forms of pollution and climate change, it will also help with farmer shortages too. 

For example in a Ohio Valley/Great Lakes region one could plant Persimmon, Black Walnut, Hickory spp. (perhaps Shellbark and Shagbark Hickories) as the canopy, low tree layer may include American Plum, Red Mulberry, Paw Paw and others. The shrub layer may include American Cranberry, Elderberry and others. A good vining plant is a native grape vine. For the Herbaceous perennial layer one may try Pokeweed, Strawberry, edible mushrooms and others.

In other regions one may plant annuals and biennials but by mimicking the ways of nature one wouldn't have to fertilize or water, or prepare the soil every year, but with annuals the person would only have to plant every year. 

Examples of food forests from temperate to tropical regions ⬇️

Top 5 Large Evergreen Trees for Zone 5

 Top 5 Large Evergreen Trees for Zone 5

1. Norway Spruce (Picea abies)

Perhaps the most versatile Spruce on the market. Vsry fast growing tree that Matures to 75'+ in height and 30'+ wide. Great to screen large areas or use along as an accent focal point. Tolerates high heat and humidity better than other Spruce species. Tolerates clay soils better than other Spruce trees. Can take most soils expect wet ones, making this tree the #1 choice for landscaping in USDA Zones 3-8.

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

Great Spruce alternative to the Norway Spruce for smaller size only maturing to 30' tall by 15' wide (rarely to 50' in the wild). This wild variety of White Spruce is more heat tolerant than the White Spruce tolerating the sweltering summers of the Eastern US. Hardy in USDA Zones 2-7

3. 'Green Giant' Arvorvitae (Thuja standishii x T. plicata 'Green Giant')

'Green Giant' is fast becoming a popular screen tree for very large areas where the dwarf but more popular 'Emerald Green' Arboviate is too small to plant. 'Green Giant' Arborvitae can be planted in rows as a screen or alone as a focal point large evergreen statement. Similar in annual growth rate to the Norway Spruce it can grow 3'-4' per year once established. Matures to 50'-60' tall by 25'-35' wide. Bronzing of foliage in harsh zone 5 winters is not uncommon and they green back up in Spring. Hardy in USDA Zones 5-8 (considared hardy in zone 4b and in protected areas of zone 4a)

4. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

This Pine has been a staple of landscaping for generations in the Eastern US. Most people associate Pines with sharp painful needles, but not this tree! It's long needles are soft as a feather. The branches sway in the wind adding a striking look to any landscape. These trees are fast growers at about 2' per year. They mature to 75'+ tall by 25'-40' wide. Hardy in USDA Zones 3b-8. Unlike other 'northern' Pines the White Pine thrives in the sweltering high humidity of the Southern states whole ALSO thriving with the 'Polar' Winters of the North. 

5. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

This tree is the most common evergreen in the Eastern US. Grows so well that in some areas in its native range it grows like a weed. High heat, drought, or even moist clay soils doesn't bother this tree. However it does not tolerate wet soils. Very much adapted to the frigid winters of the North AND the sweltering heat and humidity of the South. Matures to 25'-60' tall by 10'-25' wide. The foliage has small somewhat sharp needles when immature, but mature foliage is soft with no visible "needles". Instead of cones which we associate with Conifers, Junipers make bright blue berries that the birds love to eat. However, these are not true berries, but are in fact modified cones. The berries coat the tree from mid-Summer through the Winter. Many birds are attracted during Winter for the delicious berries (cones). Many cultivars of this tree exist that are popular in the landscape. Hardy in USDA Zones 3-9.

Hardy Banana

 Hardy Banana

Musa basjoo

Hardy Banana is the most cold hardy Banana tree in the world. The foliage is only hardy to the freezing mark, however the roots are hardy to -20°F when protected. They only flower/fruit in frost free regions, and the fruits are inedible. This tree is grown in regions with freezing winters as a tropical like perennial that dies to the ground every winter. They can put up anywhere from 6'-14' in a single season from the ground in Spring till Fall. When planted in the ground in USDA Zones 5-8 they must be protected around the base with extra thick layering of mulch. Placing a tarp or heated cone over it also increases the odds of survival, but most have luck with simply heavy mulch. The trunk must be cut nearly completely to the base or 2"-3" from the base, because the stem/trunk is mostly water and a freeze will cause the stem to act like a wick and freeze to the roots killing the entire plant. Ensuring little to no trunk and heavy mulching will give it the best chance to survive. Musa basjoo during the growing season prefers consistently moist but well draining soils as root rot can occur if wet. When grown as a perennial they have zero drought tolerance, but mature specimens in frost free regions will tolerate some drought however. 

Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-11 

Herbaceous perennial in USDA Zones 5-8; Evergreen in USDA Zones 9 and warmer

Mature Size: 6'-14' tall; 20'+ tall in frost free regions

Light: Full Sun-Part Shade

Water:  Moist Well Draining

Grows best in consistently moist well draining soils. Mature specimens in frost free regions have some drought tolerance; Specimens in frost regions have zero drought tolerance. Root rot will occur is soils remain completely saturated.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level; May struggle in high alkaline soils. Grows best in moist well draining soils. They tend to rot in clay soils that don't dry quickly, amending the clay soil or placing on terrain with good drainage is best.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous/Herbaceous in USDA Zones 5-8; Evergreen in USDA Zones 9 and Warmer

Christmas Trees that Grow in Indiana

 Christmas Trees that Grow in Indiana

Nothing beats the joy of a fresh cut Christmas tree! Did you know that most christmas trees that are sold at store fronts or nurseries are usually not grown locally? The most popular and common Christmas tree is Fraser Fir. Most Fraser Firs are actually grown on the mountains of North Carolina. You can support local Indiana Christmas tree farms too! I am going to go over the best Christmas trees to grow in Indiana.

Fraser Fir does grow here, but they have difficulty with our hot and humid Summers and wet clay soils. For this reason most are grown in cooler climates and are shipped here like from the Appalachian Mountains or Canada. 

Good alternative to Fraser Fir that is nearly indistinguishable is Canaan Fir

1. Canaan Fir (Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis)

More tolerant of humid and wet clay soils than Fraser Fir. Looks identical. Is a subspecies of Balsam Fir. Less likely to suffer late spring frost damage unlike Fraser and Balsam, as Canaan breaks bud much later. Tiny very soft needles. Very dense growth. Perfect shape. Hardy in USDA Zones 4-7

2. Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Scotch Pine is a very cold hardy tree. As a long term landscaping tree, it is not recommended. They are very versatile for different soils and climates, but suffer major disease in the long term. For short term as a Christmas tree (around 10 years) it is an excellent choice. Has longer needles than Fir that are somewhat sharp, but very dense growing making it perfect to shear into a beautiful Christmas tree.  Hardy in USDA Zones 3-7

3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)

Native to portions of Indiana primarily northern Indiana. Hardy throughout the state. Hot humid Summers don't bother this tree. The main thing that this tree hates is compacted soils and poor alkaline soils. White Pine gets chlorosis easily in alkaline soils and compacted clay soils. Make sure the soil is amended when planted, and if soil is alkaline to add soil acidifier to the soil. Very soft long needles that feel like a feather. They tend to drop older needles faster creating a less dense form. So it must be pruned more regularly than other trees in order to keep the desired dense shape.

4. Concolor Fir (Abies concolor)

Concolor Fir is not super common in the Eastern US yet, but is quickly gaining popularity as a Christmas tree and as a landscaping tree. Very popular out west though. Long needles that point outward and upward that resemble more of a Pine than a traditional Fir, but are not prickly at all. Gives off a citrusy aroma, and much stronger when crushed. The needles have a dark green to blue colored needle. The Blue usually stands out more than the green adding a frosted look. Since this tree is native on the Coastal mountains it is sensitive to compacted soils. Make sure the soil is amended to be well draining. Thankfully is more tolerant of alkaline soils than other Conifers making this tree more adaptable to Indiana. 

5. Virginia Pine

Not common as a Christmas tree in Indiana, more common in the South but still not overly popular choice. Native to the Appalachian Mountains parts of the South and Southern Indiana. Even though it grows in the South it is hardy even up through Northern Indiana. Hardy to -30°F. Short needles similar to Scotch Pine than compared to most Pines add a more compacted look that is suited for a Christmas tree. While not overly picky with pH, it performs best in well draining acidic soils, but will be forgiving in slightly alkaline.

Dwarf Chinkapin Oak

 Dwarf Chinkapin Oak

Quercus prinoides

Finally, an Oak SHRUB to add a new type of style to the landscape! 

The Dwarf Chinkapin Oak is a very rare small tree or large shrub in the wild and in commerce. This Oak species stays compact usually only getting 10'-20' tall and wide if never pruned. Due to its slow scrubby growth habit, it is very easy to train to a desired size of less than 8'.

Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-9

Mature Size: 10'-15' tall and wide (rarely reaches 20')

Light: Full sun-part shade

Water:  Dry-moist

Soils: Acidic moist well draining soils are preferred. Very versatile. Drought tolerant. Will adapt to slight alkaline soils.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous

Little Henry Sweetspire

 Little Henry Sweetspire

 Itea virginica 'Sprich'

Little Henry Sweetspire is a wonderful addition to the landscape with white flowers that shoot out of the plant like fireworks! Blooms every year in late Spring/early Summer. Just when you thought the show was over, the fall color puts on a show of bright red.

Hardiness: USDA Zones: 5-9

Mature Size: 2'-3' tall and wide

Light: Full sun-full shade

Water:  Medium-Wet

Grows best in moist soils. Good drought tolerance once established. Grows in wet soils, as well as well draining soils.

Soils: Not particular with specific pH level. Grows best in moist soils. Tolerant of wet and even boggy soils. Good drought tolerance once established.

Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous