Evergreen - Ask Extension
Hello,
I am trying to choose the correct Evergreen tree for my yard. I am wanting a tree that will grow at least 20ft tall and 15ft wide. I am tryi...
Knowledgebase
Evergreen #752232
Asked May 26, 2021, 10:59 AM EDT
Hello,
I am trying to choose the correct Evergreen tree for my yard. I am wanting a tree that will grow at least 20ft tall and 15ft wide. I am trying to create fairly large screen that will block a road that sits about 4ft above my property and a building across this road. I am not interested in Pines since they lose foliage at the bottom as they grow. The trees would get early full sun until about noon. Then they would be in partial shade to full shad in late afternoon. I was interested in the "Fat Albert Blue spruce but then I see on your website that they are no longer recommended for our climate here in Minnesota. So I heard about Concolor as an alternative to the Blue Spruce? I am open to other trees as well but prefer something close to the Blue spruce as much as possible. Also I do not care for Evergreens that shed a lot of needles. I am looking at purchasing about 5-6 mature trees to help create this screen and since this will be a large investment I appreciate any advice in choosing the appropriate trees. Thank you!
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
The mature size of Concolor fir (Abies concolor): 60 feet tall by 24 feet wide, slow-to-medium growth rate, pyramidal form, full sun. Fat Albert would have been too small anyway for what you need. Might I suggest Black Hills Spruce.
- Mature height 20-40 feet
- Mature width 10-15 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Chicago)
- Soil preference Acid soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Dry sites, Road salt
Thank you for your quick response. I am concerned that there simply isn't enough sun for a tree that requires full sun, unless full sun is considered at least 6 hours of full sun, I really want to get Concolor as an alternative to the Blue Spruce. The black hills spruce is definitely an option but really like the Concolor. Would Concolor work for my location?
Sorry! I thought I sent this back in May. I Just came across this when I was clearing out my inbox. Thanks for your help!
Greg Pinnell
Social Studies Teacher
MN Virtual High School
180 East 5th Street, Suite M10A
St.Paul, Mn 55101
<personal data hidden>
I find a concolor will tolerate 'some' shade but cannot find any specific amount of hours. Here is a link to Wisconsin Hort
Concolor Fir, Abies concolor – Wisconsin Horticulture
Concolor Fir, Abies concolor – Wisconsin Horticulture
Thank You for your response! Do you know of or recommend a tree nursery near the twin cities that carry large Concolor evergreen trees? I am having a problem finding anyone who carries them.
Thank you!
Greg Pinnell
Social Studies Teacher
MN Virtual High School
180 East 5th Street, Suite M10A
St.Paul, Mn 55101
<personal data hidden>
oI do not know who will be carrying these trees. You can do a Google search but I would like you to realize that the larger and more mature the tree, the higher the cost. We recommend starting with smaller trees not only because of cost and also because they transplant easier and there is less chance of losing them. A young smaller tree will quite often catch up and surpass the size of a mature tree planted at the same time as they have all their roots. Mature trees have been root pruned in order to be moved. You also could contact a locally owned garden center to see if they would be willing to order the trees you need if you pay for them in advance.
Hello,
So would you not recommend having 8-10ft ball and burlap trees planted?
Greg Pinnell
Social Studies Teacher
MN Virtual High School
180 East 5th Street, Suite M10A
St.Paul, Mn 55101
<personal data hidden>
You certainly can purchase them and have them planted by the nursery. Make sure you have the one year warranty. It will be expensive for 5-6 trees of that size. I do not know your soil type but you should have the planting holes prepared in advance. They should be wide enough for the ball but not deeper. The soil in the holes should be loosened and perhaps some compost added. If your soil is clay or sand, adding compost would be very important to either loosen the clay or allow the sand to retain water. Please read through the info in the link. Open all the drop down boxes.
Planting and transplanting trees and shrubs | UMN Extension
Planting and transplanting trees and shrubs | UMN Extension
Hello,
Does the U of M offer the service or do you know of someone that can come to my home to help choose the correct evergreen based on soil conditions and overall location? SInce I need so many large trees I am nervous of choosing a tree without some professional help to ensure the trees have a chance to thrive.
Thank you
Greg Pinnell
Social Studies Teacher
MN Virtual High School
180 East 5th Street, Suite M10A
St.Paul, Mn 55101
<personal data hidden>
You can start by taking a soil test. Instructions are at this page:
Welcome to the Soil Testing Laboratory | Soil Testing Laboratory (umn.edu)
Next read through our publication on various evergreen recommendations. St. Paul is Zone 4, which is warmer than 2 or 3.
Choosing evergreens for your landscape | UMN Extension
Finally, we do not do home visits. You can have a local nursery/garden center you trust or have a certified arborist consult. You can find an arborist and further information by visiting this site and clicking on Find An Arborist.
TreesAreGood.org
Welcome to the Soil Testing Laboratory | Soil Testing Laboratory (umn.edu)
Next read through our publication on various evergreen recommendations. St. Paul is Zone 4, which is warmer than 2 or 3.
Choosing evergreens for your landscape | UMN Extension
Finally, we do not do home visits. You can have a local nursery/garden center you trust or have a certified arborist consult. You can find an arborist and further information by visiting this site and clicking on Find An Arborist.
TreesAreGood.org
Could I get away with Concolor, Norwegian spruce in my zone? My ideal tree is one that is at least 40ft tall and 25 fr wide that will stay full from bottom up. I attached a picture for your reference The three trees on the right will be removed this spring to make way for the evergreens to create the screen of the road and condos across the road. Thanks for your help!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 17, 2022, at 9:34 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
If you have the room. Please refer back to my previous response. I don't have any more information for you. The rest of the work will have to be done by you with soil testing, etc. and hiring an arborist. Good luck.
