Evergreen Maintenance
Once you have chosen ornamental evergreens for your garden, research how to care for them properly. Luckily, most evergreens require little maintenance as long as they are planted in the correct spot. When you're at the garden center, ask a staff member if the plants like sun or shade, how much space they need, etc. The person should be able to guide you, otherwise find another garden center — evergreens can be expensive, and you should know what you're getting.

There is some general maintenance information to keep in mind. Because evergreens don't lose their leaves in the fall, they can be more susceptible to drying winter winds. If you have a very windy yard or if you have chosen a plant that is less hardy, protect it from the wind, at least for the first few years while it becomes established. Also, when dehydrated, evergreens don't wilt the way other plants do. Most evergreens are fairly drought tolerant, but keep an eye on them, especially in the first year after planting.

The distinctive architecture of the atlas cedar (Cedrus atlantica)

Finally, pruning evergreens can be tricky. In most cases, you should simply put away the shears. Many evergreens are ornamental because of their distinctive structure, and pruning without extensive knowledge of that structure can ruin the shape of your plant forever. If you're unsure, don't do it; simply give the plant enough space and let it grow. Choosing slow-growing or dwarf varieties makes this hands-off approach easier to live with, but keep in mind that even if the tag says "dwarf," you should confirm this with a garden-center staff member before you buy it. Plants never stop growing, but some grow much more slowly than others. If you choose those ones, you can let them grow to the shape nature intended and enjoy the natural beauty of your garden without effort.

Morgan Blenk

Morgan Blenk studied horticulture at the University of Guelph's Kemptville, Ontario, campus. She has been an avid gardener for close to 10 years and works full-time at a nursery and part-time as a gardener.