Evergreen Seedlings
Balsam Fir
Balsam fir is a medium-sized tree generally reaching 40-60 feet in height and a spread of 20-25 feet in diameter. This species prefers a cool, moist, sheltered location. Needles are 1 inch long, flat and blue-green in color, and very fragrant. Also, this tree is excellent for wildlife shelters, providing cover for birds, snowshoe hares, and other small mammals. Songbirds and squirrels forage on the seeds.
Zones 3-7. 5-9" tall, 3 years old.
Colorado Blue Spruce
A magnificent sight of silver blue-green spruce and is rated one of the most popular evergreens. This species can withstand wind better than most spruces due to a wide-spreading and moderately deep root system. Full sun is ideal for this tree, meaning it should get at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day. It grows well while young and matures at 50-75' tall and a 10-'20' spread in the landscape. Blue Spruce is commonly used as a windbreak, a noise barrier, and as a property line designator, especially when planted in rows. Not only does it provide food for wildlife, but it also provides a wide variety of animals with shelter. Colorado blue spruce trees attract nuthatches, siskins, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Zones 2-7. 10-18" tall, 4 years old.
Scotch Pine
A beautiful evergreen that is hardy and adaptable to nearly all climates. This species can be used as either a windbreak or a single specimen. It is a popular Christmas tree because of its form and ability to hold onto its needles for a long time. Grows to 60 feet tall with 40 feet spread. The Scots pine grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and dry soils. It has some drought tolerance. Owls prefer roosting and nesting in large conifers such as the Scots pine, and many mammals and birds consume pine seeds.
Zones 3-7. 12"-24" tall 3 years old.