Evergreen Seedlings
Eastern White Pine
It is a truly magnificent tree attaining a height of 80 feet or more at maturity with a diameter of two to three feet. White pine is considered to be the largest pine in the United States and native to our region. Prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soils but tolerates wet swampy areas or dry, rocky ridges. Provides timber and excellent cover for wildlife such as grouse, in dense, mass plantings. Its seeds are a source of food for black bears, rabbits, & red squirrels. Birds such as woodpeckers, common grackles, mourning doves, and chickadees use the tree for nesting.
Zones 3-8.
Norway Spruce
Norway Spruce is one of the fastest-growing of all the spruces. As this evergreen tree grows older, the side branches become horizontal, turning upward at the tip. Secondary branches of the Norway Spruce hang downward from the main branches, giving the tree a graceful appearance. Norway Spruces are one of the best conifers for shelters and windbreaks, as its branches grow densely into one another. For planting a windbreak, these trees can be planted 6 to 10 feet apart. Branches droop gracefully as the tree matures, making this a very attractive ornamental. Norway spruce trees support a wide variety of wildlife. They are important as winter cover for deer and small game including grouse, hare, and woodcock. Songbirds and furbearers also frequent these forest types. Norway spruce also makes a good roosting tree for hawks and owls.
Zones 3-7.
Balsam Fir
Balsam fir is a medium-sized tree generally reaching 40-60 feet in height and 1-1 1/2 feet in diameter. Prefers a cool, moist, sheltered location. Needles are 1 inch long, flat and blue-green in color, very fragrant. Will grow to 75 feet. Also excellent for wildlife shelter.
Balsam Fir provides cover for birds, snowshoe hare, and other small mammals. Songbirds and squirrels forage on the seeds.
Zones 3-7.
Colorado Blue Spruce
A magnificent sight of silver blue-green spruce. Rated one of the most popular evergreens. Withstands wind better than most spruces due to a wide-spreading and moderately deep root system. Full sun is the ideal condition 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'; 10-'20' spread in the landscape, up to 135' and 35' spread in the wild. 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. Deer will browse on the tender needles of younger blue spruce trees, but don’t worry, the tree is resilient enough to withstand deer activity, Colorado blue spruce trees to attract nuthatches, and siskins. Other wildlife that will be attracted by this tree includes squirrels and chipmunks.
Zones 2-7.
Korean Fir
If you like the appearance of Fir trees but do not have much room in your yard, choose the Korean fir. An attractive feature is the display of purple cones that appear as the tree begins fruiting. As the season progresses they become tan in color. This species is shorter than other fir trees and will reach a mature height of 15 to 30 feet tall with a spread 6 to 15 feet wide. It grows in a pyramidal shape. Korean Fir provides shelter and food for birds and wildlife.
Zones 5-7.