If you know anything about landscaping and landscape design, then you are aware that evergreens (bushes or trees that don’t drop their leaves or needles) are the foundation of proper form and function. But what evergreens are the best for the typical home landscape and are they high or low maintenance?

So as you make your plan, think about these evergreen plants in your design.

Evergreen Yews

These guys are extremely over-planted in my opinion but they still are good for any landscape. When I refer to them being over planted I mean that pretty much every landscape from Chicago to Atlanta is anchored with them. They have dark green foliage and the new growth is neon colored. They have very little issues with insects or disease and will live for 80 years if cared for properly. They can also take a heavy shearing year after year with no visible effects on health.

Arbovitae

Also called “cedars,” arborvitae bushes are a more modern evergreen and can be shaped into many forms such as upright, globe or even grown together in mass into hedges for screening. The arborvitae also gives off a sweet smell when trimmed. They do get bagworms and spider mites, but those are easily knocked out with proper applications. The biggest problem I have found with Arbs is their weakness when snow gets piled on them during winter.

Evergreen Boxwoods

If you want an evergreen with a more standard “leafy” appearance, then boxwood is for you. The boxwood is a formal appearing evergreen with small leaves. They are very versatile and can take a pretty heavy shearing during the year if you want to keep them small. They care susceptible to wind burn if planted out in the open.

Holly

Good old holly evergreens are my favorites. They have a stately, yet wild appearance and can grow in any form and achieve any size. Their prickly leaves give a nice change to the boring evergreen family. They can get a few insect issues, but not many. These are your best choice for originality and classy design.

You can head out to the local book store this weekend and read up on these evergreens and find out which varieties will work in your area of the country. Just remember, evergreens always make the foundation.