evergreen screening: finding the perfect fit for your landscape

lately, we've had quite a few calls from homeowners looking for evergreen screening solutions—whether it's for privacy, wind protection, or just to add some lush greenery year-round. if you're considering adding evergreens to your space, here's a breakdown of some great options that thrive in illinois:

🌲 arborvitae – a favorite for dense, compact screening. varieties like 'green giant' grow really large and quickly which makes them ideal for screening larger areas. 'emerald green' grow tall and narrow, making them ideal for tight spaces. pros: low maintenance, fast-growing. cons: can struggle in heavy clay soil without proper drainage.

🌲 junipers – these tough, drought-tolerant evergreens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from tall and columnar to wide-spreading. pros: hardy, low-maintenance, beautiful texture, and tolerant of poor soils. cons: some varieties have a more rigid, prickly texture, which may not be ideal for every space.

🌲 yews – a versatile evergreen with soft, dark green needles. great for hedges or natural-looking screens. pros: easy to prune, thrives in sun or shade, long-lived. cons: toxic to pets if ingested.

🚫 spruces – while once a go-to choice, many spruce varieties are struggling with fungal issues in our area right now. until conditions improve, we recommend other evergreens for long-term success.

🌲 hemlocks – elegant and feathery with a soft texture. they do best in partial shade with some protection from harsh winds. pros: beautiful, graceful appearance. cons: requires consistent moisture and open up in shady conditions to be on the sparse side.

🌲 firs – classic christmas tree look with soft needles and a strong structure. pros: attractive year-round with a pleasant fragrance. cons: slower growth and requires well-drained soil.

🌲 pines – moderate to fast-growing and hardy, great for large properties needing quick coverage. pros: excellent windbreaks, adaptable to various soils. cons: as they mature, they open up creating a less dense screen than some other options. certain varieties are not recommended because of disease issues.

choosing the right evergreen depends on your space, soil, sun conditions, and how much maintenance you're up for. need help deciding? we can design and install the perfect evergreen screen for your yard—just give us a call!