Trees are a game-changer for any yard. They give your property beauty, they provide shade and privacy, and they may even create a new habitat for birds. When planting a tree near your home in Minnesota, one of the first important decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want an evergreen tree or a deciduous tree.
Evergreen trees don’t lose their leaves in fall and usually have needles; examples include pines, spruces and arborvitae. Deciduous trees will lose their leaves in the fall; popular varieties include oaks, maples and aspens. Both have distinct advantages, so keep reading to decide which would make the most beneficial difference to your yard in Minnesota.
Comparing Deciduous & Evergreen Trees by Category
Beauty
This factor is subjective, but both tree types offer unique advantages. Deciduous trees bring vibrant golds and reds to Minnesota yards in the fall but lose their leaves in winter, leaving a bare look. Evergreens, on the other hand, maintain their green foliage year-round and provide consistent beauty through all seasons.
Growth Rate
If you want a tree to reach full height quickly, deciduous trees grow faster than evergreens, with some species gaining more than 2 feet per year. This means you can enjoy a tall, mature-looking tree sooner compared to slower-growing evergreens.
Maintenance
For low-maintenance landscaping, evergreens are the better choice. Deciduous trees shed leaves every fall, requiring extensive raking, and often need fertilizer during their early years. Evergreens don’t drop leaves seasonally and rarely require fertilization, making them easier to manage long-term.
Privacy
Evergreens excel at providing privacy due to their dense, cone-shaped growth that extends from the trunk to the crown. Unlike deciduous trees, which concentrate foliage higher up and lose it in winter, evergreens offer consistent year-round screening from neighbors and passersby.
Shade
Deciduous trees create broad canopies that deliver excellent shade during Minnesota summers, helping cool your yard. Though they lose this shade in winter, the added sunlight can be welcome during cold months. Evergreens provide some shade, but their foliage is too sparse to block summer sun as effectively as deciduous trees.
Deciduous or Evergreen – Your Trees Deserve the Best Care
There are strong benefits to both evergreen and deciduous trees, and your yard would probably be best served with a mix of both. Keeping your trees healthy for many years to come might require the services of a professional tree care company, so call Pro-Tree Outdoor Services today if you need the best tree health care services in Minnesota!
