Evergreen Tree Varieties That Thrive In Acidic Soil
Are you getting the feeling that your garden might be a bit too acidic for most of your plants? Maybe your hydrangeas are rocking those blue blooms, or your rhododendrons are looking a little more chipper than you'd expect. Acidic soil, typically with a pH level below 6.5, can create a specific environment that not all plants can handle. However, while some plants may throw a tantrum and refuse to thrive, others find acidic soil to be their own slice of heaven. There are several evergreen trees which you can grow if you have acidic soil. Among the top contenders are the Colorado blue spruce, the Canadian hemlock, and the Eastern white pine!
The first step to knowing if your soil is acidic so you understand what can grow there is to measure the pH of your soil. You can grab a soil test kit from your local garden center or online and if your soil's pH level is low, then you'll want to stick with plants and trees that can handle that acid.
What is the Colorado blue spruce?
The Colorado blue spruce, which we see most often in homes as a traditional Christmas tree, is not just for the holidays! In fact, its striking blue-green needles and pleasant aroma make it a showstopper year-round. Plus, it's hardy, resilient, thrives in cooler climates, and, yes, absolutely loves well-drained, acidic soil.
Planting a Colorado blue spruce is fairly straightforward. Choose a location with full sunlight and space for the tree to grow—a mature blue spruce can reach heights of 60 to 80 feet! Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but not deeper. Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly, then lay down a layer of your preferred type of gardening mulch to help retain moisture.
The blue spruce is a relatively low-maintenance tree. It only needs once-a-week good watering, then regular watering during dry spells and occasional pest control. Pruning is optional, mainly for shaping purposes. With these simple care steps, your blue spruce will thrive in your garden.
What are two other types of evergreens that prefer acidic soil?
Next up is the Canadian hemlock. This versatile tree can be planted as a single specimen or as part of a hedge for privacy in your yard and thrives in partial shade with moist, well-drained, acidic soil. To plant a Canadian hemlock, choose a spot with dappled sunlight — think of where ferns thrive in a forest. Dig a hole wider but not deeper than the root ball, place the tree, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch — Hemlocks appreciate regular watering, especially during dry periods, and benefit from occasional feeding with an acidic plant fertilizer.
The Eastern white pine, on the other hand, is a towering beauty that can grow anywhere from 75 to 100 feet tall with a spread of 20 to 40 feet. Its soft, flexible needles and graceful form make it a favorite among gardeners. This pine tree loves full sun but can tolerate some shade, and it thrives in well-drained, acidic soils.
Planting an Eastern white pine involves the same basic steps as the other trees. Select a sunny location, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, and plant at the same depth it was growing in its nursery pot. Water well and mulch around the base. This pine doesn't require much attention beyond regular watering during dry spells and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer. Keep an eye out for pests like the white pine weevil and address any issues promptly.