Are Conifers Easy To Grow?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Some conifers that are

native to very difficult environments

are adaptable to easier conditions, such as mugo . Others are much fussier. … Conifers with white variegation tolerate very little to any direct sun.

Are conifers low maintenance?

Conifers are most widely used in the garden as hedges or screens. … With so many Coniferous trees and shrubs to choose from it's easy to create a modern,

evergreen, low maintenance display

that will look fabulous even in the depths of winter.

Where do conifers grow best?

Most conifers grow best

in full sun

, but a bit of afternoon shade is best for the dwarf conifers in hot southern zones. Dig a hole twice the width of and more shallow than the height of the root ball.

Are conifers bad for your garden?

In addition to soil damage,

conifer roots can also cause problems to foundations and patios

. … If you're considering planting large conifer trees, you should always aim to plant at least 35 meters away from a property. You should also make sure you check the size of the mature tree, not the size at the time of planting.

How long does it take conifers to grow?

Their growth rate is generally divided into three categories. Slow-growing conifers grow

less then 12 inches per year

. A medium or moderate growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet per year. Fast-growing conifers grow at least 2 feet per year.

Do conifers need a lot of water?

Conifers include a large number of evergreen trees such as firs, pines and spruces. … Conifers need

an inch of water each week that it does not rain for the first year after planting

.

How do you encourage conifers to grow?

For smaller branches and shrubs, you can use

your hands or a hand prune

. What you must do is gently and lightly cut off the outermost branch tips and deceased or old branches, if any. This is done during dormancy so they can grow and become more full when the tree pushes new growth in spring.

What months do conifers grow?

The

beginning of autumn

is the most advantageous time of year to plant your root balled conifers because the trees will start to produce roots almost immediately during the warmer Autumn months while the ground is still warm.

When should I plant conifers?

You can plant conifer trees in

the autumn or spring

but I would always suggest the autumn, if you plant your Conifer tree in the autumn it has the whole winter season to set its roots in the ground, so by the spring time your Conifer will be fully set in the soil and be ready to start sprouting upwards.

How often should you water conifer trees?

Water your new conifer

2-3 times per week for the first two weeks after planting

and then regularly for the first 3-6 months until the roots are established. After this initial period, your new conifer only requires watering during extended dry spells.

Why are conifers bad?

The scientists believe that replacing broadleaved species with conifers is a key reason for the

negative climate impact

. Conifers like pines and spruce are generally darker and absorb more heat than species such as oak and birch.

How high can a Neighbours conifers be?

Be mostly made up of evergreen or semi-evergreen trees or shrubs. Be

more than 2 metres tall

. Be capable of obstructing light or views.

Should I plant conifers?

If you have the choice,

early autumn planting

works best for most conifers so their roots can establish whilst the soil is still warm, leaving them best equipped to cope with the winter cold and grow strongly in spring. Frost-proof conifers such as Cedrus deodara ‘Feelin' Blue' are best planted in early spring.

What is the law on the height of conifer trees?


There are no laws on how high the hedge can be grown

but a council can take action if it is affecting someones reasonable enjoyment of their property, so maintaining your Leylandii hedge well from the start is recommended. … hedges of two or more evergreen or mostly evergreen trees, not to individual trees.

What happens if you cut the top off a conifer?

Avoid topping evergreen trees.

Evergreens should not be topped, or cut off at a certain height, because this

will produce trees that are anything but attractive

. Trees that are topped are also at a greater risk for disease and other ailments.

Why are my conifers going brown?

Growing conditions. RHS Gardening Advice believes that many brown patches are likely to result from

adverse growing conditions

such as drought, frost, waterlogging or cold, drying winds, all of which could inhibit regeneration from the trimmed foliage.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.