Title: 9 Unsuitable Evergreen Trees to Avoid in Your Backyard
Evergreen trees, beloved for their winter charm, can indeed beautify your landscape. However, not all evergreen varieties are a good fit for every yard. Some species are invasive, difficult to remove, and can even be toxic to pets, humans, and wildlife. To help you make better planting decisions, we spoke to arborist Eric North from Arbor Day Foundation and horticultural expert Damon Abdi from Louisiana State University's AgCenter.
Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)Redwoods, with their impressive size and longevity, may be awe-inspiring, but their sheer scale makes them impractical for most yards. Eric North advises against planting this species due to its size and the challenges of maintaining it in a smaller space.
Manchineel (Hippomane mancinella)Native to South Florida, Mexico, and Central and South America, the manchineel tree is infamous for its toxicity. Eric North warns against having this tree in your yard due to the risks associated with its sap and fruit.
Yew (Taxus spp.)Yew trees have a distinct appeal due to their look, but they contain taxine alkaloids, which are toxic when ingested. North advises caution, especially if you have pets or children who might accidentally encounter these toxins.
Coulter Pine (Pinus coulteri)Coulter pines will grow beautifully in the right setting, but their large cones can pose problems. Eric North suggests considering other pine varieties, as the substantial weight and potential damage from falling cones may be too much for some yards.
Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia)Another evergreen to avoid is the Australian Pine. This fast-growing species was introduced to the U.S. in the late 1800s but has since become invasive. It is capable of outcompeting native plants and leaching allelopathic compounds that inhibit plant growth.
Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)Alder buckthorn, while visually appealing, can cause more harm than good. It is an invasive species that aggressively spreads via suckers and seeds, and its berries are popular among birds. Horticultural expert Damon Abdi advises being cautious with this plant, especially if you want to avoid introducing an unwanted invasive species to your landscape.
English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)Originally from Europe, English holly can be invasive in certain regions, such as the Pacific Northwest. It can crowd out understory plants and contributes to its invasive nature through seed spread via birds.
Leyland Cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)Known for its use as a hedge, Leyland cypress is highly susceptible to disease. Root rots and cankers are common issues with this variety, often a result of poor spacing and planting practices, or excessive drought and poor drainage.
To minimize the risk of planting toxic or invasive evergreens in your yard, it's essential to research different species, consult local gardening experts, and consider alternatives like the Italian Cypress, American Holly, or dwarf Alberta Spruce.
Martha Stewart recommends considering alternative evergreen options like the Italian Cypress, American Holly, or dwarf Alberta Spruce to avoid planting toxic or invasive species in your garden. Gathering information from experts like Eric North and Damon Abdi can help you make more informed landscaping decisions, such as avoiding planting the Leyland Cypress due to its susceptibility to diseases.
