Eastern Red cedar is an evergreen tree that is often seen as a shrub. Eastern Red cedars grow in fields, on roadsides, and in woods as an understory tree. They are often pioneers, meaning one of the first trees to take over a field. The bark of these trees is reddish-brown, and peeling off in shreds. Eastern Red cedars have two types of flowers which bloom in the spring. Male flowers are yellowish-brown and female are light bluish-green. It is a tree of reddish wood giving off the scent of cedar chests.
The Norway Spruce is the major tree in the Black Forest of Germany. As the fastest growing spruce, it has seen over 6 ft of growth in one year, given perfect weather and very little competition. This spruce is not a tree for a small yard.
The White Pine was given the official title of Michigan State’s Tree on March 4, 1955. Also known as a soft pine, they were referred to the “Tree of Peace” by Iroquois and Ojibway, Zhingwaak. Most often planted for timber production, borders and wildlife habitat.
The Blue Spruce is also sometimes called the Colorado Blue Spruce. The Navajo and Keres Native Americans presented gifts of twigs to bring good fortune. The foliage has the ability to withstand temperature extremes. The tree forms a pyramid shape with branches growing horizontally to the ground. The botanical name pungens refers to the sharply pointed needles.
'Emerald Green’ Arborvitae grows in a pyramidal form, with its foliage coming in flat sprays. Although it is not the fastest grower in its group, when mature, it is the perfect size for a privacy hedge or wind break. Better yet, whereas the leaves on many types of arborvitae turn bronze in winter, ‘Emerald Green’ is more likely to remain a nice green year-round. When planting, it is recommended to space plants 2-3 feet apart.
