Upright evergreen trees are prized in the landscape for their reliability and stand-up coolness.

Taylor Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’)
Like squirrels stock up on nuts for winter sustenance, upright juniper and arborvitae store water and nutrients in their roots. This enables them to slow their growth when the ground is frozen but not go dormant.
Evergreens also get a little help from something called cutin. This waxy substance covers the tree’s needles, preventing water loss during summer’s dry heat and winter’s dry cold. All upright evergreens, including Loma Vista Nursery’s Taylor Juniper and Norway Spruce, have this waxy feature.

Norway Spruce (Picea abies)
Upright evergreens are year-round participants in the environment’s health because they do not go fully dormant. Green Giant Arborvitae and others absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through their foliage. When other trees shed their leaves in the fall, upright evergreens continue to purify the air by removing toxins and pollutants.
Along berms, shorelines and in areas of the landscape where soil stability is needed, upright specimens deliver color and texture – and practical benefits. Their roots are a network of thin, spreading fibers that help stabilize soil as they reduce erosion and prevent sediment runoff.

Green Giant Arborvitae (Thuja standishii x plicata ‘Green Giant’)
Spring, summer, winter and fall – upright evergreens extend their branches in a welcoming gesture of biodiversity. They support local ecosystems by providing vital habitat to wildlife and to migrating and resident birds.
Junipers’ blue-white berries, like those of Keteleeri Juniper, are a nutritious food source for eastern bluebirds, evening grosbeaks, robins, chickadees and others. Depending on the species, squirrels and various animals enjoy their pine cones, young shoots, buds, bark and needles.
Some upright evergreens attract pollinators, especially in spring as they set berries and cones. Look closely and you may see bees and butterflies, as well as a few ladybugs, spiders and moths.

Keteleeri Juniper (Juniperus chinensis ‘Keteleeri’)
Upright evergreens provide benefits to humans, too. In the depths of January and February, they bring drama to the landscape along with the promise of warm seasons to come. Practically, evergreen trees provide privacy, especially when planted in rows and groupings. They act as wind buffers where protective shelter is needed.
Add aromatherapy to the landscape and bring some of it in the home or office. Juniper has a fresh, piney scent. Arborvitae has a woodsy, citrusy scent when its leaves are crushed. Enhance indoor décor by placing cuttings in a decorative vase.

Canaertii Juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Canaertii’)
Landscape uses for evergreen trees are many. Their placement can help shade and cool homes and businesses from summer’s bright sunshine. Upright evergreens lend structure and definition to the landscape as they anchor border gardens and cozy into tough corner spaces.
Create groupings to direct the eye to focal points in the garden and to shade patios and decks. With its dense foliage, plant upright evergreens as living fences for privacy along lot lines and as screens around utilities. Add uprights like Canaertii Juniper to berms for beauty and height. Evergreen trees like Spring Grove® Arborvitae and others shield views of commercial businesses and public greenways as they provide welcoming entryways to residential subdivisions and HOA properties.

Spring Grove® Arborvitae (Thuja plicata ‘Grovepli’)
Loma Vista Nursery’s upright evergreen trees are ideal for planting in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 6. Junipers and arborvitae trees require full sun to partial shade. They like well-draining soil and regular watering. Water newly planted trees frequently in the first season after planting to ensure roots are established.
Upright juniper tolerates acid and alkaline soils, but prefers soil that is dry, chalky and sandy. Arborvitae are nutrient hungry. Tossing a light coating of acid-based plant food in the hole after digging will improve soil fertility and help the plant retain water and nutrients. Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of upright evergreens to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
The best time to plant upright juniper and arborvitae is in spring or fall, but early in the season. For more planting and maintenance tips specific to the upright variety you purchase, read the plant tag that accompanies the selection.
Learn More About Loma Vista Nursery’s Landscape Plants
Loma Vista Nursery grows a variety of trees, shrubs and perennial plants for Midwest independent garden centers, landscape contractors and wholesale distributors. Our staff members – all experts in the field – love helping people learn about plants and the healthy varieties we grow.
Spring ordering is underway! Review Loma Vista Nursery’s plant catalog for information and visit our website to learn about our values and best practices as a Midwest plant grower. For help with orders and plant-related questions, send an email to sales@lomavistanursery.com or call (785) 229-7200.
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