10 Evergreen Trees in Wisconsin

If you live in Wisconsin and are looking for a way to spruce up your yard, or want something different from the usual conifers, perhaps you should consider planting an evergreen tree. There is a wide variety of trees available that will provide you with beauty all year round!

Wisconsin is the second most forested state in the country, so it’s no surprise that there are many varieties of evergreen trees. Some common varieties include white pine, eastern hemlock, and tamarack. These evergreens are native to Wisconsin, which means they thrive even during the cold winters. 

Evergreen trees are important because they offer shade, privacy, and protection from the wind during winter months. Some people prefer certain types of evergreens because they provide more privacy than others; some like their color; some even like them for sentimental reasons (like their grandpa planted it when they were little). Hopefully this blog post will help you make a decision on what type of tree to plant in your yard or garden. Happy gardening!

1. Northern White Cedar (thuja occidentalis)

Thuja occidentalis
Dan Keck Thuja occidentalis

The northern white cedar is one of the most popular evergreen trees, and for good reason. They are native to Wisconsin, so they do not need special care during winter months. Also, they live long lives (over 100 years) which means you will have this tree in your yard for many years to come!

2. Balsam Fir (abies balsamea)

Abies balsamea Balsam Fir
Plant Image Library Abies balsamea (Balsam Fir)

Balsam fir trees are beautiful during the winter because of their unique branches. They have a conical shape and grow well in both sandy and clay soils. They also do not require much care over the winter because they are native to Wisconsin and thus thrive in the local climate.

3. Hemlock (tsuga)

Hemlock trees are another evergreen that is native to Wisconsin. Their branches droop slightly, which creates a sort of dome effect. They prefer moist soil and do best when planted near streams (they like the moisture).

Hemlock trees can also be used as a windbreak. If you live in a windy location, planting hemlock trees around your property can help keep snow from drifting onto your lawn and garden.

4. Jack Pine (pinus banksiana) 

Pinus banksiana
Superior National Forest Pinus banksiana

Jack pine is another common type of evergreen in Wisconsin. They are adaptable to different soil types, but they prefer sandy or loamy soils. You can plant them across the country, except in extremely windy locations (they will bend in high winds).

5. Black Spruce (picea mariana)

Black spruces Picea mariana
Nicholas A. Tonelli Black spruces (Picea mariana)

Black spruce trees are a beautiful choice for landscaping. They have short, dark-green needles and prefer wet soil (they do best in moist areas). These trees thrive in Wisconsin due to the large and steady supply of rain water in our state. However, they do not like soggy soil and will die if left standing in puddles for too long.

6. Arborvitae (thuja occidentalis)

Thuja occidentalis
Dan Keck Thuja occidentalis

The arborvitae is another popular type of evergreen in Wisconsin, due to their appearance and need for little care. In the summer, they develop a brownish-red color on their tips. Arborvitaes are adaptable to different types of soil but do best when planted near streams or lakes because the moist ground helps with growth. They are native to Wisconsin and can withstand harsh winters, so they do well even in northern locations.

7. Eastern Hemlock (tsuga canadensis)

Tsuga canadensis
Plant Image Library Tsuga canadensis

Hemlocks are another popular evergreen in Wisconsin. They grow to be full and dense over time, but do not like sudden wind gusts (they bend easily). These trees thrive near water and can also be planted near streams or lakes because they enjoy the moist soil. Hemlock trees come from Canada, so they cannot tolerate extremely hot climates, though they are fine with harsh winter temperatures.

8. Common Juniper (juniperus communis)

Juniperus communis
Tero Laakso Juniperus communis

The common juniper is another type of evergreen suitable for all areas in Wisconsin. They are slightly bluish, which makes them very attractive during winter months. These trees do not like crowded conditions (they need space to grow). This juniper also prefers moist soil, but they can survive even if their soil is dry for long periods of time.

9. Canada Yew (taxus canadensis)

The Canada yew is another popular evergreen in Wisconsin. It is native to the area, so it is already accustomed to our climate and does not need special care or attention during winter months. These trees are adaptable to different soil types but do best when planted on hillsides or near streams/lakes because they enjoy the moist soil.

10. Eastern Red Cedar Tree (juniperus virginiana)

Eastern red cedar Juniperus virginiana
Nicholas A. Tonelli Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

The Eastern red cedar tree is another popular evergreen in Wisconsin. They grow slowly, stay short (2-6m), and are known for their beautiful berries (which turn bright blue). This tree can be planted anywhere in Wisconsin, except in dry soil conditions. Their branches provide great protection from the sun during the summer months, but they should be trimmed in the winter to prevent snow damage.

Choosing the Right Evergreen Tree for Your Wisconsin Yard

The best way to choose an evergreen tree is by considering your location first. If you live in a windy area, planting hemlock trees around your home can help keep snow from drifting onto your lawn and garden during the winter months. If you live across the country, think about planting jack pine trees to help keep your property safe during high winds.

Choosing an evergreen tree is also about considering what type of soil you have in your landscape. Black spruce trees require moist soil (which make them perfect for areas near streams or lakes). Arborvitaes need less moisture and can grow in sandy soils, but they prefer well-drained soil. Eastern hemlock trees do best in moist soil near lakes or rivers. Choosing the right type of evergreen tree for your Wisconsin yard will help ensure that you have healthy foliage year after year!