Posted by Angela Cole on July 5, 2005

Q: My husband and I want to landscape our backyard to look like a camp ground in the mountians. Kinda like Silverlake campground in El Dorado National Forest. We want something that will grow tall but not give off needles. I'm not sure if there is such a pine. Our Back yard is about 1400sq.ft. What trees (evergreens) would be good and about how many can I plant without over planting.

A: Oh, I wish you had told me where you live - this will greatly affect the kinds of trees that you can grow! I'm no landscape architect but I do have an idea or two.

To begin with, ALL evergreens lose needles, they just do so more gradually than deciduous trees. Furthermore, some are smaller (the needles, that is) and therefore less obvious than others. If you live in the north, I'd be inclined to plant spruces. Your local nursery can tell you which ones do best in your area and in your soil type. If you live in the south, pines make sense, but again you'll want to plant those that are suited to your specific area.

One planting technique that I'd consider has nothing to do with WHAT you plant but does effect how they will LOOK. So often people plant their trees in very straight-lined, evenly-spaced rows - how boring. If you want to make your area look more natural and also give it an isolated look, I'd make sure to plant the trees in groupings. Groups or clusters of 3 or 5 trees, for example, will provide shade and a sight barrier that is more in keeping with a natural look. One important factor to keep in mind is that as the trees grow, they will encroach on each other so don't plant too close together at first. Guess there is a kind of "middle ground" for planting so when they're mature but not yet huge, they'll be nicely spaced. Again, your local nurseryman should be able to give you some help on spacing.

Hope this helps and I wish you well. Trees add so much beauty, cooling shade, wildlife habitat and even improve the value of your property - you just can't lose!! Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( July 5, 2005)