Zone 8 Conifer Trees - Growing Conifers In Zone 8 Gardens

Are conifers bad for your garden?

Conifers are usually planted to mark a property boundary so it's easy to see how so many disputes involving root damage occur. In addition to soil damage, conifer roots can also cause problems to foundations and patios.

What is the quickest growing conifer tree?

Description. Leylandii is a conifer that is the fastest –growing, evergreen, hedging plant and will create a hedge quickly. Because it is fast growing, it is generally the cheapest way of forming an evergreen garden hedge and hence the most popular.

What trees grow well in zone 8a?

Common Zone 8 Trees

Beech.
Birch.
Flowering Cherry.
Maple.
Oak.
Redbud.
Crape Myrtle.
Sassafras.

What plants can grow under conifers?

Crocus and Anemone blanda will also tolerate a severe summer bake. You can sprinkle aquilegia and honesty seeds, too. Both develop tap roots that allow them to survive in dry soil. Other key ground-cover perennials for a west-, north- or east-facing situation could be ground-cover ivies and certain wintergreen ferns.

Are conifers poisonous?

The leaves and fruits of conifers such as Juniperus (juniper) are poisonous to cattle and humans.

Can you cut the top off a conifer?

Evergreens should not be topped, or cut off at a certain height, because this will produce trees that are anything but attractive. Trees that are topped are also at a greater risk for disease and other ailments. Do not prune conifer trees too late in the year.

What time of year do you plant conifers?

When to Plant

Root ball conifers can be planted from the beginning of October to mid-April. If you're not able to plant immediately, leave your conifers in a cool, light, frost-free place, out of the sun. Containerised conifers can be left in their pots.

How far apart should you plant conifer trees?

Most conifers should be spaced between 60cm and 100cm apart. Hedges that have plants 60cm apart will grow into space in between much faster but you can achieve a very effective hedge no matter the distance so long as it falls into that frame.

What is the fastest-growing evergreen for privacy?

Which evergreens grow the fastest? Eastern white pine and green giant arborvitae are some of the fastest-growing evergreens. Each add on about 2 feet every year!

What can I plant now in Zone 8?

Plant beets, cauliflower, carrots, kale and lettuce in mid-August, and peas and spinach in early September. For zone 8 vegetable gardening, all of these should go into outdoor beds by the end of September.

Can you grow avocados in Zone 8?

The lowest area of hardiness where you can grow avocados is Zone 8. If you live in Zone 7 or below, you would need a large greenhouse to successfully grow an avocado tree.

What can I plant in Zone 8 in October?

Cold Season Vegetables for Zone 8

Broccoli.
Beets.
Carrots.
Cabbage.
Cauliflower.
Celery.
Onions.
Radishes.

Can anything grow under a pine tree?

Privacy Shrubs Under Pine Trees

Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Witch Alders all will do well under a pine, as they prefer the dappled sunlight and acidic soil. There are a variety of evergreens that will do well, also, including yews and arborvitae.

What can grow under fir trees?

For the best results, give your soil around a year to balance the pH before planting anything. Not sure what to plant? Some plants that will do fairly well under evergreen trees include Azaleas , Woodland Sunflowers , Hostas , Jacob's Ladder , Lily of the Valley , and Ivory Sedge .

Will bluebells grow under conifers?

Not only do they provide a permanent umbrella against moisture the conifers have shallow, questing roots which quickly invade any carefully prepared soil. Only the most vigorous bulbs such as bluebells and grape hyacinths will happily tolerate these harsh conditions.

What is conifer wood good for?

Best Wood for burning in Woodburning Stoves, (Woodburners) ... Conifer wood tends to be rather resinous and is best used as kindling.

Are conifers dangerous to horses?

Well-Known Member. Yes they are, but the horses probably won't try to eat them!

Can conifer clippings be composted?

Like all plant matter, conifers, including Leylandii, can be composted but most people avoid adding them to their usual compost heap. The branches and leaves are very acidic so can upset the balance of your compost heap and later, your soil. The resin can also be toxic, so be careful of that.

What happens if you cut the top off a conifer?

However it is possible to trim the green foliage in the same way you would a hedge leaving a mossy green finish, just make sure you don't prune into the brown dead wood. Once the growing tip is removed conifers will make little upward growth with just a few wispy shoots that are readily trimmed.

How do you reduce the height of a conifer hedge?

Conifer hedges

Reduce the height by up to one-third in April.
Thin out the side branches, removing selected branches right back to the trunk but leaving the others intact. ...
Mulch and feed in spring to encourage vigorous re-growth.
Allow at least a full growing season for recovery.

Do conifers die when cut down?

In their native habitat this is an adaptation to forest fires. If you do not want them to regrow act swiftly after felling. Conifers on the other hand never regrow. So if you cut down a Leyland hedge it will not regenerate from the base, however those resinous stumps will persist, taking many years to rot down.