What Are Evergreen Trees?

Just as their name, evergreen trees are tress that don't drop their leaves in the autumn and so remain green throughout the year round. These include such trees like Eucalyptus trees, holly bushes, laural, pine and fir trees. However, trees such as pines and firs, tend not to retain all of their needles indefinitely. For example, although it look like it is an evergreen, the ponderosa pine drops needles each year that are three to five years old. These older needles are the innermost ones toward the main trunk. Younger needles, further out on the branch, are retained until they are three to five years old. This annual browning and drop of innermost, older needles can cause concern, but it is a natural process. Other evergreens may have needle life-spans of two to 17 years, depending on the species.
Evergreens are ideal to have in your garden because it makes the garden look fresh and alive even in the darkest winter months.