THE LEAFLET

With winter approaching, we watch as the painted leaves of autumn abandon their branches and leave trees bare for the rest of the season. There is a mysterious, undeniable beauty to our leafless trees. They stand strong and silent, awaiting spring’s return. But if you’re also someone who appreciates green trees all year-round, you’ve come to the right place!

We’re here to share some of the amazing evergreen trees that will keep your yard looking bright and lively even through our coldest months. Brighten your view, yard, and mood with these trees that bring some much-needed winter interest to your property. Better yet? They are all eligible for at least one of our residential planting programs!

Red Cedar – Juniperus virginiana

Often seen colonizing abandoned farm fields just outside DC, the red cedar is an evergreen tree with beautiful reddish-brown bark. Despite the common misconception, the juniper’s seed cones are not berries, but they do serve as a valuable resource for wildlife and contribute to the tree’s significance in various ecosystems. This botanical distinction is important, as the juniper’s seed cones are used in the production of gin and play a crucial role in the tree’s ecological interactions. The tree itself also serves as a larval host plant for a specific butterfly species (named for the tree’s species, juniperus), the juniper hairstreak butterfly. This tree is available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Loblolly Pine – Pinus taeda

The loblolly pine is a relatively fast-growing evergreen known for its straight trunk, upright form and distinctive bark that forms broad, reddish-brown plates. Its narrow form allows it to occupy a variety of yard spaces, and over time its crown of attractive green needles spread out to provide shade below. Believe it or not, the Loblolly pine is the second most common species in the United States (after the red maple), according to some recent USDA Forest Service surveys. You can also get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Southern Magnolia – Magnolia grandiflora

This elegant tree has large fragrant flowers that bloom from March to June, striking seed pods that drop bright red seeds in the fall, and bold, beautiful leaves. Southern magnolias are a much sought-after, durable evergreen tree that grace gardens and yards throughout the District. Southern magnolias reach approximately 50 feet in height in about 50 years. It thrives in full sun or partial shade. This tree and similar cultivars are available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

American Holly – Ilex opaca

The American holly is a pyramid-shaped tree symbolizing the holiday season with its dark green leaves and red berries that birds appreciate. It adds a splash of green in our otherwise leafless winters and is prized in many gardens throughout the DC area. The American holly grows slowly, typically taking 30 years to reach a height of 20 feet. It will grow in full sun but prefers partial shade. This tree and similar cultivars are available through our residential planting program, RiverSmart Homes. You can also get up to $50 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.

Arborvitae – Thuja occidentalis

Latin for “tree of life,” the arborvitae is a dense, conical tree with yellowish-green leaves that can add some privacy to your yard as a hedge or screen. Graceful and symmetrical, the scale-like leaves turn darker green with age and may bronze up in the winter. While full sun is the ideal condition for this tree, the arborvitae tolerates some light afternoon shade and reaches a height of 30 feet. You can get up to $100 back for planting this tree yourself through our tree rebate program.