Best 5 Evergreen Trees with Small Root Systems for Ontario
Selecting the right evergreen trees for your landscape in Ontario requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to the tree’s root system. Many homeowners look for trees that provide lush, year-round greenery without the risk of roots damaging foundations, driveways, or underground utilities. Fortunately, there are several evergreen trees with compact, non-invasive root systems that thrive in Ontario’s climate. In this article, we will discuss about the popular trees for small root systems. These small root system trees will enhance your landscape while giving you peace of mind about root-related issues.
1. Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')
The Dwarf Alberta Spruce is a top choice for smaller spaces where a non-invasive root system is essential. This compact, slow-growing evergreen is admired for its dense, conical shape and bright green needles, making it a visually appealing addition to any landscape. This versatile evergreen is ideal for foundation plantings, container gardens, or as a standalone specimen tree in compact spaces.
Why it’s a Great Choice:
- Root System: The Dwarf Alberta Spruce features a shallow root system that poses minimal risk to foundations or pipes, making it a safe option for planting close to homes and other structures.
- Size: Growing to a manageable height of 6-8 feet and a width of 2-3 feet, this tree is well-suited for smaller gardens and urban spaces.
- Care: Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, the Dwarf Alberta Spruce is also highly resilient to Ontario’s harsh winters, tolerating temperatures as low as -40°C.
2. Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Often recognized as a shrub, certain Boxwood varieties, such as ‘Green Mountain,’ can be trained to grow as small trees. With year-round, lush green foliage, Boxwood is a popular choice for formal gardens, hedges, and topiary designs. Boxwood is a versatile option that works well in formal landscapes, as low hedges, or even in containers on patios. It’s an ideal smaller evergreen tree with a neat, easily controllable root system.
Why it’s a Great Choice:
- Root System: Boxwood has a compact, fibrous root system that is non-invasive, making it a great option for planting near walkways, patios, or even in containers.
- Size: Depending on the variety, Boxwood can reach 5-6 feet in both height and width. It is easy to prune and maintain, allowing for flexible shaping to suit your landscaping needs.
- Care: Preferring partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil, Boxwood is hardy in zones 4-9, making it a suitable choice for most areas in Ontario.
3. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
The Eastern Red Cedar is a resilient native evergreen that thrives in Ontario and is valued for its durability and adaptability in landscaping. Despite its name, it is technically a juniper, not a true cedar. This tree is an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or windbreaks while being gentle on nearby structures and infrastructure. Eastern Red Cedars are ideal for natural privacy screens, windbreaks, or as individual specimen trees in larger garden spaces. It is a suitable option for planting near homes, driveways, or other structures.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Root System: Eastern Red Cedars have a shallow, fibrous root system that is not aggressive, making them safe to plant near buildings, fences, and other structures.
- Size: While Eastern Red Cedars can reach heights of 40-50 feet in optimal conditions, they can be pruned to remain much smaller. Dwarf varieties are also available for those preferring a more compact tree.
- Care: These trees thrive in full sun and are highly drought-tolerant once established. Well-adapted to Ontario’s climate, they can endure winter temperatures as low as -34°C.
4. Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata)
The Japanese Yew is a timeless evergreen known for its dense, dark green foliage and compact growth habit. Its refined and elegant appearance makes it a great option for homeowners looking for a smaller, sophisticated tree. These are ideal for hedges, topiaries, or as focal points in smaller gardens. Their compact root system and elegant form is suitable for both formal and informal landscaping designs.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Root System: The Japanese Yew has a shallow, fibrous root system that is non-invasive, making it suitable for planting near foundations, walkways, or in smaller garden spaces.
- Size: Depending on the variety, Japanese Yews can grow between 10-20 feet tall and wide. They are also very responsive to pruning, making it easy to maintain them at a smaller size if desired.
- Care: Japanese Yews thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefer well-drained soil. They are hardy in zones 4-7, which makes them well-suited for most of Ontario. These trees are also highly adaptable to various soil types and urban environments.
5. Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa)
The Hinoki Cypress is a stunning, slow-growing evergreen with a distinctive conical shape and soft, fan-like foliage. Native to Japan, this tree adapts well to Ontario’s climate, offering a unique and ornamental presence in any garden. It is an excellent choice for smaller gardens, providing year-round visual interest without taking up too much space. They work well as standalone specimen trees, in mixed borders, or even in rock gardens.
Why It’s a Great Choice:
- Root System: Hinoki Cypress trees have shallow, non-invasive root systems, making them safe for planting near buildings or in smaller garden spaces without risk to nearby structures or utilities.
- Size: Hinoki Cypress cultivars come in various sizes, from dwarf varieties that remain under 6 feet tall to larger ones that can grow up to 30 feet. Regardless of size, they retain a neat, conical form.
- Care: These trees prefer full sun to partial shade and thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Hardy to zone 5, they are well-suited for southern Ontario. Hinoki Cypress trees are also low-maintenance and can tolerate some drought once established.
Choosing the Right Tree for Your Ontario Landscape
It’s essential to think beyond just size and root behavior when selecting the ideal tree for your space. Consider the unique conditions of your yard, including sun exposure, soil type, and drainage. These factors are crucial in determining which tree will thrive in your landscape.
Whether you’re looking to create a low-maintenance garden, enhance privacy, or simply enjoy year-round greenery, one of these trees will be an ideal choice for your needs.
Where to Find Evergreen Trees for Sale in Ontario
Ontario is home to many local nurseries and online retailers that offer a broad selection of evergreen trees suitable for various landscapes. When purchasing, be sure to choose a reputable supplier like Planting Guys that provides healthy, well-established plants. They also offer 3 years of warranty for all trees.
If you’re planning to buy evergreen trees for your landscape, contact Planting Guys. Investing in the right tree now can bring lasting benefits to your garden and property for years to come. By selecting one of these evergreen trees with a small root system, you can enjoy the beauty of year-round greenery without worrying about invasive roots impacting your home or surrounding structures.