The Conifers

Some conifers perform well in the Southeastern U.S. while others struggle, if barely survive. A Blue Spruce that may only take 2 years to become well established in northerly climates may take 5 or more years in this part of the south. For the more northerly climate conifers such as Spruce and Fir, warm summers and heavy clay soils in the southeast region, particularly wet clay soils, are the biggest enemy. High nightime air temperatures, along with increased soil temperatures lead to increased respiration rates. When clay soils are wet, air pockets are filled with water. Therefore, the soil does not provide the oxygen level that the root system demands, due to the plants increased respiration rate. The end result is root death, and an undesirable or dead tree. When planting conifers in the south which are generally suited to northern climates, these conditions must be taken in to consideration. Proper siting combined with proper planting becomes critical. This applies to those areas of the southern region, outside of the Appalachian Mountain region and below 2500 feet in elevation, minimum. Growing conditions of hot/humid summers and mild winters found in such areas as the Coastal Plain, is not conducive to the cooler season conifers. In general, except for Momi Fir and Nikko Fir, the success of the majority of Fir in the southeast region is non existent. Many people like to push the envelope so to speak, including I, and try plants removed from their region. I've seen a Blue Spruce (if one could truly call it that), in Beaufort, South Carolina, the heart of the Lowcountry. Many things can be done if one wants to put forth the effort, albeit not with the success that nature can. Whether it lives or not it's still a learning experience, and that's what this journey is about. Many conifers are slow growing, measured in just a few inches per year. Patience is a necessity, but the rewards are great.

Background photo - Conifers surrounding the administration building at Cave Hill Cemetery, Louisville, Ky.