What Evergreen Trees Grow Well at High Elevations?

High Altitude

• Although chefs consider elevations of 3,000 feet and above to be high altitude, this term is less defined when it comes to plant biomes. Alpine forests, located primarily in mountains, are found at the highest elevations. This biome goes up to the tree line, which is the highest altitude where trees can grow. The local microclimate determines the tree line, which occurs between 11,000 and 13,000 feet.

Classification by Altitude

• Because air is thinner and weather conditions are harsher the higher one goes in elevation, fewer trees are able to grow at higher altitudes. All trees have elevation limits as to where they will grow well. The first delineation occurs at approximately 7,500 feet where Austrian and Pinon pines are hardy. Three additional trees can grow well to 8,000 feet. These are Bosnian, Scotch and White pines. At 8,500 feet, White Southwestern Pines remain hardy, as do Ponderosa Pines to an elevation of 9,000 feet. Colorado Blue Spruce grows well to 9,500 feet, while two firs -- Douglas and White -- can be found up to 10,000 feet. The hardiest evergreens are Bristlecone and Limber pines, which can sometimes be found at altitudes of about 13,500 feet.

Common Characteristics

• Because high elevation evergreens are often subjected to adverse conditions, many, though not all, have common characteristics that help them survive on mountaintops, in cold weather and in high winds. Drought tolerance and adaptation to alkaline soils are common characteristics. Evergreens displaying these characteristics often have sturdy structures and are used as windbreaks in areas prone to gales. Lodgepole pines can survive in areas where other trees cannot, such as land devastated by wildfires. Shade tolerance is also common among these high altitude trees, but others such as the Bristlecone pine, White fir, Englemann spruce and several others, prefer sunny locations.

Size and Growth

• Many evergreens, such as the vertically oriented Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine and Southwestern pine, are prized for their lumber and can grow as high as 90 feet. The growth habit of many of these trees, however, is slow because of short growing seasons. Higher altitude trees, such as the Bristlecone and Pinyon pines, have small growth habits of 10 to 25 feet. Larger pines and firs can be used in an ornamental setting if given sufficient room to grow.