Want to create a serene garden sanctuary as an aromatic retreat? Consider an evergreen tree with sweet smelling wood. These trees add beauty and a calming aura to your landscape all year round.
Read as we explore eight top options of evergreen trees that come with the best-smelling wood
What Makes a Tree Fragrant?
Have you ever crossed a garden or a dense forest with trees smelling sweet, spicy, or fresh? Do you wonder why is that so?
Many trees with fragrant wood generate aromas because of unique compounds present in their bark, leaves, or flowers. Trees that smell good have essential oils that help produce distinct aromas.
But more than making these trees smell good, these aromatic oils help protect them from pests and also may reduce competition by deterring other similar plants.
Fragrant woods do not smell the same all the time. As the wood ages, its smell changes.
For instance, freshly cut wood releases a strong aroma because of active resins and essential oils. Similarly, when you dry wood, its compounds and essential oils start to evaporate, releasing a subtler than stronger scent.
Aged wood loses its sweet smell with time. This is because the volatile compounds in the trees gradually start diminishing, causing the scent to fade.
Factors Affecting the Fragrance of Wood
- What Makes a Tree Fragrant?
- Top Evergreen Trees with Sweet Smelling Wood
- Choosing the Best Fragrant Tree for Your Landscape
- Tips for Planting and Caring for Fragrant Trees
- Conclusion
While aging helps reduce wood fragrance with time, some other factors also play a role here.
- Humidity and Temperature: Trees that grow in humid and hot temperatures tend to have more resins and essential oils. As a result, they smell stronger than the rest.
- Soil’s Composition: A soil rich in minerals like magnesium and calcium contributes to the growth of a resinous and healthy tree.
- UV Exposure: Excessive exposure to sunlight usually breaks the aromatic compounds in wood, resulting in fading of smell with time.
- Genetics: Some trees are naturally more aromatic than others due to their genetic variations. This gives different trees a reason to create aromas in variations.
Top Evergreen Trees with Sweet Smelling Wood
Want to know which trees have the best-smelling wood to plant in your garden? We have 8 great options for you.
Cedar
Our first pick for you is Cedar. The tree is known for its distinct smell and many species it has.
Other than smelling amazing, the tree also has significant importance in many cultures. For example, Cedar was famously known as the symbol of strength and divine protection. In fact, in ancient times, it was used in the construction of palaces and temples, especially in the Middle East region.
Fragrance
Most Cedar species have a warm, woody, and slightly spicy aroma. Atlas Cedar produces a slightly smoky smell, while the Himalayan Cedar can be spotted in its sweet and fruity fragrance.
Uses
Cedar wood is commonly used in furniture, closets, and chests and as a natural moth repellent. You may also find Cedarwood oil being used in aromatherapy.
Popular Species
Some famous Cedar species are:
- Eastern Red Cedar
- Atlas Cedar
- Western Red Cedar
- Lebanon Cedar
Sandalwood (Santalum spp.)
Sandalwood has a deep association with many cultures. The tree is valued in both Hindu and Buddhist religions as a sacred tree. The tree has also won the status of royalty in various cultures.
Fragrance
Sandalwood smells rich and warm. It produces a creamy aroma with a sweet undertone. It is one of the few trees that have a long-lasting smell that you can even enjoy as the wood ages.
Uses
Sandalwood essential oils are famously found in many perfumes and aromatherapy products. That’s because the smell has a calming effect.
You may also find Sandalwood oil in various medicines. That’s because the oil has many antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Popular Species
The tree has many species. Some of these are:
- Indian Sandalwood
- Australian Sandalwood
- Hawaiian Sandalwood
- New Caledonian Sandalwood
Cypress (Cupressus spp.)
Next up, we have Cypress. These trees have dark green colors that make them a symbol of eternal life in many cultures. But most importantly, the tree is loved for its smell and beautiful structure.
Fragrance
When you pass by a Cypress, you will easily spot it due to its fresh, woody, and earthy fragrance. The smoky undertones also make it smell different from other trees.
Uses
Due to its fresh fragrance, the tree is popularly used in aromatherapy. Plus, many people also incorporate the essential oils taken from different parts of tree trunk in traditional medicines.
Popular Species
Some of the famous species of Cypress are:
- Mediterranean Cypress
- Monterey Cypress
- Arizona Cypress
- Italian Cypress
Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
In many cultures, the berries and branches of junipers were used to ward off evil. Even today, in Native American traditions, the plant is considered quite sacred.
Fragrance
Juniper is distinctly a beautiful and aromatic tree with a fresh and crisp fragrance. You can also spot it from its sweet, woody fragrance and spicy undertones.
Uses
Due to its long-lasting scent, the tree is popularly used in perfumes and aromatherapy. Juniper berries have a delicious peppery flavor, making them the perfect choice to use as a spice in gin.
Popular Species
Some of the popular Juniper species are:
- Common Juniper
- Rocky Mountain Juniper
- Eastern Red Cedar
- Chinese Juniper
Balsam Fir (Abies balsamea)
Balsam Fir is another name for your Christmas tree, especially if you live in North America. It has also been used by Native American tribes to make traditional medicines due to its distinct anti-inflammatory properties. But most importantly, this tree smells divine.
Fragrance
Balsam fir has a fresh and crisp aroma with slight hints of sweetness. Some may enjoy its slightly citrusy undertones, which have a soothing aura.
Uses
Due to its calming fragrance, the tree’s essential oils are used for aromatherapy and in perfumes. The tree’s wood has also been used in many medicines due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Popular Species
Some of the popular species of the tree are:
- Abies balsamea var. phanerolepis
- Abies balsamea
- Fraser Fir
Pine (Pinus spp.)
Pine trees are more than just beautiful creations of God. They are a symbol of endurance and strength in many cultures due to their long life and ability to stand stern even in harsh weather conditions. They also play a distinct role in Christmas celebrations around the world.
Fragrance
When passing beside pine trees, you will feel a sense of being in a forest. The tree smells fresh with woody and sweet notes.
You can recognize a pine tree by its crisp and earthy fragrance.
Uses
Pine essential oils have a refreshing and calming scent. This is why they are used in aromatherapy and many perfumes. Plus, various pine species are a part of most traditional medicines. You can also use pine nuts as seeds in various cuisines.
Popular Species
Here are the popular species of this tree.
- Eastern White Pine
- Scots Pine
- Ponderosa Pine
- Sugar Pine
Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.)
Rosewood is a symbol of weather and luxury in many cultures. In many cultures, owning a rosewood table or ornament is considered quite precious. Plus, the smell of the wood is also what makes it stand out.
Fragrance
Rosewood is popular for its rich, sweet, and floral fragrance. You can easily describe it as woody and warm. Plus, there are a few hints of fruitiness that make this tree’s smell quite refreshing.
Uses
Rosewood’s essential oils are used in aromatherapy and perfumes. Additionally, In some cultures, rosewood is used in traditional medicines to treat respiratory problems and skin issues.
Popular Species
Common popular rosewood species are:
- Brazilian Rosewood
- Indian Rosewood
- African Rosewood
- East Indian Rosewood
Hinoki Cypress
Hinoki Cypress is quite popular in Japanese culture. It symbolizes purity and longevity. What’s more, its beautiful smell makes it a solid part of many products, including perfumes.
Fragrance
This tree smells pretty fresh. You will definitely spot the citrus-like and woody aroma, giving you a refreshing feel.
Uses
The tree is revered in Japanese culture for its use in temples, shrines, and baths. Wood is also used for furniture and other essential oils. The tree’s essential oils are used in perfumery and aromatherapy as well.
Hinoki Cypress is known for its antimicrobial properties and calming scent. This makes it an ideal ingredient for traditional medicines as well.
Popular Species
Here are some famous tree species.
- Sawara Cypress
- Japanese False Cypress
- Nootka Cypress
Choosing the Best Fragrant Tree for Your Landscape
When selecting the best fragrant trees, avoid following others. Instead, explore the capability of your land and the tree you wish to grow in your area as per your scent preference.
Knowing your growing zone and how much sun your garden has is the first step in narrowing down your selection.
Flowering trees need full sun for the most blooms, and there are a few on this list that can handle a bit of partial shade, too!
Soil type and how much time you have to put into growing your trees are the next things to consider.
You must also consider whether you like a certain scent. If you do, grow a tree as per your liking. Also, make sure to evaluate the time you can give to the growth in order for it to grow happily.
After all, they need your attention as much as you need theirs.
Tips for Planting and Caring for Fragrant Trees
If you want your fragrant trees to grow and thrive, you need to follow a few rules on how to prepare land and the right watering method to use. Here are a few helpful tips for you.
- Planting fragrant trees in well-draining soil and providing regular watering will help them thrive.
- Pruning and fertilizing your fragrant trees will promote healthy growth and maximize their fragrance.
- Mulching around the base of your fragrant trees will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Conclusion
So, do you know which evergreen tree with sweet smelling wood to grow in your front lawn or backyard? They are all so unique and beautiful. Especially, they smell amazingly good in their own ways.
So, pick your option as per your liking and your land’s capabilities.
Also, don’t forget to shop with Tenere to play your part in plant reforestation. The website has coupons available to help you get discounts on many brands.
