Thank you for contacting Ask Extension. The distance at which you plant an evergreen from your home depends on several factors, the species of the evergreen, its mature size, and the amount of space you have available. For instance, if you are planting a Norway spruce, it can get up to 25-30 feet wide. You would want to make sure that the tree was at least 15 feet from the home. This way you ensure that there is enough space for it to reach its full size without becoming a nuisance or causing damage to structures. Also, you want to consider the proximity of the evergreen to power lines, utility lines, septic systems to avoid potential issues.

In general, it is good practice to plant evergreens far enough from your home so that the roots do not interfere with the foundation. As a general guideline, a distance of at least 10 feet from the house is recommended. But for specific planting distances, you need to consult the planting instructions for the particular evergreen species.

Evergreens should be planted in early fall to allow the roots to establish before the soil freezes.

Here are some publications for your reference:

https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/choosing-evergreens-your-landscape

https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/landowners_guide/habitat_mgmt/backyard/Tree_and_Shrub_Planting.htm