Choosing native trees for your yard is a smart decision that reaps numerous benefits for both your property and the environment. Native trees, such as the Red Maple and Eastern Redbud, are perfectly adapted to New Jersey’s climate and soil. Being native ensures robust growth and longevity. These trees provide essential services like shading your home, reducing energy costs, and serving as effective windbreaks. Moreover, their natural beauty enhances curb appeal and supports local wildlife, offering food and habitat for birds and pollinators. In contrast, non-native species often require more maintenance, are prone to pests and diseases, and can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native flora. By planting native trees, you contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment while enjoying the practical and aesthetic advantages they bring to your landscape. Ben Bivins Tree Experts, a company that provides Smithville tree service, highly recommends planting native species.
Plant Native Species for Best Results
Thes native trees listed here can enhance residential properties in a variety of ways. Whether it be providing shade, acting as windbreaks, adding curb appeal, or supporting local wildlife, native trees are beneficial. They are also well-adapted to New Jersey’s climate and soil conditions. All of this makes them some of the best choices for landscaping.
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
The Red Maple is a popular tree for neighborhoods. It provides shade for properties and homes. Red maples grow quickly and can provide ample shade, helping to cool homes and reduce energy costs during summer. As far as curb appeal, their striking red foliage in the fall adds significant aesthetic value. Furthermore, they provide habitat and food for various birds and small mammals.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
With beautiful pink flowers in the spring, Eastern Redbuds increases the aesthetic appeal of a property. When it comes to shade coverage, though not as large as some other trees, they still provide moderate shade. Lastly, outside of the traditional benefits for birds, the flowers of the Eastern Redbud attract pollinators like bees and butterflies making it extremely popular for yards.
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Boasting evergreen leaves and bright red berries, the American Holly provides year-round visual interest. In addition, its dense foliage makes it an excellent windbreak. Wildlife support includes being a food source for birds and the dense foliage offers nesting sites for an assortment of wildlife.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Tall and dense, the Eastern White Pine serves as an effective windbreak protecting homes from cold drafts. They can also grow very large offering substantial shade and their soft, long needles and overall shape are visually appealing to many homeowners. Lastly, their seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The top benefit noted by homeowners is certainly the beauty of this tree. With white or pink flowers in the spring and red foliage in the fall, Dogwoods add year-round allure. In addition to the visual benefits, Dogwoods provide light to moderate shade, making it suitable for smaller yards and their flowers and berries attract pollinators and provide food for birds.
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
This tree has a large canopy that offers substantial shade. Homeowners will also appreciate the visual interest offered by their star-shaped leaves and vibrant fall colors. Finally, various bird species enjoy eating the seeds of the Sweetgum.
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Large and spreading, the Northern Red Oak offers significant shade for properties. The acorns of oak trees are perhaps most well known for being a crucial food source for many animals, including squirrels and birds. As far as curb appeal goes, the Northern Red Oak has a strong, stately appearance with attractive foliage.
Smithville Tree Service Companies Like Ourselves Always Recommend Native Trees
Incorporating native trees into your yard is a commitment to fostering a healthier ecosystem and enjoying a myriad of benefits. By opting for trees that naturally thrive in New Jersey, such as the resilient American Holly or the stately Northern Red Oak, you’re ensuring a vibrant, sustainable environment that supports local wildlife and reduces your ecological footprint. Native trees require less water, fewer chemicals, and minimal care compared to their non-native counterparts. This makes them a smart, eco-friendly choice. They not only enhance your property’s beauty and value but also play a crucial role in preserving the region’s biodiversity. As you plan your landscaping projects, consider the lasting positive impact of native trees. By planting them, you’re not just beautifying your yard – you’re contributing to the health and sustainability of your community and the planet.
In Southern New Jersey, there are several tree species that thrive in the region’s climate and soil conditions. Planting native species is so important and provides a number of benefits. Native trees are perfectly adapted to the soil and environment. This not only makes for stronger trees, but healthier trees too. Healthy trees are better able to ward off pest infestations and diseases. Lastly, native tree species better support local wildlife by providing safe habitats and nutritious food. As a company that provides tree services in Smithville NJ and the surrounding areas, here’s some of our favorite native trees.
The Red Maple Provides Color and Shade
Red Maple, Acer rubrum, is a NJ native tree that grows well the climate of Southern New Jersey. These trees reach an average height of 50-feet. Their height makes them ideal trees to add shade to your yard. It offers beautiful red foliage in the fall and grows relatively fast. As a native species, it adapts well to the variety of soil types NJ has and is tolerant of wet conditions. Tree services of the Red Maple include occasional pruning as long as it has enough room to grow naturally. If planted too close to a structure, a tree the size of a mature Red Maple can cause serious damage and will eventually need to be removed. If you have the option, be sure to check with one of our tree experts on the best planting location for any tree to avoid dangers later.
An American Sweetgum is Perfect for Shade Also
Liquidambar styraciflua, or the American Sweetgum, is another great shade tree for Southern New Jersey. With a maximum height of 60 to 80 feet and a total width of 40 to 60 feet, the Sweetgum tree provides great shade. American Sweetgum is often used as a street tree. It has attractive star-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow in the fall. It prefers moist, well-drained soils, but can also grow well in average soil with a high clay content. One thing the American Sweetgum demands is full sun as it is intolerant of shade. It is always important to think of a plants full size at maturity and the speed of growth before planting. Improper planting locations are a top reason that trees become weak and sickly. Strong, healthy trees require less tree services in Smithville NJ than trees that are struggling to survive.
If You Love Dogwoods, Try an Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) trees are a small, ornamental tree that produce stunning pink or purple flowers in early spring, even before its leaves emerge. It grows well in a variety of soil types and prefers full sun to partial shade. The one thing a Redbud doesn’t like is standing water so be sure there is adequate drainage wherever you are planting it. In fact, Eastern Redbuds are fairly drought tolerant once established. As an ornamental tree, the mature height of a Redbud is only 20-30 feet. Where the tree is planted dictates how much pruning and trimming an Eastern Redbud needs. With professional help, you can train this tree to limit itself to one trunk and grow like a much smaller tree.
Contact Us for Everything Related to Tree Services in Smithville NJ
When selecting trees for your specific location, consider factors such as soil type, sun exposure, and available space. Also think about any specific long-term landscaping requirements you may have. Of course, mature size is a big determining factor when it comes to picking the right location for a new tree. It is always a good idea to consult with local arborists like Ben Bivins Tree Experts who have knowledge of the specific conditions in Southern New Jersey to get the best advice on tree services in Smithville NJ. Contact us today!