You can grow many types of trees in NJ if you are looking for a way to upgrade your landscape. There are many native species that are very well suited to the local growing environment.
This list will introduce you to trees that are a great way to add variety to the scene with their sizes, shapes, colorful foliage, and textures. Read about these below!
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Native Trees in New Jersey That Will Beautify Your Landscape
1. White Oak
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White oak is a native American plant that grows well in the eastern forests of the country. These oaks are very valuable trees due to their contribution to the local wildlife. This single plant supports more than 900 different species of caterpillars.
The only requirement you will have to meet is the necessary space. They reach incredible sizes when in the wild and are resistant to many diseases, but they become very vulnerable when they are kept in small areas or gardens. So, keep this in mind before planting one on your property.
2. Red Oak
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Red oak is widely recognized as a national treasure in New Jersey and is also the official tree of the state. These large trees are an incredible addition to any landscape thanks to their attractive size and colorful foliage. They are also very beneficial to the local environment as they provide habitat and life support for dozens of pollinators including many insects and birds.
Their biggest selling point is their bright red foliage during the fall. They also grow very rapidly and provide shade in a large area. The average height of these trees is around 75 feet, and they can live for somewhere between 150 to 500 years.
3. Sugar Maple
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The sugar maple (Acer saccharum) is a unique tree and it’s most well-known for its golden sugary sap. These trees are not very fast-growing plants, and they add only a few inches to their height every year. They reach their full maturity after a few decades.
The tree produces vibrant foliage with bright colors during the fall season, while they adorn their surroundings with lush green leaves throughout the rest of the year. Although they need a few decades to grow to their full size, they are also a great source of shade around them for humans and animals alike.
These trees are prized for their sweet sap which is widely used to make maple syrup. When the fall season comes, their green foliage turns to a vibrant orange-red and adds to the beauty of their surroundings. These trees are a big-time investment, but they will add aesthetic and ecological value to their surroundings for centuries. There are many types of Maple trees; you can read more in our detailed post.
4. White Pine
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White pine is the tallest conifer tree that is native to America. These are evergreen plants that grow very quickly and reach their full size. Due to their incredible size, they are not an option if you do not have a wide-open area. The tree grows into a wonderful, rounded pyramid shape, and is a great provider of shade.
Their size and ecological benefits are not the only reasons they are kept for. These giants are also prized for different crafts and decorations. Their branches and wood are widely used for outdoor decorations and during Christmas. Their cones are also great for handmade crafts.
5. Tulip Tree
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Tulip trees, also known as yellow poplar trees, are native American trees that get their name from their unique flowers. These flowers have a remarkable resemblance to the classic tulips. These trees have a straight growth pattern and are deciduous in nature. They are also among the fast-growing trees and can be easily identified by their signature flowers and leaves.
These trees produce yellow-green tulip-like flowers that have a hint of orange around their edges. They have showy broad leaves that are smooth and green throughout the year, but they turn golden yellow once fall arrives. Many pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit their flowers, while wildlife such as rabbits and squirrels consume their seeds.
6. Pitch Pine
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The pitch pine is a native North American tree that is often seen in the northern regions of the U.S. and Canada. The tree can grow to a height of about 40 feet but in an ideal growing environment, it can reach up to 100 feet. It is a sturdy specimen that can easily regrow its branches if they are broken or cut.
As the tree grows old, it develops a lot of interesting growth habits, making it a very good option for landscapes. The tree has dark green needle-like leaves and the new growth sprouts in bright yellow-green colors, making a unique contrast. It produces clusters of cones that are two inches long.
7. Basswood
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Basswood (Tilia americana) are called linden and basswood along the eastern and western coasts of the U.S. The trees are frequently used as shade trees in urban areas as they have dense canopies that create a deep shade.
These canopies have bright green leaves and an asymmetrical heart shape. In addition, the main source of attraction of these trees is their fragrant yellow flowers that bloom every spring.
8. Flowering Dogwood
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The flowering dogwood is one of the most attractive native flowering trees in the U.S. It is one of the many showy North American flowering trees with attractive flowers, fruit, and colorful autumn foliage. In addition to their beauty, their wood, bark, and roots have a lot of different applications ranging from tools to medicine.
The dogwood tree can grow up to 40 feet, or taller if it is grown in its ideal conditions. It can be a single or multi-trunk tree with long-lasting spring bloom that comes in shades of white and pink. The tree has a spreading crown of almost-horizontal branches that bear its unique red fruit. During fall, the tree displays bright scarlet foliage to add to its beauty.
9. American Elm
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American elm trees are prized for their unique graceful shapes and branches that look like fountains. It used to be one of the most common trees that could be seen all around the cities in the past, but its biggest downside was its vulnerability to the Dutch elm disease. This disease was able to cause the death of many trees at a rapid pace.
However, nowadays, there are many different cultivars of the tree present that are far more resilient toward the disease thanks to research and development.
Conclusion
There are many different types of trees in N.J. that can be easily planted and grown if you meet their basic requirements. If you want to plant one of these on your property, keep in mind the following considerations:
- Oaks and maple trees are the preferred choices from this list as they are low maintenance with plenty of added visual and culinary benefits.
- There are also many native nut trees that are a great option with a local supply of dry nuts for you to enjoy.
- Many of them live for centuries so consider their long lives when you are allocating space and resources for their care.
- Many, including pitch pines, white pines, and oaks are great choices as they add aesthetic and ecological value to their surroundings.
Which one of these trees are you going to plant in your yard to create a beautiful landscape and enjoy their shade in the summer?
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