Small trees with attractive bark, can handle moist areas and shade-tolerant. Hornbeam or blue beech ( Carpinus caroliniana). Red oak, bur oak and swamp white oak will grow in poorly drained areas. Non-native Norway maples and Japanese maples can cause or experience problems. Avoid silver maples and boxelders because of weak wood. Maples ( Acer spp.): red maple ( Acer rubrum) and sugar maple ( Acer saccharum). Listed below are a few trees and shrubs with some information about these natives. Trees and shrubs that are grouped in an area also provide winter habitat, especially for birds. Those that produce berries or nuts provide a source of food and offer shelter. Native trees and shrubs also can create backyard habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. This can be seen with Dutch elm disease, oak wilt and emerald ash borer in recent history. Also, not all pests or diseases are native. Not all native plants are resistant to disease or pest problems, especially if they are grown in the wrong location or do not receive adequate moisture. They have been growing in this location for thousands of years and in most cases can survive problems with native insects and diseases. Native trees and shrubs have an advantage when it comes to climate and growing conditions. Using native trees and shrubs can help establish a sense of place and can be low maintenance. Only a small part of your landscape would be damaged when an unforeseen problem arises, and diversity makes for a more interesting landscape. This is like insurance against insect pests, diseases or other problems that could come along. Put in no more than 10% of any one kind of tree or shrub into your landscape. If you have questions about your soil, Michigan State University Extension provides an easy-to-use soil test kit that can be purchased online from the MSU Extension Bookstore or from your local county MSU Extension office.Ĭonsider the “10% rule” when selecting trees and shrubs. Look at native trees that are growing successfully near where you will be planting. Do some research to find out if what you want to plant will grow in this location. Having standing water or saturated soil even for short periods of time may change plant selections. Factors to investigate include the amount of full, uninterrupted sun the area receives whether the soil is sand, loam or clay and how well the soil drains. No plants, other than weeds, can be considered a “just plant it and forget it” kind of purchase.īefore purchasing a tree or shrub, assess the location where it will be planted. All trees and shrubs require some care, especially after planting and during a drought. How do I choose trees and shrubs that have the best chance of survival? Which trees will withstand the extreme weather conditions we have experienced like droughts, below zero temperatures and heat waves? How can I make the best decisions when I purchase? There is more to having success with woody landscape plants than just choosing something that you like. As people work to install landscaping around their homes, many questions arise.
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