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CultivationRare native trees are often only available in small sizes. But you should prefer a small plant anyway, since it is easier to put in the ground and will usually adapt more quickly and grow faster than a larger specimen. Pay attention to the particular needs of the plant. Some species require an acid soil, whereas others do best on a neutral or slightly alkaline soil. If you are uncertain about the general pH of your soil, purchase a testing kit. In some cases you may be able to alter the pH of a small area. Products are available for that purpose. Most plants grow faster and bloom more profusely in a sunny location. But ground dries out faster in the sun, so mulching and/or extra watering may be needed there. For understory species, morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled shade throughout the day, often gives good results. Good drainage is extremely important for many native tree species. In such a case try to put your new plant on an elevated spot, or perhaps create an artificial mound or raised bed. It is generally best to plant in late fall or early spring. Dig the hole at least twice as wide as the rootball, and make sure that the plant isn't set too low. Untangle the roots, cutting them if necessary, and try to spread them out sideways or at a slight downward angle. If you are adding an amendment, mix it thoroughly with the native soil. Arrange the soil to create a small mound right at the base of the plant. Then try to encircle it farther away with a raised ring of mud. This creates a basin which helps prevent water from running off before it can soak into the ground. Eventually the basin will erode away, but by then the plant should be established. Please resist the urge to fertilize a young tree, or at most do so very sparingly. Many native plants appear to be sensitive to fertilizer burn, and the strong chemicals in some fertilizers might also harm beneficial soil organisms. Remember that wild trees get all the nourishment they need from bird droppings, worm excrement, leaf decay, and other natural processes. Water your plant during dry spells, at least for the first year or two. Also maintain a layer of organic mulch around it. Not only does mulch help keep the ground moist, but the decaying organic matter adds nutrients to the soil and improves its texture. Protect all your young trees from rabbits and deer. This is very important. A rare plant is often hard to obtain, and after you give it a lot of attention and care, it's a big disappointment to have it ruined by rabbits. They seem to enjoy biting off small stems, and can bite through the main stem of a young tree at any season of the year. One way to protect against them is to keep a wire cage around the base of the plant until the trunk is at least an inch thick. Leaves that drop in wooded or semi-wild areas should be left on the ground so that the minerals and nutrients can be recycled into the soil. Leaves removed from lawns can be shredded or composted and then used as mulch.
SeedsIf you decide to grow a plant from seed, you will likely need a lot of patience. Seeds of most native trees won't germinate unless they are exposed to several months of cold temperatures, and many of them require both warm and cold exposures. In fact the seeds of some species generally don't germinate until the second or third year after planting. You can artificially give seeds the necessary treatments by burying them in moist vermiculate, sealing the container, then keeping it in or out of the refrigerator for the required periods of time. An easier way is to plant the seeds in a protected spot in the ground and let nature do the work. Since this may take several years, it's a good idea to mark the planting locations, perhaps by bordering them with stones. For more information about growing trees from seeds, go to Seeds.
Tough TreesSome tree species appear to be naturally tough, enabling them to survive in adverse conditions such as poor soil or severe drought. These species also usually grow fairly fast, especially in sunny exposures. So if you are looking for dependable trees, you might consider choosing from this list: American Persimmon - Diospyros virginiana Mountain Holly - Ilex montana Black Walnut - Juglans nigra Chalk Maple - Acer leucoderme American Smoketree - Cotinus obovatus American Elm - Ulmus americana (varieties resistant to Dutch Elm Disease) Note: Just because a particular species isn't on this list, this doesn't mean that you can't grow it. But you might have to give more thought, time, and attention to the effort.
Wildlife TreesAlmost every tree is used to some extent by wildlife, even if it just provides safe landing places for birds. But some species offer much more. These other benefits can include not just food, but also shelter from violent storms or extreme cold, places to hide from predators, and nesting spots. If you want to create some wildlife habitat on you property, you might consider planting some of the following trees: Dwarf Chestnut Oak - Quercus prinoides American Persimmon - Diospyros virginiana Pagoda Dogwood - Cornus alternifolia Mountain Holly - Ilex montana Black Walnut - Juglans nigra Carolina Hemlock - Tsuga caroliniana Fraser Fir - Abies fraseri Note: In addition to trees, a well-planned wildlife habitat would include shrubs, wild flowers, and native grasses.
Showy TreesThe following list includes trees that have attractive blossoms. Most of these make good lawn trees and can also fit into borders and flower gardens. Carolina Silverbell - Halesia tetraptera Mountain Camellia - Stewartia ovata Lost Franklinia - Franklinia alatamaha Cinnamonbark Clethra - Clethra acuminata Pagoda Dogwood - Cornus alternifolia American Yellowwood - Cladrastis kentukea Bigleaf Magnolia - Magnolia macrophylla Pinckneya - Pinckneya pubens Georgia Plume - Elliottia racemosa American Smoketree - Cotinus obovatus
Shade-Tolerant TreesAs already mentioned, most trees grow faster, bloom more freely, and have better form, in a sunny location. But some species can also do fairly well in a semi-shady area. This doesn't mean deep all-day shade, because very few trees will grow well in that type of location. But if you have a spot that gets a few hours of sun, or dappled sun and shade, then you might consider the following species: Pagoda Dogwood - Cornus alternifolia Cinnamonbark Clethra - Clethra acuminata Mountain Camellia - Stewartia ovata Carolina Silverbell - Halesia tetraptera Mountain Holly - Ilex montana Chalk Maple - Acer leucoderme Carolina Hemlock - Tsuga caroliniana Virginia Roundleaf Birch - Betula uber |
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