There is nothing better than sitting under the welcoming cover of a beautiful tree. Reading a book or sprawled out on a picnic blanket enjoying a sunny day. Planting trees on your property has many benefits, they not only enhance the aesthetics of your yard, but the right trees can also increase property value and decrease energy costs for your home. The positive environmental aspects include reducing stormwater runoff and absorbing CO2 from emissions. When looking to plant new trees, it’s important to ensure that the type of tree you choose will thrive. A multitude of factors including climate type, soil, pests, and the amount of sun can determine which trees are best suited for your yard.
If you own property in Maryland, you want to choose trees that are native to the state so they will successfully grow. Plant Hardiness Zones are determined by temperature with Maryland falling between Zone 5b to 8a. Choosing native trees will ensure that they survive in the correct temperatures. Excited to start planting? While Marylanders love everything crab, don’t go out and grab a crabapple seedling just yet. Many different trees can help you turn your backyard into a natural sanctuary.
Maryland-Native Trees
Here are several trees that would make excellent additions to your Maryland property.
Oak
Varieties: White Oak (Quercus alba), Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor), Willow Oak (Quercus phellos), Red Oak (Quercus rubra L), Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus)
Different types of oak trees can be found all across the state. In 1909, a large White Oak tree was noticed in Wye Mills, Maryland. This tree became known as the Wye Oak. The Wye Oak inspired officials to name the White Oak the state tree of Maryland These trees are known for their longevity, living hundreds of years, and providing benefits to the local wildlife including shelter and food. Oaks, depending on the variety, can grow between 50 to 100 feet tall. Oaks produce acorns and some will flower in the Spring months.
Maple
Varieties: Red Maple (Acer rubrum), Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Maple trees produce various exquisite fall colors to create a wonderful attraction for your yard. They live for around 100 years and can grow in various habitats including rural areas, suburbs, and some urban habitats. These trees often grow between 40 and 100 feet and are extremely sturdy withstanding hot and cold temperatures. The Sugar Maple variety produces maple syrup while the Silver Maple produces flowers in the early Spring and fruits in April and May.
Evergreen
Varieties: White Spruce (Picea glauca) and Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Evergreen trees are lovely year-round and can be very useful to both you and the local wildlife. The White Spruce can grow in many different types of soil and can create a strong windbreak or buffer to your yard or home. It is also a very elegant tree that looks beautiful on any property. The Eastern White Pine can be a great winter home for wildlife. These trees can live at least 200 years.
Dogwood
Varieties: Flowering Dogwood tree (Cornus Florida)
While there are several types of Dogwood trees throughout the United States, the Flowering Dogwood tree (Cornus Florida), native to Maryland, blooms beautifully in April and May with white flowers. It also produces small orange-red fruit that is tempting for hungry birds. This is a deer-resistant tree that is considered perfect for gardens or smaller spaces because of its compact size.
Fruit & Nut-Bearing
Varieties: Serviceberry (Amelanchier), Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana), Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), Winterberry (Ilex verticillata), Southern Crabapple (Malus angustifolia), Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Fruit or nut-bearing trees are an excellent source of sustenance for small wild animals and birds. Please be careful before trying to take a bite. The beautiful Winterberry tree produces berries that are toxic to humans and domestic pets but will often be snatched up by wild birds as a tasty treat. These types of trees keep animals fed especially when food is scarce.
If you are determined to plant a “crab” tree in your yard, the Southern Crabapple is a small flowering, a fruit-bearing tree native to Maryland that provides food and shelter for small mammals and deers. It can be planted anywhere in your yard, in different types of soils, and is one of the best trees for cross-pollination. You won’t get any blue crabs, but you will be creating a friendly space for pollinators.
Trimming and maintaining trees, taking down old or diseased trees, and removing stumps, ensures that your newly planted trees will thrive. Call the professionals at Hometown Tree experts today to help with the tree maintenance needed to keep your yard safe and beautiful.