Trees can live for generations; therefore, it is important to choose the right tree for the environment in which you plant it.  In general, native trees are a good choice because they have adapted to the local conditions over a period of centuries, but there are some “imports” that can enhance your landscape.  Consider all the aspects of the tree before you make your choice.  Make sure you allow enough room for the tree to grow to full maturity; the soil conditions are appropriate –including pH and moisture conditions; the sunlight is adequate; etc. 

            In addition, do not over-plant your landscape with too many of the same type of tree.  Diversity in tree selection will help reduce the possibility of a disease or pest problem wiping out your landscape and help ensure its longevity.  Dr. Bonnie Appleton, in her book “The New York/Mid-Atlantic Gardener’s Book of Lists”, refers to the 30%-20%-10% rule of selection suggested by the late Dr. Frank Santamour, tree geneticist with the National Arboretum in Washington, DC: Never use more than 30% of plants from any one plant family, more than 20% of plants from any one genera, or more than 10% of plants from any one species. 

            The following categories include suggestions for various conditions and attributes.  This is not an exhaustive list and you’ll find some trees fit into more than one category.  Dr. Appleton’s book mentioned above is an excellent reference to use when choosing not only trees, but shrubs, flowers, and even ornamental grasses.

Flowering ornamentals

-Flowering cherries (Kwanzon, Yoshino, Weeping, etc)

-Red bud

-Crape myrtle

-Japanese maples

-Styrax

-Serviceberry

-Kousa dogwood (avoid native due to discula anthracnose)

-Crabapple

-Deciduous magnolia

Shade trees

-Oaks (red, white, willow, pin)

-Maple

-American beech

-London plane

-Tulip

-Honey locust

Natural fences

-American holly

-Eastern red cedar

-Southern magnolia

-Spruces (prone to spider mites)

-Arborvitae

-Leyland (not recommended due to ceridium )

Wet area trees

-Red maple

-River birch

-Sycamore

-Willow

-Southern magnolia

-London Plane

-American holly

-Willow oak

Dry Areas

-Eastern redbud

-Eastern red cedar

-London plane

-Red oak

Shady location

-Red bud

-American holly

-Dogwood (discula anthracnose)

-Serviceberry

-Japanese maple

-Hemlock (prone to wholly adelgid)

Evergreen

-Southern magnolia

-Eastern red cedar

-Arborvitae

-Dawn redwood