Forest Cultivator Shares Top 5 Preferred Trees from Personal Plantings
In the realm of horticulture, few things are as rewarding as nurturing a tree from seedling to full-grown specimen. Here, we delve into the specifics of planting and caring for five iconic trees: Coast Redwood, Ginkgo, European Beech, Sugar Maple, and Red Oak.
**Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens)**
The Coast Redwood, the tallest trees on Earth, boast heights surpassing a 30-foot skyscraper. These long-lived giants can thrive in your garden with the right care. Choose a location with full sunlight or partial shade and well-draining soil, as coast redwoods do not tolerate soggy roots. They require a humid climate and fertile soil, watering frequently but avoiding flooding. In hotter weather, deep but infrequent watering is recommended, with about 10 gallons of water per inch of trunk diameter.
**Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)**
Known as a living fossil, the Ginkgo tree first appeared on Earth some 270 million years ago. These ancient trees prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are drought-tolerant once established and require deep watering during dry periods. Plant in an area with enough space, as ginkgos grow into large trees with a broad canopy. Protection from harsh winds and extreme cold is beneficial.
**European Beech (Fagus sylvatica)**
Native to Europe, the European Beech thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-7. It prefers full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Mulch around the base helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
**Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)**
Sugar Maples are renowned for their stunning autumn foliage, turning bright and fiery in autumn. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and full sunlight to partial shade. Deep watering during dry spells, especially when young, and mulching to maintain soil moisture are essential.
**Red Oak (Quercus rubra)**
Red Oaks grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 in full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained acidic soil and water young trees deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. Established trees are drought-tolerant but still appreciate regular watering in dry periods. In autumn, their leaves turn a brilliant red.
**General Tree Planting and Care Tips**
Prepare the planting area before bringing home your trees to allow immediate planting. Keep roots moist before planting; if planting is delayed, place the trees in a shaded, protected holding area and mulch around the roots to maintain moisture. Water mature trees deeply but infrequently, watering the root zone according to root depth; avoid overwatering or digging near roots to water. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.
Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, these guidelines ensure healthy establishment and maintenance of these trees in landscape settings. For best results, tailor care according to local climate and soil conditions.
Amy Draiss, the Digital Community Manager, oversees these valuable resources for tree enthusiasts. Coast Redwood trees, though extensively logged in the 1850s, reducing the original old-growth forest to just 5%, can still be found thriving in suitable environments. Early redwood fossils date back more than 200 million years to the Jurassic period, while the Sugar Maple thrives in cool moist climates in USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The Ginkgo tree, one of the world's oldest tree species, has survived the Hiroshima atomic explosion and is native to China.
As you embark on your arboreal journey, remember that each tree brings its unique charm and character to your garden. Happy planting!
- By cultivating trees such as Coast Redwoods, Ginkgo, European Beech, Sugar Maple, and Red Oak in your home-and-garden, you're not only improving your lifestyle but also bringing a piece of the world's natural beauty into your home.
- Gardening enthusiasts can extend their hobby beyond flowers and vegetables by nurturing iconic trees like these, creating a verdant, tree-filled lifestyle that spans diverse landscapes and seasons.
