Known as “The Garden State”, New Jersey is the ideal location to grow a wide range of plants and trees. However, it’s not always clear which trees you should grow. There are so many varieties of trees available that it can be hard to know where to start looking.
Dawn Redwood
The Dawn Redwood is ideal for all soil types and it’s very hardy. You will need to water this tree if there’s a drought but if you do it’s very likely to survive. Ideal as a border wall, the Redwood is ideal for those sunny locations and it can grow up to 100 feet tall. You will need a lot of space for your Redwood as the canopy can be 25 feet wide, but this is one of the most beautiful trees around.
Golden Rain Tree
The next time you visit your local garden center keep an eye out for the Golden Rain Tree. It will need light watering from time to time but it’s ideal for many types of soil. This is a fruit-bearing tree but the fruit is inedible. However, the Golden Rain Tree is a very pretty one that can grow up to 40 feet high and an impressive 30 feet wide.
Sweetbay Magnolia
Sweetbay Magnolias are one of the most versatile trees out there. They need little watering and they can cope with frost. Ideal for many soil types, the Sweetbay produces fragrant flowers in the month of May and they’re simply stunning. Plant your Sweetbay anywhere you please. It won’t drop many leaves and it’s relatively easy to prune.
European Hornbeam
The European Hornbeam is considered to be one of the best trees to grow in New Jersey. Naturally growing into a cone-like shape, the tree isn’t pretty to begin with but this ugly duckling will eventually become quite beautiful. Ideal as a hedge or as a means of protecting you from the wind, the Hornbeam turns from a dark shade of green in the spring and summer months to yellow and eventually orange during the fall.
Ginkgo
Last but by no means least is the Ginkgo. This beautiful tree will need watering and it prefers to sit in full sun. With the ability to thrive in a range of soils, the Ginkgo attracts deer, so keep an eye out for them. While this tree doesn’t smell very nice it is very pretty.
The male cultivars tend to smell less than the female cultivars. However, it’s the females that bear fruit so you’ll need to think about what you’re looking for. Ideal for sandy soil, the Ginkgo can grow up to 80 feet tall and as much as 30 feet wide.
As you can see, there are some beautiful trees around, ideal for your New Jersey yard. If you’re a tree-lover, you’ll no doubt love this part of the world and the opportunity it gives you to grow some magnificent and beautiful trees in your own back yard.
