Part 3 – Things to Consider When Choosing the Replacement Plant – Is the Plant Native to North America or is it an Ornamental from Elsewhere?
You can get exciting ideas for a replacement plant from visiting arboretums, but you should go with a list of things to consider as you look. Your arborist can help you more extensively with this list, so make sure to consult them in this process.
In Part 2 of the Removal and Replacement Series blog, you were asked to consider the ultimate size that you wanted the tree to get. Just as important is the consideration if the tree is a native tree or if it comes from Europe or Asia. The benefit to native trees is that they support our native insects, which support our native birds. The flowers are suited for our pollinators which desperately need our help and the fruit will attract and feed wildlife. Native trees are a true part of the ecosystem of your yard.
If you need a smaller ornamental and you want a magnolia, consider the Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana). As its name suggests, you will be able to delight your friends and family with the sweet scent the flowers, leaves and stems emit. Other native ornamentals to New Jersey are the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea), Scarlet Buckeye (Aesculus pavia), Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), Sweet Crabapple (Malus coronaria), and the Fringetree and Eastern Redbud mentioned in Part 2 of this Removal and Replacement Series.
As for shade trees, the popularity of oaks and maples is second to none and there are oaks and maples that are both native and introduced. Instead of planting Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) that has come from Europe, plant the native Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) instead. Not only is the Sugar Maple’s fall color far superior to the Norway Maple, but it is also a staple in the maple syrup industry. The ultimate size of these two maples is relatively the same, but the wildlife will thank you for planting the native. There are many more native shade trees to look into such as; New Jersey’s state tree the northern red oak (Quercus borealis maxima), American Holly (Ilex opaca), Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), and native Black Willow (Salix nigra) to list a few.
The benefits of native trees are that they are a source of pollen, nectar and food of the native caterpillars that support the native birds. They also do a job that introduced trees can’t do; they give pollen to our native bees. By planting a native tree, you will not only be restoring a natural beauty to your land and creating habitats, but supporting your local insects, birds and small mammals as well.
