With fears about climate change, unpredictable droughts, and rising energy prices sweeping the country, practically everyone is looking for methods to save money and protect resources. Selecting drought-tolerant trees is a simple way to save water in your landscaping. Many of these water-wise trees provide beauty and usefulness in the landscape while using less water.
When it comes to plants, temperature is always a major role. People often assume that more arid and hotter climates have a significant disadvantage when it comes to planting trees and caring for plants, however, this is not the case. To get these trees to produce shade without emptying your water cost, all you have to do is choose the right plant for the right position. Here are a few examples of these trees:
Naturalist Joseph S. Illick described the northern red oak as “one of the most handsome, cleanest, and stateliest trees in North America,” and it is widely regarded as a national treasure. It is prized for its versatility and utility, as well as its hardiness in urban environments. This medium to a big tree is also noted for its magnificent fall color, high importance to wildlife, and status as a state tree. Oak trees are exceedingly resilient. They’ve been around since the mid-Cretaceous, with a variety of life forms ranging from shrubs to big trees, evergreen and deciduous. They have two unique, but crucial, drought adaptations that allow this “mesic” taxon to thrive in dry, hot conditions.
Eastern Cottonwood
Cottonwood trees are native to the United States, and their natural habitat includes damp bottomland areas, as well as locations near lakes and streams. Cottonwood trees are drought-tolerant once established, however, gardeners should water the tree every week while it is young or just planted. The tree, on the other hand, thrives when watered regularly.
Jack Pine
Nearly the whole Upper Peninsula and the northern half of the Lower Peninsula are covered in jack pine. The jack pine is the only tree species in Michigan that has evolved to live and reproduce in the hottest and driest environments. It grows well on dunes and on sandy glacial plains, where it can be found in dense stands. Jackpine does not require a lot of water to thrive. This drought-tolerant tree prefers dry circumstances to be smothered in water. As a hardy conifer, it’s doubtful that you’ll need to water this tree consistently.
Northern Red Oak
Red oak is well-suited as a street tree and other areas with at least fair soil since it is moderately drought-tolerant in most soils. Red oak thrives on well-drained soil with a pH of less than 7.5 and is best planted in the spring from the field (spring, summer, or fall from containers) in full sun or part shade.
Red Maple
The red maple is a very common tree that may be found all around Michigan. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular trees due to its adaptability, ability to grow in nearly every soil type, and drought tolerance. It can reach a height of 40 to 60 feet and a spread of 25 to 45 feet by growing 3 feet every year.
White Oak
White oaks like slightly acidic to neutral soil that is deep, wet, and well-drained. It can adapt to a variety of soil textures, but it cannot tolerate alkaline, shallow, or mistreated urban soils. It can, however, withstand moderate dryness and moist soil on occasion. The white oak has a pyramidal shape when young and becomes rounder as it ages, adapting to most well-drained soils.
Tree Service by Experts
Nature Tree Services allows you to be able to enjoy your lovely yard while knowing that you’re in good hands. For more information on what trees to plant in your yard, with years of experience and training, our team can handle any work, big or small, and we guarantee your satisfaction. Get in touch with us right away!