What better way to customize the landscape for your new home than with trees? Trees come in all shapes and sizes, provide shade, privacy and are visually appealing. Even better, choosing trees native to Indiana benefits you and the environment. Native plants are adapted to local environmental conditions, so they require less water and are more resistant to disease and pests. This will save you time and money. Native trees are also great for the ecosystem, providing homes to native insects, birds and other wildlife. To learn more about landscaping with native plants, visit: http://www.inpaws.org/landscaping
Here are some of the most popular native Indiana trees:
Tulip Poplar
Our state tree! One of the tallest and most beautiful eastern hardwoods, with a long, straight trunk the Tulip has large, showy flowers resembling tulips or lilies. The Tulip tree can grow in shade, partial sun, or sun and is relatively low maintenance. Tulip trees are insect and disease free and grows rapidly in deep, rich well-drained soils. Make sure your tulip is watered well, as dry summer weather can cause problems. Tulips trees are a favorite nesting tree for birds and the flowers attract hummingbirds.
Redbud
The Redbud or Eastern Redbud is a 15-30 ft. tree with one to several picturesque, maroon-purple trunks and a wide, umbrella-like crown. Its pink flowers appear in spring for a showy display. Redbuds have low water requirements and does well in all many soil types. It does not, however, tolerate permanently wet soils. Redbuds can be used in full to partial sun. It thrives in woodland plantings and will grow best if it’s transplanted when young.
Serviceberry
The serviceberry stays relatively small, usually 15-25 ft. with lovely white flowers and small, edible (and tasty!) berries. Serviceberry trees require medium water use and do well in sun, part shade, and shade. Serviceberries are subject to disease and insect problems, though damage from these problems is usually cosmetic rather than life threatening.
Dogwood
One of the most spectacular of the native, flowering trees, flowering dogwood is a 20-40 ft.,with long-lasting, showy, white and pink spring blooms. Dogwoods are pretty easy to take care of, but Dogwood borers are the most common insect pest you may encounter. Protect your tree from dogwood borers by making sure you don’t nick the bark with garden tools when doing yard maintenance or pruning.
We remain committed to creating unique custom home communities in some of the most desirable locations in Hamilton County. Please contact Jim Langston for the latest availability and any additional information you desire at info@langstondev.com or 317-590-5687.
Sources:
http://www.indianawildlife.org/
http://plantozoid.com/
http://www.inpaws.org/landscaping/