5 Best Trees for the Midwest Gardener

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Midwest Gardeners are trying to establish a healthy environment to improve the quality of life. There is a lot of scopes to enhance greener lands throughout the region. 

How will trees affect people’s lives?

Protection of the Ozone

While it’s already high time for planet earth to worry about depleting the ozone layer, the only remedy is to establish more eco-friendly systems in the world. Planting more trees is a way to repair the ozone damage.

Prevent pollution

With a lot of technological enhancement, pollution has made its way throughout the world. Trees are capable of absorbing pollutants through the leaves and the bark.

Though pollutants can badly influence the trees and disturb their metabolism, sometimes pollutants like nitrogen gasses could help trees.

Oxygen

The towns and cities have become concrete jungles, and locating greenery has become a challenge. But if you have a garden, you must plant good trees.

On average, two big and healthy trees can supply oxygen for a year to one single person. This should prove the need for more trees.

Climate in Midwest

Midwest experiences a humid continental climate. You will find the temperature varies in summers and winters.

Sometimes Midwest has an unpredictable climate as it encounters temperature differences each year.

Some trees can adapt to the drifting climatic conditions of the Midwest. Climate and geographical location influence the growth of any tree.

What are the best trees for the Midwest?

We made a list of the five best trees ideal for Midwest gardeners; read along and find out!

1. Ginkgo biloba

According to a study by the Chicago Botanic Garden that has evaluated the effects of global warming, it states that the Ginkgo trees are one of the best performers. Referring to its contribution to the regions as a saviour from the humid climate. 

The deciduous tree has fan-shaped leaves and can grow over 70-80 feet tall. 

Ginkgo can resist the urban climate and gives oxygen and shade to the living organisms.

Ginkgo can grow in challenging conditions. The Ginkgo tree is a beauty. It allows you to look at the serenity.

The tree can grow in most soil types.

Ginkgo grows slowly after being planted and can live for as long as 3,000 years.

Ginkgo is an ideal tree that fits quite well with the Midwest climate and soil conditions. It is also capable of adjusting to confined places and would fit in an urban environment. The presence of ginkgo in your garden will add more earthly value.

2. Crab apple tree

It seems that most of the midwestern people are connected to the Crab apple tree. 

The Crab apple tree will be the right choice if you are looking for versatility and easy maintenance.

You will be mesmerized by the blossoms during the spring. This particular tree will beautify your garden as it’s visually appealing throughout the seasons.

The Crab apple tress comes in various sizes. This is more beneficial for the gardeners. You can choose the size you’d wish for your garden.

On average, a crab apple tree is as tall as 20 feet and wouldn’t go beyond that.

In the first year of growth, the crab apple trees need to be watered during the dry season.

Once the crab apple tree establishes roots, you can only water it when the soil is dry. Adding mulch can help the tree to retain moisture.

When the crab apple trees are planted in moderately fertilized soil, you need not go an extra inch to add fertilizer for the tree again. But if you find out that the tree is not blooming well, you can add some compost to the soil.

Keep in mind that you should add any fertilization before spring before the plant shows new growth.

3. Holly Tree

The holly tree has green leaves throughout the year. It’s an attractive tree that can be a great fit for your garden. 

This tree can grow in challenging regions. It is capable of thriving in hardiness. 

Holly tree can be categorized as an evergreen tree. The tree can be used as an ornamental aspect of your garden as it’s wonderfully tall and beautiful.

The holly tree adjusts to the Midwest soil types. It needs about 4 hours of sun and can also survive in regions with less sunlight. It grows in a pyramid shape.

The leaves of the holly tree are leathery and have sharp tips. The holly tree generates green or creamy colored flowers that have a smell great.

If you want your holly trees to pollinate, you must plant four trees. They would produce red berries that most birds would like but could be toxic for humans.

The holly tree, also known as the American holly, has been a great companion for many native Americans.

The holly tree is said to be George Washington’s favorite, and it seems that he has planted several holly trees that are living even today.

Holly tree is a beautiful possession, and the fact that it is capable of sustaining the Midwest land climate is evident that it’s a great pick for a garden.

4. Redbud 

The redbud blooms pink flowers in April. The leaves are reddish-purple which tend to change to dark green and then to yellow.

The redbud is capable of growing in the hardiness areas of America. And hence it can adjust to the soils of the Midwest. Ideally, the redbud would need well-drained soil.

At least 4 hours of direct sunlight is required and also a good amount of partial shade.

The rosebud starts blooming at a young age; it is said to start flowing at 4. It grows very aesthetically in a rounded and vase shape. It enhances your garden’s look.

5. Pagoda dogwood tree

Stepping on to the last on our list. We have the pagoda dogwood tree that can sustain in shady areas. 

This tree could be classified as a large shrub or a medium-sized tree. 

The pagoda dogwood tree is best to grow in moist soils with acidic pH. The pagoda can grow on most soils, but the growth will tend to be slower. 

When it comes to maintaining a pagoda, you must contribute your time and energy to help it grow, unlike the other trees. You need to make compost to keep the soil fertilized for the tree.

Fertilization also enhances the soil to retain water. You can also add mulch to help the soil retain water if you wish.

Pruning can also be down to the pagoda dogwood tree if you find some parts dead or decayed. You should prune before winter so the tree can start growing new leaves. 

Watering your dogwood tree every week could be enough. 

You must place the pagoda dogwood tree so that it gets enough shade during the summers, and during winters, it must get sufficient warmth. 

It’s ideal climate is relatively less humid summers. You can add mulch to the soil to keep the tree cool. 

All of the trees that are listed here could be a great fit for a Midwest harden. The beautiful structures and the ability to pertain in hard environments, the low maintenance, and high benefits have created a higher chance to plant these trees in your garden.

Almost all of these trees need low maintenance. You can choose the right tree for your garden considering the space and the years you’d like to wait to see the tree bloom.

Every tree on the list is a virtual representation of how outstanding nature can be. While the climatic conditions keep changing in the Midwest, it’s important to dedicate time and grow more trees. 

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