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Native trees are a fantastic addition to any Northern Virginia yard, offering numerous benefits to both the ecosystem and your landscape. These trees thrive in the local environment, promoting biodiversity, reducing maintenance, and providing lasting beauty for your outdoor space.
PRO TIP: Want to learn more about plating trees in Northern Virginia? We’ve published several articles detailing planting and caring for trees, including:
Key Takeaways
- Native trees in Northern Virginia require less maintenance and are more resilient to local weather conditions, making them easier and more cost-effective to grow.
- Native trees support local wildlife by providing food and shelter, from large oaks that attract mammals to flowering ornamentals that draw butterflies and birds.
- Unlike invasive species that can harm local ecosystems, native trees complement the environment and help maintain clean water by preventing soil erosion and filtering pollutants.
- While non-native trees can thrive in Northern Virginia, avoid invasive species like Bradford pear and tree-of-heaven, as they can spread uncontrollably and damage local ecology.
- Fall is the optimal planting time for native trees in Northern Virginia, followed by spring.
5 Reasons to Plant Native Trees in Northern Virginia
You’ve likely heard advice from friends and neighbors about planting native trees. And that’s because of the many benefits for Northern Virginia homeowners.
WARNING: While native trees are adapted to our current climate, shifting weather patterns can sometimes make them less suitable for your landscape. As conditions evolve, some native species may lose their resilience, and other tree varieties might become better suited to Northern Virginia’s changing environment
A red maple tree, the most common tree in all of Virginia. Photo courtesy of Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org.
1. Native Trees are Easier to Grow
While growing trees may not be as tricky as learning an instrument, it still isn’t easy. To make things easier on yourself, plant a native tree instead.
Native trees are used to the climate and weather patterns of Northern Virginia and thrive in our soil conditions. The upshot is you won’t have to work as hard to help them grow, though we recommend monitoring them for any signs of stress. Some of the other reasons its easier for you to grow native trees include:
- The trees are often more resilient to floods or droughts.
- Native trees often need less fertilization to thrive.
- You won’t have to provide as much supplemental water to your trees.
You’ll also save money when planting native trees, since they’ll need less frequent work. Though you still won’t need to prune or fertilize the tree as often, you will still want to talk to an arborist regularly about the care you should provide.
2. Native Trees Support Wildlife
Nothing is better than sitting outside on a summer day and seeing some squirrels scurrying around your yard or snapping pictures of butterflies and birds on your property. If you enjoy wildlife on your property, native trees are perfect to encourage more animal activity.
Native trees provide food and shelter for wildlife. Have a big, spacious yard in a place like Fairfax Station? Consider a large oak tree that will attract small mammals like squirrels to your yard.
If you have less space, an ornamental tree can still benefit wildlife. Flowering ornamentals will attract butterflies and provide food and a place to rest.
3. Native Trees Help Us Avoid Introducing Invasive Species to Our Ecosystem
When you plant a native tree, you can rest assured it is non-invasive. Invasive trees and plants can choke out other species and limit biodiversity.
Invasive trees typically have similar characteristics, such as:
- Rapid growth
- Heavy spread of seeds
- No natural predators or controls
- Dense roots to muscle out other species
- Difficult to remove and control
Native trees are not invasive and will complement our ecosystem rather than harm it.
PRO TIP: The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has resources detailing common invasive species. Avoid planting any of these species, including tree-of-heaven.
4. Native Trees Provide Cleaner Water
Native trees can help give us clean water in Northern Virginia. Some of the ways trees benefit our watershed include:
- Reducing soil erosion thanks to roots holding the soil in place
- Filtering water by taking up nitrogen and phosphorus
- Prevents sediments from ending up in the water supply
The flowering dogwood, the state tree of Virginia. Photo courtesy of Richard Webb, Bugwood.org.
5. Native Trees Are a Perfect Addition to Any Yard
Northern Virginia residents are truly fortunate to call this beautiful region home. With its stunning landscapes and diverse native tree options, there’s something for every yard. Whether you’re looking for a delicate ornamental tree or a towering shade provider, Virginia offers a native species that’s just right for your landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Native Trees
What is a native tree?
We consider only trees that grew in the U.S. before European colonialism to be native. That means native trees have typically survived for hundreds or thousands of years.
What are some native trees worth planting in Northern Virginia?
Northern Virginia has many native trees to choose from. Want a small tree for your Alexandria or Arlington yard? Some of our favorite native ornamentals include:
- Flowering dogwood (the state tree of Virginia)
- Redbud
- Serviceberry
- American persimmon
- Sweetbay magnolia
Homeowners with more yard space in McLean or Fairfax Station might consider a shade tree. Some native shade trees to consider include:
- Red maple
- Oaks
- Pines
- Common hackberry
- Sycamores
- Hickories
Consult an arborist before planting to ensure you have sufficient space for whatever tree you plant.
Is it okay to plant non-native trees?
It’s typically okay to plant non-native trees if they can survive in Northern Virginia’s climate. Some introduced species do quite well in our region. Be selective with non-native trees and try to add native trees to your landscape whenever possible.
When choosing a non-native species, avoid invasive species at all costs. These trees can spread out of control and harm the local ecology. Some invasive trees to avoid planting include:
- Bradford pear
- Tree-of-heaven
- Mimosa
- White mulberry
- Norway maple
What is the most common tree in Virginia?
The loblolly pine is the most common tree by volume. Volume accounts for the amount of wood in the tree. When looking at the number of trees, red maples are the most common. Learn more about the types of trees in our area with statistics from the Virginia Department of Forestry.
When should I plant native trees?
We recommend planting your trees in the fall. This gives your trees time to spread their roots and establish themselves before summer.
Spring is also a great time to plant trees. Just be sure you monitor them for signs of summer heat stress and provide supplemental water during periods of drought and extreme heat.
Riverbend Will Help You Care for Your Native Trees
Even if you decide to plant native trees, they will still need work to thrive in Northern Virginia. With regular pruning, fertilization, and mulching, you can have beautiful native trees for your landscape that’ll add value to your property for years to come.
Our team is ready to help with whatever your tree needs, and we offer a full suite of services to keep them healthy. Call Riverbend today at 703-402-9366 or request an estimate online.
Give Us a Call at 703-402-9366
If you'd like help with your trees or landscape, have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Arborists, please give us a call. We'd love to hear from you!
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