What Trees Are These? Common Trees in the Madison Area
Trees play a vital role in enhancing our yards, contributing to the urban forest, and benefiting our environment. In this article, we’ll explore six remarkable yard trees that thrive in Madison. Let's delve into their appearances, growth speeds, locations within the city, as well as the positives and negatives of having them in your yard. We’ll also share some essential care tips to ensure their long-term health and beauty.
1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
A gorgeous Red Maple in the fall.
The Red Maple is a stunning deciduous tree known for its vibrant red foliage in the fall. It can reach a height of 40-60 feet, with a moderate growth rate. You can find this majestic tree gracing yards and streetscapes throughout Madison.
One of the main benefits of having a Red Maple in your yard is its aesthetic appeal. The vibrant autumn colors create a captivating display. Moreover, this tree species is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, including both wet and dry sites.
One potential drawback of the Red Maple is its shallow root system, which can sometimes lead to surface roots that may interfere with sidewalks or driveways. Additionally, the tree can produce a large amount of leaf litter in the fall, requiring regular cleanup.
Red Maple Care Tips
Water this tree for about 30 minutes every week during dry periods, especially when the tree is young. Pruning is best performed during late winter or early spring to train this tree to have a strong resilient growth structure.
2. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
This beautiful Bur Oak graces the side of a rural road
The Bur Oak is a magnificent native tree with broad, spreading branches and deeply-lobed leaves. It grows slowly but can eventually reach a height of 70-80 feet. Mature Bur Oaks are commonly found in older parts of Madison and dotting our beautiful rural landscape.
The Bur Oak offers exceptional shade and is highly resilient, making it a perfect addition to any yard. Its large acorns provide a valuable food source for wildlife. Furthermore, this tree is known for its longevity, sometimes living for several hundred years.
The slow growth rate of the Bur Oak means it takes time to reach its full potential. Additionally, the tree's large size may be unsuitable for small yards or spaces close to buildings.
Bur Oak Care Tips
Regularly mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and control weeds. Pruning should be minimal, primarily to remove dead or damaged branches. Madison has an ordinance against pruning or removing any Oaks between April and October to help avoid the spread of Oak Wilt.
3. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
This Eastern White Pine towers over its neighbors
The Eastern White Pine is an evergreen conifer with soft, feathery needles and a graceful appearance. It can grow rapidly and reach heights exceeding 120 feet. While commonly found in natural areas, you can also incorporate this tree into your Madison yard. Mature White Pines are common throughout Madison. Look for long needles that are grouped into bunches of five.
The Eastern White Pine offers year-round greenery, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens and windbreaks. It provides a distinctive and refreshing scent, enhancing the atmosphere of your yard. Moreover, this tree serves as a habitat for various bird species.
The primary challenge with Eastern White Pines is their susceptibility to certain pests and diseases, such as white pine blister rust and pine needle scale. Look for yellowing needles and call us if you have questions.
4. Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Looking up at the canopy of mature Honeylocusts
The Honeylocust is a deciduous tree with delicate, fern-like foliage and a distinctive branching pattern. It grows at a moderate rate and can reach heights of 30-70 feet. This tree is commonly found in parks, residential areas, and along streets in Madison.
There are a couple along Monroe Street that exhibit giant thorns along the trunks (hybridized nursery Honeylocusts do not grow thorns). These thorns are thought to have developed to discourage large herbivores like Mastadons from eating the foliage.
The Honeylocust offers dappled shade, allowing sunlight to filter through its open canopy. Its attractive leaves turn a lovely yellow in the fall. This tree is also known for its tolerance of urban conditions, including compacted soil and pollution.
Honeylocusts need attention when young to ensure proper form, avoiding codominant trunks that are susceptible to splitting in early summer storms. Some homeowners complain that the small leaves are a pain to clean up in the fall.
Honeylocust Care Tips
Regular watering is crucial during the early stages of growth, and the tree benefits from well-drained soil. Pruning should be conducted during winter to remove dead or damaged branches.
5. Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
The Japanese Lilac Tree in fragrant spring bloom
The Japanese Tree Lilac is a small deciduous tree known for its showy, creamy white flower clusters and glossy dark green leaves. It typically grows at a moderate pace and reaches heights of 20-30 feet. You can find this lovely tree in gardens, parks, and residential landscapes throughout Madison.
The Japanese Tree Lilac adds elegance and fragrance to any yard. Its blossoms attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, enhancing the biodiversity of your surroundings. This tree is also relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy homeowners.
One potential drawback of the Japanese Tree Lilac is its susceptibility to powdery mildew, a fungal disease that can affect the foliage. Adequate spacing between trees and good air circulation can help minimize this issue. Additionally, this tree requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.
Japanese Tree Lilac Care Tips
Provide well-drained soil and regular watering during dry periods. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture and deter weeds.
6. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
The Serviceberry’s gorgeous spring flowers
The Serviceberry, also known as Juneberry or Saskatoon, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub that offers a delightful display of white blossoms in the spring. It typically grows at a moderate pace and reaches heights of 15-25 feet. There are examples of Serviceberry trees along the walking path near the western entrance to Vilas Park near Lake Wingra.
The Serviceberry tree is highly valued for its ornamental beauty. In early spring, it showcases abundant clusters of delicate white flowers, creating a stunning focal point in your yard. Following the blooms, the tree produces small edible berries that are delicious for people and attract a variety of bird species. The fall foliage of Serviceberry trees is equally impressive, with shades of red, orange, and yellow. This is a great low-growing screening tree.
One potential drawback of the Serviceberry tree is its susceptibility to pests, such as sawflies and cedar rust. Regular monitoring and appropriate care can help mitigate these issues.
Serviceberry Care Tips
Serviceberry trees thrive in well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic. Ensure proper watering during dry periods, especially during the tree's establishment phase. Pruning is typically performed in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Choosing Trees for Your Yard
Madison's urban forest is blessed with a diverse selection of trees that contribute to the beauty and environmental well-being of our city. Each tree offers unique qualities, from vibrant autumn colors to fragrant blossoms and wildlife attraction.
While all trees bring numerous benefits, it is important to consider their specific characteristics and potential drawbacks when selecting trees for your yard. By understanding their growth patterns, positive attributes, and potential challenges, you can make informed decisions and ensure proper care to help them flourish.
If you need any advice on choosing a new tree for your yard, or if you have a tree that needs attention, please reach out to Madison’s Tree Care experts at Tree House Arbor Science.