Top 7 Arbor-Friendly Tree Species for Successful Growth in Arkansas
Planting trees in Arkansas can do more than just beautify your yard; it's all about getting the perfect trees that grow well in Arkansas' climate, making a real difference in your surroundings. Whether you're looking to combat erosion, fight air pollution, or add a splash of visual interest to your garden, choosing the right tree species can truly transform your landscape.
In Arkansas' hot summers and diverse soil types, opting for trees that can handle well-drained soil, full sun, and drought conditions is crucial. From flowering gems like the 'Pink Pom Poms' Redbud to fruitful wonders like the Stella Cherry, Arkansas offers a diverse set of options for both practical and decorative purposes.
With these trees, you'll not only enhance your yard's beauty but also reap practical benefits. These trees can help cut summer utility bills by providing shade and cooling down your home's exterior. Additionally, they help control noise pollution and filter the air, absorbing carbon dioxide and airborne dust, making them perfect for those living near busy streets.
But the practical side is just the beginning! These trees also bring seasonal beauty to your garden with springtime colors, rich fall foliage, and fragrant blossoms that sweeten any space.
From Little Rock to the Ouachita Mountains, there's a tree waiting to make your yard into an oasis. Whether you need large shade providers like the Wireless Zelkova or deciduous trees with autumn charm like the Chinese Pistache, there's something for every taste and space. So celebrate Arbor Day by picking the perfect tree for your Arkansas home and contributing to a healthier, greener environment.
Best Trees to Plant in Arkansas
1. Stella Cherry Tree
The Stella Cherry Tree is a fantastic choice thanks to its self-pollinating nature, making it easier to grow in small spaces. Its sweet, dark red cherries give you fruit in just 3-5 years, and its vibrant white spring blossoms offer delightful visual appeal. To promote growth, plant the Stella Cherry in full sun and make sure the hole for planting is deep enough for the root ball and three times as wide for its young root system. Mulching around the tree helps retain soil moisture.
2. Amberglow Redwood Tree
The Amberglow Redwood is a standout deciduous tree that offers year-round color. With its rapid growth and beautiful autumn foliage, this tree is perfect for providing shade and visual appeal to Arkansas yards. Its deep, reddish-orange leaves and pyramidal form make it an excellent choice for those who love trees that stand out. Plant the Amberglow Redwood in well-drained soil, and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight for the most vibrant colors.
3. Wireless Zelkova Tree
Due to its shorter height and broad, horizontal branches, the Wireless Zelkova is perfect for smaller spaces or areas with power lines. This deciduous tree offers brilliant red fall colors and a unique, vase-like form. The Wireless Zelkova thrives in various soil types if it receives ample sunlight (six to eight hours a day) and regular watering during its early growth phase.
4. Chinese Pistache Tree
The Chinese Pistache Tree is a top choice if you're looking for a tree that shines during autumn foliage. With its stunning display of orange, red, and yellow leaves, this tree is an excellent addition for anyone who wants a splash of color in their yard. This shade tree is also incredibly drought-tolerant and helps cool down your space by offering shade. When planting the Chinese Pistache, make sure it gets bright sun and provides ample room for its root system during planting.
5. Brightwell Blueberry
The Brightwell Blueberry is like a dream come true for fruit lovers. This rabbiteye blueberry variety thrives in the Arkansas climate, resists pests and diseases, and yields up to 15 pounds of blueberries per plant each season. However, it's important to note that Brightwell Blueberries aren't self-pollinating, so plant multiple bushes or a good pollinator nearby for an abundant harvest.
6. 'Pink Pom Poms' Redbud Tree
The double lavender flowers of the 'Pink Pom Poms' Redbud Tree make it a show-stopper among flowering trees. Its heart-shaped leaves add an extra touch of charm, and it prefers rich soil and partial to full sun. This tree is perfect for those shady areas in the yard that still get a little light. To give the roots room to spread, dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball.
7. Red Rose of Sharon Althea Tree
The Red Rose of Sharon Althea Tree is an excellent fit for Arkansas gardens due to its ability to thrive in full sun. Known for its stunning red blooms, this deciduous tree can add vibrant color to your landscape from late summer through fall. Plant the Red Rose of Sharon in a hole wide enough for its root system, and mulch around the base to help retain soil moisture.
Arkansas Trees for Multiple Benefits
For environmentally-conscious gardeners, it's important to consider trees that can thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 8, which encompass much of Arkansas. Here are some tree options that provide cooling efficiency, erosion control, air pollution mitigation, and visual interest:
1. Oak Trees- Native to Arkansas and well-suited to its climate.- Provide excellent shade for cooling efficiency.- Deep root systems help control soil erosion effectively.- Capture air pollutants and produce oxygen, improving air quality.- Offer charming seasonal foliage changes.
2. Sweet Acacia (Acacia farnesiana)- Thrives in warm zones like Arkansas (Zones 7-9), noted for drought tolerance.- Its deep roots improve soil stabilization and erosion control.- The fragrant yellow flowers attract pollinators.- Being drought-tolerant, it contributes to sustainable watering practices while providing shade and air filtration.
3. Olive Tree (Olea europaea)- Adapts to Zone 8, fitting Arkansas's climate on the warmer southern edges.- Evergreen silvery-green leaves conserve moisture and add unique visual texture.- Deep roots help stabilize slopes and reduce erosion.- Olive trees help filter air pollutants and provide shade.
4. Other Native Hardwoods and Shade Trees- Maples, hickories, and elms are also suitable for Arkansas, providing dense canopies for shade.- These trees improve air quality through particulate capture and carbon sequestration.- Their seasonal color changes add significant visual interest.
By choosing trees that meet your aesthetic and practical needs from this list, you can build an eco-friendly landscape that caters to your needs and the environment. Click here to find out which trees best suit your area within Arkansas!
In Arkansas, the Stella Cherry Tree and 'Pink Pom Poms' Redbud Tree are excellent additions for those who love decorative landscapes, as they offer vibrant colors and charming visual appeal. Home-and-garden enthusiasts who prioritize both a beautiful lifestyle and a practical home improvement can find these trees especially appealing when combined with other eco-friendly trees, such as the Sweet Acacia or Olive Tree, for mitigating air pollution, providing shade, controlling soil erosion, and enhancing the garden's visual interest. Gardening with these trees will not only result in a picturesque yard but also contribute to a healthier and greener environment for everyone in Arkansas.
