Eight native trees we love planting around Asheville

Start with the space

Most of the removals we do on young trees trace back to a planting decision: a red maple set six feet from a foundation, a white pine under a power line, a willow oak in a strip of lawn between driveway and sidewalk. Before choosing a species, measure the space the tree will have at maturity, overhead and underground.

Native trees are adapted to our soils, our humid summers and our ice storms, and they support far more native insects and birds than common ornamentals. Here are eight we plant often, grouped by the situations they suit.

For small yards

Eastern redbud grows 20 to 30 feet with magenta spring flowers before leaf-out and heart-shaped leaves after. It handles partial shade and clay soils.

Serviceberry reaches 15 to 25 feet, flowers white in early spring, and produces berries birds strip within days. Multi-stem forms make excellent screens.

For shade over time

White oak is slow but long-lived, reaching 60 to 80 feet with a broad crown. It supports more species of butterflies and moths than almost any other tree in North America. Give it room and patience.

Tulip poplar grows fast and straight to 80 feet or more with tulip-shaped flowers high in the crown. It is better in larger yards and away from structures because of its size.

For wet or creekside spots

River birch tolerates wet feet and heat, with peeling cinnamon bark that looks good all winter. It reaches 40 to 60 feet.

Sycamore is a creek bank giant with white upper bark. Only plant it where it has space, as it can exceed 80 feet.

For pollinators and fall color

Sourwood is the classic Blue Ridge honey tree, with drooping white flower sprays in midsummer and scarlet fall color. It stays around 25 to 40 feet and prefers acidic, well-drained soil.

Black gum offers some of the most reliable red fall color of any tree and flowers that bees love. It tolerates wet and dry sites and grows 30 to 50 feet.

• Plant in fall when soil is warm and rain is reliable
• Dig wide, not deep, and keep the root flare visible
• Water weekly through the first two summers
• Mulch 2 to 3 inches wide and keep it off the trunk

Our replanting promise

For every tree we remove, we plant a native tree in Buncombe County through local partners. If you would like help choosing and placing new trees on your own property, ask about a planting consultation during your estimate.