There are many great reasons to plant a tree! Perhaps you want to add to Atlanta’s lush tree canopy. Maybe you want to plant a sapling in someone’s honor. You may be interested in adding trees to your yard because they increase your property value. Or perhaps, you just want to look out your window and see something beautiful every day. 

If you want to plant new trees around your property, consider selecting species that are native to your area. It may seem like an insignificant choice, but it actually matters a lot. 

Why Should You Plant Native Trees?

There are so many benefits to planting and maintaining native trees near your home. Here are just three of those benefits!

1. They’re more likely to thrive.

Native trees are perfectly suited to the environment around them. They’re designed to adapt to local conditions, even as the seasons change. This means they’re more likely to survive and grow into mature, healthy trees than non-native species — and they’ll require less care to do so! 

2. They benefit the ecosystem around them. 

Native trees provide natural food and shelter to local wildlife, giving the entire ecosystem a much needed boost. Birds can build their homes, rodents and deer can enjoy tasty snacks, and other creatures can rest in their shade! Flowering trees also welcome local pollinators. What’s more, native trees have been proven to be more resilient in changing climates. This adaptability promotes a balanced ecosystem for years to come. 

3. They’re non-invasive. 

Did you know that native trees tend to know their limits? Some non-native species are prone to overgrowth, choking out other beneficial species in proximity. But native trees are “trained” to thrive in their environments without being overly aggressive to nearby vegetation. This creates diversity in plant life, which makes for a healthier yard! 

Popular Native Trees in Atlanta

There are dozens of common tree species in Georgia, and any of them would make a beautiful addition to your home! If you’re not certain which ones to choose, consult a local arborist in Atlanta. They can tell you which trees are best suited for the spot you have in mind. You can also research these popular native trees as you decide: 

Maple 

Maple trees are a popular choice in Georgia due to their dense canopy that provides shade and their seasonal beauty in autumn! The Sugar Maple shows off brilliant orange hues each fall, while the Red Maple can create any shade from yellow to bright red. 

Oak

Oaks are hardy native trees that have come to be known as a southern staple! The Southern Red Oak is well-suited for life in the forest or in urban areas, and the White Oak thrives when it’s planted young and allowed to mature in the same spot. 

Dogwood

If you’ve driven through any top Atlanta neighborhoods, you’ve undoubtedly seen a beautiful dogwood tree. Its spring blooms in March and April are some of the most beautiful flowers around town! It’s the perfect tree to add beauty to your yard. 

Magnolia

Say hello to our other famous flowering tree — the magnolia! The Southern Magnolia is a large, stately tree that stands tall like a monument, and its large white flowers make their appearance each summer. The Sweetbay Magnolia may be even more conducive to neighborhood environments due to its smaller size, but yes, it also sprouts the same gorgeous blooms.

Pine

Evergreen trees are an important counterpart to deciduous vegetation, preserving air quality and providing forest-green beauty all year round. In Georgia, the Loblolly Pine and White Pine are common varieties. Loblolly pines are harvested for timber in the region often, but they also make beautiful backyard trees. White pines are easy to care for and easy to transplant, making them a great choice if you’re looking to plant an already-mature tree. 

American Beech

This type of beech tree is common in Atlanta – you’ll know it by its golden fall tones and smooth bark! Some yards prefer not to have beech nuts, which are wrapped in a spiny bur, fall from year to year, but others find it a minor annoyance that’s well worth the trade for its beauty. 

Tulip Poplar

Poplar trees thrive in bright, sunny places, so they make beautiful standalone trees in residential neighborhoods. They grow quickly and sprout beautiful blooms in late spring. 

Your Neighborhood Native Tree Experts in Atlanta

Whether you want to identify the trees in your backyard, assess them for diseases and pests, or trim and prune them properly for optimal health, call Northside Tree Professionals. Our certified arborists are trained to help the ecosystem in your yard thrive! 

We have been serving the North Georgia and Metro-Atlanta areas since 1968, and we’re committed to continued excellence and exemplary customer service. We believe that trees are majestic living entities, and we want to help the trees in your yard remain healthy and beautiful for years to come. 

Looking for native tree experts who truly care about you and your trees? Give us a call!