You can easily add height, structure, shape, and interest to your property by selecting trees and plants that require low maintenance in any season. Some homeowners may choose smaller varieties of trees thinking they require less care, however, that isn’t necessarily the case. If the idea of growing large plants and trees worries you, there are plenty of large varieties that are easy to upkeep. As long as the ground is prepared, and the tree is suitable for your climate, maintenance is not very difficult. Choosing these types of plants and trees will usually require only water and a trim in the winter.
Some trees and plants, however, are best avoided because of their higher maintenance. Those with invasive roots can cause problems with buildings, as well as trees with messy berries or nuts that need frequent cleaning up. Easy-care trees grow in many different soils, light conditions and climates. With just a small bit of attention, they provide shade, privacy, and beauty.
Best Low Maintenance Trees
These easy care trees are prime for practicality, function, and beauty in New Jersey’s climate:
- Silver Birch-its white bark makes it beautiful in any season, but it especially looks majestic in winter.
- Ornamental Cherry–Cherry trees are a popular choice for many homeowners. Their beautiful pink or white flowers bloom in early spring. These trees like full sun and well drained soil.
- Dogwood Trees– bloom in the Spring. Their pink and white flowers make a popular choice for gardens.
- Amelanchier– this tree is also known as “Shadbush” and “June Serviceberry.” It blooms in late April to May and has white star-shaped flowers on copper colored foliage. This slim tree adds interest to any garden and will grow in almost any type of soil.
- Crab Apple-the Crab Apple tree is a great addition to any home. There are different varieties and heights. The Crab Apple also provides nectar and pollen for insects. It has small blossoms and requires little water.
- Crape Myrtle-this tree has crinkly-edged blooms in white, purple, or violet in the summer, then yellow, gold, and orange foliage in the fall, and finally gorgeous peeling gray-orange bark in the winter.
Best Trees for Cold Weather Climates
In winter, trees go dormant, but still need protection from the element, especially if they are newly planted. With just a little bit of care they will survive. Laying mulch, watering until the ground freezes, and wrapping some varieties are a few ways to maintain them. Some trees may be low maintenance, however, may not fare well in the colder weather. Others, for example, thrive and may even bloom in winter.
- Chinese or Lacebark Elm
- Coral Bark Japanese Maple
- Crape Myrtle
- Japanese Stewartia
- Serviceberry or Amelanchier
How to Choose the Right Tree
Trees and plants are an important investment. Before you buy any trees you should consult a specialist. Blessing Trees Service can help you do that. Their skilled arborists are knowledgeable in all varieties of trees and can suggest which are best suited for your property.
@Gardening_Etc. “Best Low Maintenance Trees: 11 Easy Options for Plots Big and Small.” gardeningetc.com, October 3, 2021. https://www.gardeningetc.com/advice/best-low-maintenance-trees.
Top Trees That Bloom In Winter & Fall | Bio Advanced. “Top Trees That Bloom In Winter & Fall | Bio Advanced.” Accessed January 3, 2023. https://bioadvanced.com/top-trees-fall-and-winter-interest.
Winter Tree Care | Bio Advanced. “Winter Tree Care | Bio Advanced.” Accessed January 3, 2023. https://bioadvanced.com/tree-care-winter.
