What Are The Advantages Of Planting Native Trees In Ohio?
Why Native Trees Are Best for Ohio
Native plants and trees are key to keeping a local ecosystem strong. They have developed a natural ability to withstand the climate and thrive in the environment. Desert plants live off infrequent waterings, while tropical plants can withstand humid, moist environments. Humans relocate seeds and take plants to other states or regions of the world with good intentions, but this can cause a tree to become invasive. By respecting the region and planting native trees, you’re helping local plants, birds, insects, and other animals thrive.
Supporting the Native Pollinator Community
One of the major benefits of planting native trees is how they feed into the local ecosystem. Protecting native insects is crucial and can be done by providing them with one of their primary food sources: nectar. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and other native plants all play an important role in providing pollen for insects. Bees, butterflies, and moths work tirelessly to pollinate crops across the country. Native insects are responsible for a significant portion of the food people consume. Fruit, seeds, nuts, vegetables, and crop feed all require pollination. Trees and plants help more than just the insects; they help the local community, too. Making your home landscape a place for bees to pollinate supports local agriculture and farmers. Without these local species of trees, the local pollinator suffers. Some insects will continue returning to the same plants over and over as their source of pollen, so every single Ohio native plant truly makes a difference. If you’re interested in adding more native plants to your property, Joseph Tree can guide you through the decision-making process and offer our planting and care services.
Native Trees Have Adapted to the Local Climate
Over many years, the trees native to Ohio have adapted and evolved with other native animals, plants, and insects. Native plants are familiar with the local ecosystem and their role in supporting the surrounding nature. From the harsh winters to Ohio’s soil, rich with nutrients, trees native to this area of the country have adapted and can easily survive. Native trees typically don’t require fertilizer in such substantial quantities because they can thrive in the native soil. Thankfully, Ohio has rich soils that are a product of the rivers carrying sediments throughout the state, but not every region is like that. In a desert landscape, a tree not native to the area may struggle in the dry, sandy soil. The harsh, dry temperatures can cause foreign plants to struggle much more than their native counterparts. States on the eastern coastline experience more intensely varying seasonal weather, which can cause stress on trees and plants not native to the area. Trees that are native to Ohio are more likely to thrive, helping to build a strong native community of plants. We highly recommend planting trees and plants native to the region in order to preserve the beautiful ecosystem we are so lucky to have.
Creating A Shelter for Local Wildlife
Native trees and plants often offer shelter and food, keeping them safe from other local wildlife. When a property owner embraces the importance of supporting local species, they help the entire local ecosystem thrive. Birds often rely on trees to provide them with food and shelter. While birds can get food from other native plants in the area, trees are an important facet of their day-to-day life. Nesting in native trees is typical for many common birds in Ohio. Because native trees draw more native insects and often provide more sufficient shelter for the local climate, birds tend to prefer native plants over non-native plants. Not only will a native tree offer food in the form of insects, but fruit and seeds as well. Many birds prefer native fruits and seek them out for food. From intense summer thunderstorms to harsh winters, trees native to Ohio are the best option for supporting local wildlife.
Ohio Trees are More Self-Sufficient
Over many generations, native plants adapt to the local environment. When trees are moved to climates they are unfamiliar with, they will either struggle or thrive so much that they become invasive. Native plants have learned to survive despite the circumstances, whatever they may be. Trees that are native to Ohio are likely to require less care. They have adapted to the soil conditions, the weather, rainfall, and frosts, and adjusted their nutrient needs. Trees that are planted in urban environments may not have as significant a biodiversity, and the soil may not be as nutrient-dense. Speak with an arborist to get a better understanding of your options.
The Downsides of Planting Non-Native Trees
Non-native trees have been known to quickly become invasive. If non-native trees spread rapidly without being challenged by native diseases, predators, or other trees, they may begin to replace existing native species. In some regions, invasive trees have become a massive problem that requires intervention to protect Ohio ecosystems. Non-native trees may block light, steal water, and steal nutrients with their expansive root systems. As plants adapt to their environment, they often find ways to coexist, but as humans introduce non-native species into a region, the rapid and unnatural spread can be devastating.
If that isn’t enough to deter you from planting foreign species, non-native trees may require more attention and care. Native plants adapt to their environment over many generations. Unlike native species, these trees may not have the natural protection against local pests and diseases. The landscape may not provide the appropriate nutrients the tree requires in order to stay healthy. The climate may be too harsh for trees from other regions of the country. With non-native trees, you are likely going to be forced into providing more nutrients, water, and general care to keep them healthy.
Local Arborists Providing Native Ohio Trees
We strongly believe in planting native trees that will thrive in Central Ohio. Not only do native trees withstand the climate more efficiently, but they also help promote a healthier ecosystem for other plants, birds, and other wildlife. To get more information on our services and how we can provide native trees for your property, contact Joseph Tree today.