Best Trees for Union County NC
Selecting a tree for the garden is a monumental task as there are so many from which to choose. Consider all of the characteristics of beauty, size, and form when making your selections for your own yard. These 5 are great choices for the heat and humidity of the Piedmont region of North Carolina:
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a lovely evergreen that is ideal for a specimen tree in the landscape. The 
color is bright green most of the year, but it may become bronze colored in the winter, which adds to the interest of this tree. Because it grows tall and slender, the ‘Emerald Green' variety makes an excellent foundation tree, especially when something upright is needed. The ‘Green Giant' arborvitae works well for screening as it grows 2 to 4 feet annually. These trees prefer light to partial sun and well-drained soil.
Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus) is a native small tree or large shrub. As the name implies, the fringe tree 
blooms with silky white flowers in the spring that are scented like honey. This tree is perfect as a specimen tree, placed so the homeowners and passersby can gain the greatest enjoyment for its color and scent. Plant it in full sun with flowers at its base.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is a slow growing tree, but is worth the investment of time. Its unique, fan-shaped leaves turn a lemon yellow in the fall. They cling to the branches for weeks, until, all at once, they drop to the ground, all within a 48-hour period. Plant this tree in an open and sunny spot to accommodate its growth, as some varieties of ginkgo will grow to 80 feet in height.
River Birches (Betula) make beautiful specimen trees as they have unusual peeling bark and an attractive open canopy. The ‘Crimson Frost' birch is a variety that has burgundy foliage in the spring and early summer and nearly white bark. They also like full sun and grow quite large.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier) is a small native tree that satisfies every season. It blooms in the spring, has edible blueberry-like fruit in the summer, impressive red and orange leaves in the fall, and silvery bark for winter interest. The multi-trunk choices are ideal for a specimen planting in a sunny or partly sunny site.
Since trees in the home landscape are tributes and investments, spend time considering all your options. Buy the largest one you can afford, plant it in soil that has been improved with compost, and water it regularly to get it established. These investments in your home's landscape will provide joy for yourself, your family, and the entire neighborhood.
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