Connecticut Guide to Growing Trees

Trees are important for Connecticut's future, as well as its present. If you're looking for a guide on what you need to know when it comes to growing trees in Connecticut, then you've come to the right place! This guide will teach you how to ensure your tree will grow successfully.

The Best Flowering Trees to Grow in Connecticut

Kwanzan Cherry Tree

The showiest of the Cherry Tree family, Kwanzan plants add unmatched color to spring with their double pink flowers. This tree comes in a variety of colors, including pink and white flowers. The double-pink variety of this tree offers a beautiful mix that includes twice the petals and blooms. In the spring and fall, it also produces golden autumn leaves. It blooms in April, making for four seasons of visual interest in your yard. The Kwanzan Cherry is easy to grow and can thrive in almost any soil. You don't have to feel like you have to spend hours working on it, as there's no guesswork with the cherry tree.

Planting & Care

Kwanzan trees require moist, well-drained soil and at least 4 hours of sunlight daily. To plant one, dig a hole that's 2x the diameter of its root ball; make sure it has a small mound in the center to set on; spread tree roots out, leaving some above ground and fill with dirt. Finally, cover it with mulch after planting for moisture conservation. Water your tree when the top 2 inches of soil dries. Flowering Cherry trees will not require fertilizer for the first two years, but you can add some after that annually for each year of the tree’s age with up to 1 pound per year. Apply it once in the spring or split it into 4 equal applications over spring and summer. When flowers and fruit are gone, they should be removed from the tree for new flower buds to grow. Winter pruning is necessary to remove any dead or damaged branches.

Ruby Falls Redbud Tree

Love Redbuds? Your new favorite variety, the Ruby Falls Redbud, offers the dependability you crave with an exciting shade that’s perfect for your landscape. The leaves are attractive and broad; the blooms have charming buds and flowers; the winter silhouette is interesting. Plus it has new features to make this tree more desirable than ever! Unlike any other tree in Connecticut, the new Ruby Falls Redbud features deep red-purple leaves that are unlike any other this time of year. This tree offers an arresting winter display with its irregular branches. As winter approaches, the unusual growth pattern of this tree makes it a stunning focal point in your yard. Whether you plant it alone or with other trees, this tree ups your garden to a whole new level.

Planting & Care

Choose a location with well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your tree. Place it in the hole and fill it with rich, partially composted topsoil. Spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch over the spot for additional moisture control. Starting in your first year, water your tree about once or twice a week. For the next two years, you can let the rain do the work. Still, check beneath its roots to make sure they have enough moisture for sustenance. Start by fertilizing the tree early in the spring. Apply fertilizer or compost that contains 5-10-5 according to instructions on the package, and apply evenly around where roots grow. Trim the tree after the blooming season begins. Begin by removing any low-hanging branches with poor branching structure, then cut off larger branches at their base close to where they meet without leaving a stub. Continue trimming overtime as necessary for a more uniform shape. In late winter, remove dead or damaged pieces along with any shoots growing from below the trunk.

Sargent Crabapple Tree

The Sargent Crabapple will provide your property with nearly year-round greenery. It is ideal for small yards and sloped areas or under utility lines as a small, compact tree. The size makes it suitable as a hedge or privacy barrier, along fence lines, patios, sidewalks or in mixed borders. The Sargent Crabapple has a year-long bloom that starts with white flowers in the spring and ends with bright red fruit harvested in the winter. The fragrant flowers and bright red fruit of the Sargent Crabapple attract robins, hummingbirds, and other pretty wildlife. Excellent for Bonsai gardening due to its dense foliage and branches that branch out well. Mixes well with apple trees as it is a great pollinator. The Sargent Crabapple is a tree that can handle fluctuating climates and soil types. It's easy to transplant and will even grow in dry conditions after it has been established. Plus, this variety of crabapple has excellent disease resistance.

Planting & Care

The Sargent crabapple is versatile and does well in any type of soil, from alkaline to acidic. Once you have your location selected, dig a hole that’s large enough to accommodate the root ball of your tree. Place it there and backfill it with soil while watering the surrounding area next to the roots. The Sargent Crabapple is a tree that prefers moist, well-drained soil. If you live in a moderate climate, rainfall may be sufficient to keep your tree hydrated. In drier areas, grab some soil and water it when the surface feels dry about 3 inches deep. Add fertilizer each year with a 5-5-5 ratio come early spring. The Sargent Crabapple doesn't require significant pruning; just lightly prune winter annually to remove any damaged branches.

The Best Shade Trees in Connecticut

'Golden Curls' Corkscrew Willow

The Golden Curls Corkscrew Willow lives up to its name. It has attractive foliage and golden bark during wintertime, as well as cold hardy growth. Down to -30 degrees, it's also elegant with an upright growth habit. The benefits of Willow trees are two-fold. They require little maintenance and grow in most soil types, providing immediate shade with a beautiful appearance.

Planting & Care

The Corkscrew Willow tree is highly resistant to drought and adaptable in most soils. For planting, dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball. After placing the tree inside the new hole, backfill around it gently but firmly and water thoroughly to establish roots properly. Newly planted willow should be watered regularly for the first year or so, typically around once per week. If you want to help your Willow grow faster, apply slow-release fertilizer before new growth begins in the spring. Pruning is unnecessary, but if you would like to shape your Golden Curls into a weeping habit, decide which branches need trimming and do them twice or three times per year.

Dawn Redwood Tree

A Dawn Redwood is the perfect tree for those with an easier approach to finding and planting trees. It offers gorgeous leaves in springtime, spectacular colors during the Summer months and amazing textures that can be appreciated throughout Fall as well. The surprising qualities of this plant are that it needs no extra tools or care to survive! If you're looking for a low-maintenance way to install new greenery in your yard, then this may be the right choice! Standing water is not a problem for the Dawn Redwood. If you have low areas in your landscape that fill with water during heavy rain, plant this tree. Most other trees cannot survive in this type of environment, but this tree loves it and soaks it up to grow to amazing heights of up to 50 feet!

Planting & Care

To grow your Redwood, you will need well-draining soil placed in an area with full sun. Plant it in a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. If you live in an area prone to drought or rain is inconsistent, consider applying a thick layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture. Make sure your Dawn Redwood gets at least one-inch water each week during its initial phases and more if needed (typically every 2-3 weeks).

The Best Fruit Trees in Connecticut

North Star Cherry

The North Star Cherry Tree was introduced by the University of Minnesota in 1950. It is bred for fast production of cherries and cold hardiness, with plump, tart cherries that are ideal for snacking directly from the tree or baking. This self-fertile tree is both small and easy to adapt to, which means it’s perfect for any landscape. It can also produce fruit naturally on its own so more of these trees will provide even more flowers and fruits.

Planting & Care

To grow the North Star tree successfully, it needs a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. Dig three times the width of the root ball into your ground to set it down before covering it with mulch for moisture conservation. If your tree has received at least an inch of rain every 10 days, then no additional watering is necessary. If a season is hot and dry and receiving rainfall isn’t enough, water by using a slow trickle garden hose running near the base of the tree. The simplest way to check if it's time to water is by digging a 2-3 inch hole in the ground. If there's no moisture, then you should water your tree. Prune winter after the first year and as necessary to remove weak branches, prune once a year for height management. Apply nitrogen fertilizer in the spring and midsummer twice per annum, 2 weeks apart. Fertilize your tree at a maximum rate of 10-10-10 - rates depend on the formulation, so always follow package directions. The application should be 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk and shouldn’t happen after mid-summer in colder climates.

Heritage Everbearing Raspberry Plant

Heritage Everbearing Raspberry bushes are a recently developed raspberry bush, bred for huge and delicious berries that can endure drought or disease. Heritage does not rely on harsh chemicals but instead thrives in temperate climates with one growing year. The heritage everbearing raspberry is a strong and hardy plant, which thrives in most soil types and even tolerates cold climates. It is perfect for beginners as well as expert gardeners alike. Heritage is an ornamental variety that grows well in the ground or a container, tolerates cold down to -20 degrees, and thrives as drought tolerant once established. With Heritage, you don’t need a green thumb to enjoy fresh berries from summer through winter. Raspberries that are of the highest quality now come from your backyard!

Planting & Care

Plant your Heritage tree in a location that has plenty of suns and well-drained soil. Dig a hole that is at least 2 times the size of its pot and backfill with fresh, organic soil to settle the roots. Plants planted in a container should not have drainage holes, as they do not provide enough water for the plant’s roots. Make sure you water your raspberry plant weekly, checking the top 2 inches of soil for dryness. Prune it in the fall and make sure to cut any sideways-growing canes.

When is The Best Time to Plant Trees in Connecticut

The best time to plant trees in Connecticut is during April and May. This is a great time because most trees are not flowering, so there will be no insect or disease problems. These two months also have cooler temperatures, which can keep the tree healthier. However, if you want your trees to grow as quickly as possible, then you should try planting them between October and November. This will give them plenty of time before winter sets in so that they can get a good start on the ground.

Can You Plant All Season Long?

Yes! Connecticut is a great place to garden all season long. Even if it can be difficult, with the right knowledge and preparation it can be done! With a little research, you should have no problem finding out what you need to do for your area.

What are The Best Trees to Plant Each Season in Connecticut

Springtime

If you are looking for a tree that will grow well in spring, then consider planting an Eastern Redbud or flowering Dogwood. Other tree options for those looking to plant flowering trees that will provide color and fragrance, are Magnolias and Cherry Blossom Trees.

Summertime

In summer, it is time to think about shade trees like Oak Trees with their beautiful leaves! give a try to white oak and pin oak.

Fall time

Fall is all about deciduous trees for stunning fall colors like Maple tree varieties and Great Oaks. Fall is also a great idea to plant trees like Elm Trees. These are a good choice because of their beautiful colors in the fall. Another cool tree for Connecticut residents would be an Ironwood Tree! Not only does this tree provide autumn shades but it also provides winter protection and springtime flowers as well!

Wintertime

Tulip poplar trees are a great choice for wintertime because they have beautiful yellow leaves. Spruce and pine evergreens also work well in colder weather.

What Trees Have The Least Invasive Roots in Connecticut

Many people don't know that Connecticut has a variety of trees with the least invasive roots. The American Elm, Eastern Redbud Tree, Coastal Live Oak, and Flowering Dogwood are just a few examples of trees less likely to damage your garden or surroundings.