These are the Best Native Trees for Your Winston-Salem Yard

Want your new tree to thrive instead of just survive? Many Winston-Salem homeowners learn the hard way that not all trees are cut out for our unique growing conditions.

But there’s good news. Our city, recognized as a Tree City USA for over 17 years, has consistently proven that the right trees can flourish here. The secret? Planting a wide variety of native tree species. Let’s explore why our growing conditions are unique and which native trees will thrive here to help transform your Winston-Salem landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Native trees handle Winston-Salem’s clay soil and unpredictable weather better than most non-native species, with roots adapted to our unique conditions.
• Large shade trees like white oak and red maple can reduce energy costs and increase property value, while medium trees like dogwood and redbud add seasonal color.
• Smaller native trees such as serviceberry and Carolina silverbell work perfectly in urban yards or under power lines.
• Fall planting (October-December) gives new trees the best chance of success, with proper site preparation being key to healthy growth.

Understanding What Makes Winston-Salem Different

Before you head to the garden center, or better yet, your local native plant nursery, you need to know what our growing conditions are like. Our area has some difficulties that can make or break your tree’s success:

The Famous Red Clay

Ask any local gardener or landscaper about our soil, and they’ll probably roll their eyes. The infamous Piedmont clay soil, known locally as Carolina Red Clay, is dense and tricky. It holds too much water when it’s wet and turns brick-hard when it’s dry, becoming nearly impenetrable.

However, these soils are jam-packed with nutrients, which is why we have such lush forests surrounding our communities. So, if a tree could establish a healthy root system here, it would enjoy an endless stream of nutrition for healthy growth.

The Highs and Lows of Piedmont Weather

Winston-Salem weather keeps us guessing year-round. We deal with steamy summers in the 90s, occasional winter ice storms that can snap branches, and everything in between.

These temperature swings, combined with increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns and risk of high winds during hurricanes and tornados, create stress that many ornamental and non-native species simply can’t handle without a robust root system.

Urban Growing Challenges

Trees in urban and suburban areas face extra challenges. New neighborhoods often have poor soil from construction. Homes, driveways, and roads limit root growth. And all that pavement absorbs heat and makes the surrounding area even hotter.

These factors often spell trouble for trees chosen solely for their aesthetic appeal without considering their ideal growing requirements. But don’t worry – we’ll show you which trees can thrive in the midst of these urban challenges.

Why Native Trees Win in the Winston-Salem Area

Yes, growing conditions here in Winston-Salem and the greater Piedmont region can be difficult. But this is where native trees prove their worth. Through centuries of adaptation, these species have developed specific traits to overcome local challenges:

• Their roots know exactly how to handle our tricky clay soil
• Their strong branches stand up to winter ice and storm damage
• They can deal with the extremes of our local weather patterns without excessive maintenance
• They’ve spent generations adapting to everything Winston Salem throws at them
• They add beauty and shade with minimal care from you
• They’re better equipped to fend off local pests and diseases

Best Large Native Trees for Shade

Looking to add some serious shade to your yard? These trees are treasured for their ability to cool your property and cut those summer energy bills. Plus, they can thrive for decades with relatively low effort, aside from regular pruning and supplemental watering during drought.

White Oak (Quercus alba)

Want a tree your grandkids, and their kids, will be able to enjoy? White Oak is the champion of all Piedmont trees. It grows wide and sturdy, with branches that create the perfect shade canopy. Its deep roots help hold soil in place on slopes, and local birds and other native wildlife absolutely love this tree.

• Mature height: 50-80 feet
• Light needs: Full sun
• Notable feature: Lives for centuries
• Fall color: Deep burgundy to brown

Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Don’t let this tall beauty fool you – it’s actually one of the easiest large trees to grow here. It grows straight and strong, making it perfect for the back of your yard. Just don’t plant it too close to your home. In spring, it puts on a show with yellow-orange flowers that look just like tulips.

• Mature height: 60-90 feet
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Notable feature: Stunning yellow flowers in spring
• Fall color: Bright yellow

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

One of the most popular native trees across the entire eastern United States, the red maple also thrives right here in the Piedmont area. It’s not fussy about growing conditions and can even thrive in new areas with new construction. It’s a great addition to most properties, especially those that want vibrant fall colors.

• Mature height: 40-60 feet
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Notable feature: Early spring flowers
• Fall color: Brilliant red

Best Medium Native Trees for Beauty

Need something smaller but still want a big impact? These medium-sized trees pack a lot of wow-factor into a more manageable package. They’re perfect for most suburban yards in the Winston-Salem area and won’t overwhelm your space.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

There’s a reason you see these everywhere in our area! Plant one in a spot with filtered sunlight, and you’ll get four seasons of beauty. Spring brings white or pink flowers, summer offers nice shade, fall delivers red berries and burgundy leaves, and winter shows off its interesting branching pattern. Plant these in view of your favorite windows.

• Mature height: 20-35 feet
• Light needs: Partial shade to filtered sun
• Notable feature: Four-season interest
• Fall color: Deep burgundy red

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Looking for early spring color? Redbud is your tree. Before other trees start leafing out, redbuds bursts into bloom with gorgeous purple-pink flowers all along its branches. It’s a tough little tree that handles our clay soil like a pro, and its heart-shaped leaves are a bonus. Plant them along with flowering dogwood for a stunning display of color in spring.

• Mature height: 20-30 feet
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Notable feature: Early purple blooms in spring
• Fall color: Yellow

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)

Here’s an overlooked tree that should be planted more often. Sourwood brings flowers to your yard in summer, providing beautiful contrast in an otherwise endless sea of green. Its sweet-smelling flowers dangle like lily-of-the-valley, and pollinators can’t resist them. Perfect for smaller spaces, sourwood won’t take over your yard.

• Mature height: 25-30 feet
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Notable feature: Fragrant summer flowers
• Fall color: Brilliant red to purple

Best Small Native Trees for Urban Lots

Think you don’t have room for a new tree? Think again! These compact natives are perfect for even the smallest of yards. They’re perfect under power lines, near patios, or anywhere you want beauty or dappled shade.

American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)

American hornbeam is often called “musclewood” thanks to its interesting bark patterns. It’s a shade-loving tree that creates natural privacy without getting too big. Birds love its seeds in winter, and it never needs much pruning to keep its shape neat.

• Mature height: 20-30 feet
• Light needs: Partial to full shade
• Notable feature: Distinctive smooth gray bark
• Fall color: Yellow to orange-red

Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

This multi-tasking tree puts on a show all year. It starts with white flowers when winter’s barely over, follows up with berries you can eat (if the birds don’t beat you to them), and wraps up with amazing fall colors. It’s perfect for creating privacy without blocking views of the sunset above.

• Mature height: 15-25 feet
• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Notable feature: Edible berries
• Fall color: Orange to deep red

Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)

Want something unique? Carolina Silverbell is a local treasure that dangles white, bell-shaped flowers in spring. It’s not picky about our clay soil and looks great near your home’s foundation or in woodland gardens. Even its seed pods add visual interest in winter.

• Mature height: 15-30 feet
• Light needs: Partial shade
• Notable feature: Bell-shaped flowers in spring
• Fall color: Clear yellow

Planning Your Tree Planting Project

Everyone in the Winston Salem area should be planting new trees whenever possible, especially since our communities lose nearly 1% of our urban canopy every year.

Timing is everything when planting trees in Winston-Salem. Aim to plant new trees in fall. October through early December is perfect. This gives roots time to establish and grow before summer’s heat arrives.

Before you dig, do some homework. Check for power lines overhead and underground utilities. Think about how big your tree will get – that tiny sapling could become a giant that’s too close to your house, which could eventually result in an emergency removal if you aren’t careful.

Here in Winston-Salem, preparing the soil right makes all the difference. Dig your hole twice as wide as the root ball, but not deeper. A wide hole helps roots spread out into our clay soil. Planting too deep is a common mistake that limits a tree’s potential.

Quick Tips for Success:

• Plant in fall for best results
• Call before you dig – check for utilities
• Make the hole wide, not deep
• Water new trees deeply but not too often during the first year or two
• Use organic mulch, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk

A Legacy for Your Landscape

Native trees know how to handle everything Winston-Salem throws at them. By choosing these time-tested trees, you’re setting yourself up for years of shade, color, and beauty without the headaches of constant maintenance.

Ready to start your tree planting project? First things first – if you need to clear out any old, dead, or damaged trees to make room for your new additions, give us a call at 336-399-8348. We’ll help remove your unwanted trees and stumps to provide you with a blank slate for planting.