So You Want to Plant a Totally Illinois Tree, Dude? A Guide to Native Trees in the Prairie State
Hey there, fellow tree enthusiast! Tired of those boring, out-of-state maples casting shade on your barbecue? Do you yearn for a yard that screams, "I bleed Illinois green"? Then you've come to the right place, my friend. We're diving deep into the world of native Illinois trees, the coolest, most low-maintenance, wildlife-welcoming woody wonders this side of the Mississippi.
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| What Trees Are Native To Illinois |
Why Go Native, You Ask?
There are a ton of reasons to plant a tree that's originally from Illinois. Here's a quick rundown:
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- Totally Tubular for Wildlife: Native trees provide food and shelter for all sorts of creepy crawlies and critters. Birds love nesting in their branches, squirrels go nuts for their acorns (literally!), and butterflies find their blooms irresistible. Basically, you'll be throwing a never-ending wildlife block party in your backyard.
- Low-Maintenance Mavericks: These trees are Illinois natives, which means they're perfectly adapted to the state's climate. No more stressing about watering schedules or freaking out over surprise frosts. They're basically the chillest roommates a yard could ask for.
- Going Green Gets Easy: Planting a native tree is a super easy way to help out the environment. Native trees help combat climate change, reduce erosion, and even improve air quality. You'll be a superhero for Mother Nature, without even a cape (although a cape would be pretty sweet).
Alright, Alright, I'm Sold. What Trees Can I Plant?
Hold your horses (or should we say, hold your saddle? Illinois does have a horse racing history after all). There are tons of fantastic native trees to choose from, depending on what you're looking for. Here are a few popular options:
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The Towering Titan: The Bur Oak This majestic giant can grow over 100 feet tall, providing epic shade and stunning fall foliage. Just be sure you have the space for this behemoth!
The Showstopper: The Flowering Dogwood Looking for a springtime spectacle? This beauty explodes with gorgeous pink or white flowers every year. Plus, it's the perfect size for smaller yards.
The Acorn Acrobat: The Eastern Cottonwood This fast-growing giant is a favorite among squirrels (prepare for an epic game of hide-and-seek with your acorns). It also loves wet areas, so if you have a soggy spot in your yard, this might be your perfect match.
Remember: This is just a tiny sampling of the awesome native trees Illinois has to offer. Do your research and find the perfect one for your yard and preferences!
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How To... Become a Native Tree Whisperer (Quick FAQ)
- How do I find a native tree? Check out your local nursery or visit the website of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. They often have lists of native trees that thrive in your area.
- How do I plant a native tree? Planting a tree isn't rocket science, but there is a right and wrong way. Do some research on proper planting techniques for your specific tree species.
- How do I care for a native tree? Native trees are generally low-maintenance, but they'll still need some TLC during their first few years. Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, and keep an eye out for pests or diseases.
- How can I attract wildlife with my native tree? Planting native flowers and shrubs around your tree will create a wildlife buffet. You can also add a birdbath or a couple of nesting boxes to make your yard even more inviting.
- How do I brag about my awesome native tree? Snap some pics of your beautiful, native tree and share them on social media! Use hashtags like #nativeillinoistrees and #savetheplanet to inspire others to plant native too.
So there you have it, folks! With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can transform your yard into a haven for native trees and wildlife. Not only will you be creating a beautiful space to enjoy, but you'll also be doing your part to keep Illinois green and growing. Now get out there and plant a tree (or two, or three)!
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
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