Planting trees is one of the best investments you can make for your property—shade, beauty, and environmental benefits all in one. But choosing the right tree for Greensboro’s climate and soil is key to long-term success. In this guide, we’ll cover the top native trees for our area, planting tips, and how to care for them.

Why Plant Native Trees?

Native species are adapted to our local conditions, meaning they:
✔ Require less water once established
✔ Resist pests and diseases better than non-natives
✔ Support local wildlife (birds, pollinators, and more)
✔ Thrive in Greensboro’s clay-heavy soil

Top 5 Native Trees for Greensboro

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

  • Why plant it? Fast-growing, stunning fall color (bright red/orange), and adaptable to wet or dry soil.

  • Great for: Shade, street planting, low-maintenance yards.

2. White Oak (Quercus alba)

  • Why plant it? A majestic, long-lived tree that supports hundreds of wildlife species.

  • Great for: Large yards, naturalized areas, and legacy planting.

3. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

  • Why plant it? Early spring pink blooms, compact size, and drought tolerance.

  • Great for: Small gardens, understory planting, and curb appeal.

4. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)

  • Why plant it? Evergreen privacy screen, grows quickly, and thrives in poor soil.

  • Great for: Windbreaks, woodland edges, and erosion control.

5. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

  • Why plant it? Glossy green leaves + red berries (winter interest!), and bird-friendly.

  • Great for: Hedges, wildlife gardens, and festive landscaping.

Tree Planting Tips for Success

  1. Pick the right spot – Check mature size to avoid power lines or foundations.

  2. Dig wide, not deep – The hole should be 2x the root ball’s width.

  3. Water deeply – 1-2x weekly for the first year, then taper off.

  4. Mulch properly – 3” layer (but don’t pile against the trunk!).

Need Help Planting?

Green Greensboro’s team handles everything from tree selection to expert planting. Contact us for a consultation!

🌳 Fun Fact: A mature oak tree can support over 500 species of caterpillars—essential food for birds!

What’s your favorite native tree? Let us know in the comments! 👇