The number of different varieties of trees is astonishing. According to Global Trees Campaign there are over 60,000 different varieties of trees! How is anyone ever supposed to select the right tree for their yard from that large of a list? It can be truly overwhelming. We’re here to help! We are going to begin dividing all these trees into a few categories to help distinguish between different types. Once you gain a better understanding of the large groups that trees can be put into, it is much easier to pick the right one for what you need. For example, some trees work better to provide shade where others are purely for ornamental value. Even after reading this article, you are likely to have more questions. The best people to call is a tree company in Ocean County, like Ben Bivins Tree Experts. If anyone knows trees, they do.
Two Main Categories of Trees
All types tress can be categorized into one of two types. Trees are either deciduous or coniferous. The distinguishing characteristic between the two is that deciduous trees shed their leaves every year and coniferous trees remain green all year long.
Tree Company in Ocean County Recommends Deciduous Trees for Shade
Let’s take a look at the first category, the deciduous trees. The word deciduous means “falling off or shed at a particular season” according to dictionary.com. Every fall, this type of tree will begin to lose its leaves. First, the leaves will turn all sorts of gorgeous shades of oranges, reds, and yellows. Then, when winter arrives, all the branches will be bare. In terms of reproduction, deciduous trees produce flowers that must be pollinated. When it comes to wood working, deciduous trees are termed hardwoods. Examples of these types of trees are oaks, maples, and birch trees.
There are many deciduous types of trees that are prefect to use as shade trees. The fact that these trees lose their leaves is what makes them ideal. This is because in the heat of summer, these trees grow a lush green canopy that blocks the sun from heating up homes. Then, in winter, when the branches are bare, the sun is free to radiate as much heat as it can to warm up a house.
While deciduous trees can be messy, there are many nature groups that encourage homeowners to leave their leaves. Not only can the decomposing leaves nourish your lawn and your soil biodiversity, it helps to keep all that waste out of landfills. Give it a try this year and leave your leaves! If you want to learn more about organic gardening, click here!
Conifers Fill a Different Need
Conifers, or evergreens, are named after the cones that these trees bear in order to reproduce. If a pinecone comes to mind, you’re picturing the right thing. Rather than leaves, these types of trees often have needles while others have leaves that resemble scales. Conifers are typically found in the northern hemisphere. While these trees are commonly referred to as evergreens, many can and do lose their needles each year. While deciduous trees are hardwoods, this category of tree are softwoods. When it comes to the construction industry, most timber used is from softwood trees. A few examples of conifers are fir trees, pine trees, and cedars.
One of the best uses of a conifer type tree is what is known as a windbreak. By planting a row of dense, conical evergreen trees or shrubs on the north or northwest side of your home, you can cut the wind chill in your home. The biggest benefit of this that your heating bill will be reduced because these tress help keep your home warmer.
Not only do some conifers drop their needles, but they drop large cones that can cause injury and damage to mowers if not picked up. Plus, they also create sap. Anyone who has accidentally leaned against a pine tree and got a palm full of resin knows how annoying it can be.
Tree Company in Ocean County is a Great Resource
No matter what your question about trees, your local tree company in Ocean County is a great resource of information. They have to know all about all kinds of trees in order to care for them in the best way possible. Have a question about whether to trim a tree or remove it? Call your tree company! Not sure what type of tree to plant where to best shade your home? Call your tree company! They call them experts for a reason.