Getting to Know the Top 5 Tree Species Found in The U.S.

This articles provides readers with a cursory examination of the top 5 tree species found in the U.S. According to a United States Forest Service report called the Check List of Native and Naturalized Trees, the top 5 trees are:

1. Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
2. Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
3. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
4. Douglas Fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii)
5. Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)

Information on Red Maple Trees

The Red Maple tree can be found in zones 3 to 9 on the Zone Hardiness Map. The Red Maple tree is considered a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in the fall and grows new leaves each spring. These trees, known for their beautiful autumn colors, will grow to a height of 40 to 60 feet, and will reach a diameter of 25 to 45 feet.

The Red Maple is known for the beautiful blazing color of its leaves in the autumn. Red Maple leaves will range from bright yellow to deep red depending upon the cultivar (or variety) of tree. The Red Maple displays its autumn colors early, and in late winter to early spring presents an encore with a blossom of bright red flowers.

Read more in depth information about Red Maple Trees.

Information on Loblolly Pine Trees

The Loblolly Pine can be found in zones 6 to 9 on the Zone Hardiness Map, but their primary territory is in zone 8. The massive trees will reach a height 98 to 115 feet on average, with a spread of approximately 25 to 35 feet. Loblolly Pines are evergreen trees, and do not loose their needles each fall.

Information on Sweetgum Trees

The Sweetgum tree can be found in zones 5 to 9 on the Zone Hardiness Map. These trees can stretch up to 100 feet tall at maturity, and can reach a diameter of up to 45 feet. Though Sweetgum trees do produce flowers and fruit, these are not seen on Sweetgum trees until they reach 15 to 20 years of age. Though most Sweetgum trees loose their leaves in the fall, some trees in the deep southern parts of its range are evergreen.

The deciduous variety of Sweetgum, like Red Maples, loose their trees in a blaze of glory each autumn. Sweetgum trees are the equal of Red Maples for their blazes of yellow and bright red leaves, but have a depth of dimension in color that Red Mapes do not in their darker colors of rusted brown and deep purple.

Information on Douglas Fir Trees

Since the 1920’s, the Douglas Fir tree is most commonly known to American’s as the Christmas Tree. It can be found in zones 4 to 6 on the Zone Hardiness Map, but reports indicate that it can thrive in zones 2 and 3 as well. A mature Douglas Fir can reach a height of 40 to 70 feet, and a spread of 12 to 20 feet. Though less common today in natural settings, Douglas Firs have been known to grow to as much as 100 feet tall. Douglas Firs are evergreen trees.

Information on Quaking Aspen Trees

The Quaking Aspen can be found in zones 1 to 7 on the Zone Hardiness Map. A mature Quaking Aspen can reach heights of up to 65 feet, with a spread of approximately 20 to 30 feet at full maturity. Quaking Aspen are deciduous trees, and loose their leaves each fall. Though Quaking Aspen can fruit, few actually do.

The Quaking Aspen is often cultivated for its practicality as much as its beauty. In addition to its smooth, pale bark and crown of golden leaves, Quaking Aspen are fast growing trees that provide excellent wind breaks.

Choosing Trees for Landscaping

Selecting trees appropriate for your environment is important when deciding which trees to include in a landscaping project. The Zone Hardiness Map from the Arbor Day Foundation should serve as a guide when selecting trees for landscaping, but landscapers should also take into account several other factors as well including soil type, available sunlight, potential size, and care requirements. Some larger trees may need periodic care from an experienced arborist.

Resources for The Top 5 Tree Species Found in the U.S.

Nix, Steve (July 5, 2010). Steve’s Forestry Blog. Ten Most Common Trees in the United States. Accessed: July 6, 2010.

The Arbor Day Foundation. ArborDay.Org Tree Guide. Accessed: July 6, 2010.