Tree Comparison Guide

Tree	Mature Size	Sun	Soil & Moisture	Best Location	Deer Resistance	Wildlife Value	Key Notes
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)	40–60 ft T 40–50 ft W	Full sun–part shade	Adaptable; prefers moist, slightly acidic soils	Lawns, streets, parks	Low–Moderate	High	Fast-growing shade tree with strong fall color
Black Tupelo (Black Gum) (Nyssa sylvatica)	30–50 ft T 20–30 ft W	Full sun–part shade	Moist, well-drained, acidic soils	Woodland edges, rain gardens	High	Very High	Outstanding fall color; excellent bird tree
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)	60–75 ft T 45–60 ft W	Full sun	Well-drained; drought tolerant once established	Parks, large properties	Low	Exceptional	Keystone species; supports hundreds of insects
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)	20–30 ft T 25–35 ft W	Part sun–full sun	Well-drained soils	Gardens, patios, understory	Low	Moderate	Early spring flowers; best protected when young
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)	25–30 ft T 20–30 ft W	Full sun	Adaptable; prefers good drainage	Small yards, streets	High	Very High	Flowers, fruit, and thorns deter deer
River Birch (Betula nigra)	40–70 ft T 40–60 ft W	Full sun–part shade	Moist to wet soils	Low areas, near water	Moderate	Moderate	Peeling bark; heat-tolerant birch

Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

Use A classic shade tree with fast growth and outstanding fall color ranging from orange to deep red. Provides cooling shade, wildlife value, and strong visual presence.

Conditions Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including moist and slightly acidic soils. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Moderately drought tolerant once established.

Location Best planted in lawns, parks, or along streets where its mature canopy has room to spread. Avoid very compacted or alkaline soils.

Black Tupelo / Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

Use Highly ornamental native tree prized for spectacular fall color—scarlet, purple, and orange on the same tree. Excellent for wildlife, especially birds.

Conditions Prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils. Full sun produces the best fall color, though it tolerates partial shade. Slow to moderate growth.

Location Ideal for naturalized landscapes, woodland edges, rain gardens, or larger residential yards. Allow space for its deep root system and strong vertical form.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

Use A long-lived, large canopy tree providing shade, structure, and exceptional ecological value. Supports hundreds of native insects and wildlife.

Conditions Grows best in well-drained soils and full sun. Moderately drought tolerant once established. Slower growth than maple but very durable.

Location Best for parks, large yards, and open spaces where it can mature undisturbed. Avoid planting too close to buildings due to its size.

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Use A small ornamental tree valued for early spring pink flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Provides beauty at eye level and works well in layered plantings.

Conditions Prefers well-drained soil and partial sun, though it tolerates full sun with adequate moisture. Moderate drought tolerance once established.

Location Perfect near patios, walkways, garden edges, or as an understory tree beneath larger canopies. Works well in residential landscapes.

Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

Use A multi-season tree offering spring flowers, glossy foliage, fall color, and bright red berries that persist into winter. Excellent wildlife tree.

Conditions Full sun is best for flowering and fruiting. Tolerates a variety of soils but prefers good drainage. Moderate drought tolerance.

Location Ideal for small yards, along streets, or as a specimen tree. Thorns make it useful as a natural barrier but not ideal near play areas.

River Birch (Betula nigra)

Use Known for its peeling cinnamon-colored bark and graceful form. Excellent for erosion control and wet areas while providing light shade.

Conditions Thrives in moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. More heat-tolerant than other birches and well suited to Zone 6b.

Location Best planted near water features, low spots, rain gardens, or naturalized areas. Often planted in multi-stem groupings for visual impact.