
There is a great diversity of native trees (trees that naturally grow in our region) that can be planted for their ecological benefits as well as their beauty. On this page we share with you our recommendations for planting in New London.
Note: Each planting site is unique as are all trees. Before planting, identify the sun exposure and soil conditions of your site. Be aware of both the desirable features as well as any potential problems (e.g. not tolerant of road salt) and make a selection well adapted your specific urban conditions. We can offer guidance selecting a tree for your site and about maintenance of existing trees. Request more information by emailing NewLondonTrees@gmail.com.
Trees help create a healthy environment. The benefits of trees include:
• Improve air quality
• Remove pollutants
• Carbon sequestration
• Provide shade, cool summer heat
• Mitigate storm water runoff
• Beautify the city
• Shelter for birds & wildlife
• Traffic calming
• Show New England character
• Promote civic engagement
Small Trees (up to 25′)
- American Red Plum (Prunus americana)
- American Smoketree (Cotinus obovatus)
- Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)
- Carolina Silverbell (Halesia carolina)
- Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
- Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)
- Eastern Arbovitae (Thuja occidentalis)
- Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Musclewood (Carpinus caroliniana)
- Pawpaw (Asimia triloba)
- Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum)
- Sweet Bay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
- Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
Medium Trees (25′ to 50′):
- Eastern Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)
- Honey Locust [Gleditsia triacanthos (f. inermis)]
- River Birch (Betula nigra)
- Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum)
- Sweet or black birch (Betula lenta)
- Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)
Large Trees (over 50′):
- American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
- Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)
- Black Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Cucumber Magnolia (Magnolia acuminata)
- Elm (Ulmus americana)
- Linden (Tilia america)
- Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)
- Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
- Sweet Gum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
- Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- White Pine (Pinus strobus)
- Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis)