🌿 Native Trees & Shrubs for Tough Long Island Soils

🌳 Native Trees

Black Tupelo / Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

• ✔ Handles sand, clay pockets, and periodic wet spots

• ✔ Drought tolerant once established

• ✔ Excellent fall color

• ⭐ One of the most adaptable LI natives

---

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

• ✔ Thrives in dry, sandy, acidic soil

• ✔ Great for naturalized areas

• ✔ Colonizes poor soils and stabilizes them

---

Pitch Pine (Pinus rigida)

• ✔ Ultimate survivor in dry, nutrient-poor sand

• ✔ Native to the Pine Barrens

• ✔ Extremely drought tolerant

• ✔ Wind & salt tolerant

---

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

• ✔ Handles:

  • dry soil

  • alkaline or acidic soil

  • salt spray

  • compaction

• ✔ Excellent for coastal sites

• ✔ Great wildlife value

---

White Oak (Quercus alba)

• ✔ Deep-rooted → drought resistant

• ✔ Thrives in acidic, well-drained soils

• ✔ Long-lived canopy tree

---

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

• ✔ Excellent in dry, sandy soils

• ✔ One of the best oaks for poor sites

---

Black Cherry (Prunus serotina)

• ✔ Extremely adaptable

• ✔ Fast growing in poor soil

• ✔ Valuable for wildlife

---

🌿 Native Shrubs

Bayberry / Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

• ✔ Thrives in:

  • sand

  • salt spray

  • drought

  • wind

• ✔ Nitrogen-fixing → improves soil

• ✔ Excellent for massing & erosion control

• ⭐ One of the BEST shrubs for Long Island

---

Beach Plum (Prunus maritima)

• ✔ Native to LI dunes

• ✔ Handles:

  • salt

  • sand

  • drought

• ✔ Edible fruit + spring flowers

---

Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)

• ✔ Loves acidic sandy soil

• ✔ Great for rain gardens & dry sites (with organic matter)

• ✔ Edible + outstanding fall color

---

Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

• ✔ Ideal for dry, nutrient-poor sand

• ✔ Perfect for naturalistic plantings

---

Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

• ✔ Handles both:

  • dry shade

  • wet acidic soil

• ✔ Fragrant summer flowers

• ✔ Great pollinator plant

---

Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)

• ✔ Very soil adaptable

• ✔ Drought tolerant once established

• ✔ Excellent for hedges and screening

---

Inkberry (Ilex glabra)

• ✔ Native evergreen for:

  • sandy soil

  • acidic soil

  • coastal exposure

• ✔ Alternative to boxwood

---

New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus)

• ✔ Thrives in dry, sandy, infertile soil

• ✔ Nitrogen-fixing

• ✔ Excellent for pollinators

---

Sumac (Fragrant or Smooth) (Rhus aromatica, Rhus glabra)

• ✔ Extreme drought tolerance

• ✔ Stabilizes slopes and poor soil

• ✔ Brilliant fall color

---

🌊 Best Choices for Coastal / Salt-Exposed Sites

If you’re near the water, these are top tier:

Trees

• Eastern red cedar

• Pitch pine

• Black cherry

Shrubs

• Bayberry ⭐

• Beach plum ⭐

• Sumac

---

🌱 Best for Dry Shade (a common LI challenge under oaks & pines)

• Inkberry

• Sweet pepperbush

• Arrowwood viburnum

• Sassafras (edge conditions)

---

🏆 The “bulletproof core palette” for Long Island

If you want the most reliable, low-maintenance native structure:

Trees

• Pitch pine

• Black tupelo

• Scarlet oak

• Eastern red cedar

Shrubs

• Bayberry

• Inkberry

• Highbush blueberry

• Sweet pepperbush

These tolerate sand + drought + acidity + coastal exposure better than almost anything else.

---

🌼 Soil-building bonus

These natives actually improve poor soil over time:

• Bayberry → nitrogen fixer

• New Jersey tea → nitrogen fixer

• Oaks → heavy leaf litter (natural mulch)

When selecting disease-resistant shrubs for Long Island, look for plant tags or descriptions that specifically mention disease resistance. Many modern cultivars have been bred for enhanced immunity to common issues like powdery mildew or blight. Consulting with local nursery experts can also provide invaluable guidance on shrubs that thrive in our specific soil and climate conditions, ensuring you make informed choices for a robust and low-maintenance garden.

For small Long Island backyards, dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are ideal for maximizing space and yield. Consider varieties like ‘Honeycrisp’ or ‘Gala’ dwarf apple trees, which offer delicious fruit without overwhelming your garden. Dwarf peach and cherry trees are also excellent choices, providing beautiful blossoms in spring and a bountiful harvest. These smaller options allow for easier maintenance and can be highly productive, perfect for home gardeners.

For vibrant, extended color on Long Island, consider reblooming Hydrangeas like ‘Endless Summer’, which provides continuous blooms from late spring until fall. Panicle Hydrangeas, such as ‘Limelight’, also offer long-lasting flowers that transition beautifully through the seasons. Spirea varieties, particularly ‘Double Play Doozie’, are excellent choices, showcasing vibrant foliage and prolonged floral displays throughout the growing season, ensuring your garden remains captivating.

For rapid and effective privacy on Long Island, consider ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae or Leyland Cypress. ‘Green Giant’ offers a dense, conical evergreen screen, growing up to 3-5

Regularly inspecting your garden plants for common symptoms like leaf spots, discoloration, wilting, or stunted growth is key to early identification in NY and CT. For treatment, start with cultural practices: ensure proper air circulation by strategic pruning, avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal spread, and maintain healthy soil. Removing and safely disposing of infected plant material prevents further spread, crucial for maintaining a vibrant garden.

For a successful fruit harvest in Connecticut, consider classic choices like apple and pear trees, ensuring you select varieties hardy for our USDA Zones 5b-7a. Tart cherry trees also thrive here, offering delicious fruit with less fuss than sweet varieties. Blueberries and raspberries are excellent shrub options, providing bountiful harvests with proper sun and acidic soil. Always research specific cultivars for optimal growth and yield in your unique microclimate.

For a vibrant Connecticut garden teeming with butterflies and bees, consider planting a diverse selection of nectar-rich flowers. Popular choices include Coneflower (Echinacea), Bee Balm (Monarda), and Lavender, which offer abundant food sources. Milkweed is crucial for Monarch butterflies. Aim for a continuous bloom cycle from spring through fall by incorporating plants like Asters and Sedum, ensuring pollinators have sustenance throughout the growing season.

For a stunning yet low-maintenance native garden in NY and CT, consider plants that offer multi-seasonal interest and support local ecosystems. Bee Balm (Monarda) provides striking summer blooms, attracting pollinators, while the Serviceberry (Amelanchier) offers delicate spring flowers, edible berries, and brilliant fall foliage. Incorporating Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia) adds fragrant flowers and a robust structure, creating a dynamic and effortlessly beautiful landscape.

For year-round privacy in Litchfield County, evergreens are ideal. ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae offers rapid, dense screening, reaching significant heights while requiring minimal care. Alternatively, Canadian Hemlock

Preparing your garden is essential for safeguarding sensitive plants during harsh weather. Apply a substantial layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots from extreme temperatures and retain soil moisture. Ensure plants are adequately watered before a cold snap, as moist soil holds heat more effectively than dry soil. Strategic placement in sheltered areas can also offer natural protection.

Dig a hole that is at least 2.5 times larger than the root ball, and 2-3 feet deep. Fill the base with compost and nutrient rich soil up to the point where when you set the tree down, it’s base is level with the ground. Mix local soil and amended soil/compost together to fill in the rest of the hole and cover with a layer of mulch.

• Green Giant Arborvitae -Highly deer resistant
• Emerald Green Arborvitae
• Hetzi Juniper- Highly deer resistant
• Schip Laurel- Not hardy in northern Connecticut

Preen is a pre-emergent, granulated, weed control that prevents weeds from germinating. You apply it in early Spring and then again in early summer.

Water in the product immediately after applying it

It is one of the safest weed control products you ca use in the home garden

It prevents weeds from coming up, it does not control weeds that have already germinated, so it is important to apply prior to germination

The shrubs listed below are rarely damaged by deer.

Andromeda,Buddleia,Boxwood, Cotoneaster, Clethra, Ilex Glabra, Leucothoe, Juniper,Green Giant Arborvitae, Viburnum

This list is applicable to Litchfield County in Connecticut and Nassau County on Long Island

Here is a partial list of perennials that rarely damaged by deer.

Agastache,Allium,Arabis, Artemesia,Aubrieta,Brunnera,Coreopsis,Dicentra,Hellebores,Lavandula,Nepeta,Paeonia,Potentilla,Pulmonaria

This list is appicable to Nassau County on Long Island and Litchfield County in Connecticut

• For Sun
• Echinacea
• Dianthus
• Lavandula
• Monarda
• Nepeta
• Salvia Nemerosa
•  
• For Shade
• Astilbe
• Dicentra
• Ferns
• Hellebore

• Asilbe Chinensis
• Dicentra Spectablis
• Hosta
• Heuchera
• Geranium X Rozanne
• Brunnera
• Pulmonaria 
• Ligularia 
• Tiarella 
• Aquilegia
• Galium Odoratum
• Hellebore
• Lamium
• Hakonechloa

For small Long Island backyards, dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are ideal for maximizing space and yield. Consider varieties like ‘Honeycrisp’ or ‘Gala’ dwarf apple trees, which offer delicious fruit without overwhelming your garden. Dwarf peach and cherry trees are also excellent choices, providing beautiful blossoms in spring and a bountiful harvest. These smaller options allow for easier maintenance and can be highly productive, perfect for home gardeners.

For vibrant, extended color on Long Island, consider reblooming Hydrangeas like ‘Endless Summer’, which provides continuous blooms from late spring until fall. Panicle Hydrangeas, such as ‘Limelight’, also offer long-lasting flowers that transition beautifully through the seasons. Spirea varieties, particularly ‘Double Play Doozie’, are excellent choices, showcasing vibrant foliage and prolonged floral displays throughout the growing season, ensuring your garden remains captivating.

🔥 Native standouts (great performance + wildlife value)

Black Tupelo / Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)

• Color: Glossy red, orange, yellow, and purple — often all at once

• Why it’s special: One of the earliest and most consistent color shows

• Form: Medium ornamental shade tree

• Site: Handles Long Island’s acidic soils well
  ➡️ Widely considered a premier native for dramatic fall color.

---

Sassafras (Sassafras albidum)

• Color: Orange, red, yellow, and purple on the same tree

• Unique feature: Three different leaf shapes

• Landscape use: Naturalistic or specimen tree
  ➡️ Provides a “patchwork” autumn effect.

---

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)

• Color: Brilliant orange-red

• Bonus seasons: Spring flowers + edible summer fruit

• Size: Perfect for small properties
  ➡️ Cultivars like ‘Autumn Brilliance’ are especially vivid.

---

Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)

• Color: Clear, glowing scarlet

• Why plant it: One of the most intense reds of any oak
  ➡️ Excellent for larger landscapes.

---

💛 Trees with unusual or single-tone color effects

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

• Color: Pure, luminous gold

• Special effect: Leaves drop almost at once → golden carpet

• Urban tolerance: Excellent for streets and small lawns
  ➡️ A classic Long Island performer.

---

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum)

• Color: Clear butter-yellow to apricot

• WOW factor: Smells like cotton candy in fall
  ➡️ One of the most distinctive sensory trees.

---

American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)

• Color: Rich copper that persists into winter

• Winter interest: Leaves hang on (marcescence)
  ➡️ Elegant, naturalistic landscapes.

---

🍂 Small & specimen trees (great for ornamental use)

Japanese Maples (Acer palmatum – e.g., ‘Osakazuki’, ‘Sango-kaku’)

• Color: Crimson, orange, or neon red depending on cultivar

• Form: Sculptural — ideal focal point

• Best siting: Morning sun / afternoon shade on LI
  ➡️ Some cultivars are among the brightest reds you can grow.

---

Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)

• Color: Red-orange

• Extra interest: Cinnamon peeling bark for winter

• Size: True ornamental scale

---

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua – improved cultivars)

• Color: Yellow, pink, orange, red, and purple at once

• Cultivar tip: Use fruitless forms for residential settings
  ➡️ One of the widest color ranges of any tree.

---

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia chinensis)

• Color: Electric orange-red

• Why it’s different: Fine-textured foliage (not “maple-like”)
  ➡️ Great contrast tree.

---

🌈 Underused color for contrast planting

These help you break the “all red maples” look:

• River Birch → clear yellow + exfoliating bark

• Red Oak → russet / brick red (late season)

• Persimmon → orange foliage + hanging fruit
  ➡️ Adds seasonal layering and texture

For rapid and effective privacy on Long Island, consider ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae or Leyland Cypress. ‘Green Giant’ offers a dense, conical evergreen screen, growing up to 3-5

To ensure year-round beauty through harsh New York winters, select evergreens known for their exceptional cold tolerance and diverse forms. Upright evergreens such as various Spruces or Eastern White Pine provide strong vertical accents and shelter. For foundational plantings or hedges, resilient

For vibrant container gardens on a New York patio, focus on annuals known for prolific, long-lasting blooms. Sun-loving options like Petunias, Calibrachoa, and Geraniums provide continuous color. For shadier spots, Impatiens or Begonias offer brilliant hues. Incorporate foliage plants like Coleus for added texture and sustained interest. Ensure proper drainage and consistent watering to keep your containers thriving and colorful throughout the season, creating an inviting urban oasis.

Creating a resilient garden in dry New York soil starts with selecting plants naturally adapted to less moisture. Perennials like drought-tolerant ornamental grasses, Yarrow, and Russian Sage establish deep root systems, enabling them to thrive with minimal irrigation once mature. Prioritize plants with silvery foliage or succulent leaves, as these often indicate a natural ability to conserve water. This approach ensures a vibrant landscape that conserves water and reduces maintenance.

For vibrant blooms in shaded Connecticut garden spots, consider classics like Hosta and Astilbe. Hostas offer diverse foliage and graceful flower stalks, while Astilbes provide feathery plumes in various colors.

For busy New York homeowners seeking vibrant, low-maintenance blooms, consider ‘Limelight’ Hydrangeas or Spirea. ‘Limelight’ offers long-lasting, large flowers from summer into fall and

To attract birds and local wildlife in Connecticut, prioritize native plants that offer food and shelter throughout the seasons. Serviceberry provides early spring berries for birds, while Coneflower and Black-eyed Susan offer seeds and nectar for pollinators and small mammals. Incorporating Milkweed is crucial for Monarch butterflies. These choices create a vibrant ecosystem, supporting local fauna and enhancing your garden’s natural beauty year-round.

A truly sustainable garden embraces biodiversity and natural cycles. Focus on incorporating native plants to support local pollinators and wildlife, creating a vibrant ecosystem. Building healthy soil with compost and organic amendments is fundamental, reducing

To encourage robust growth, fertilize your garden plants when they show signs of active growth, typically from early spring through mid-summer. It’s crucial not to over-fertilize; less is often more. We suggest starting with organic compost or a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer worked into the soil around the base. Observe your plants; if they seem healthy and vibrant, they might not need much at all. Water thoroughly after application.

To ensure a successful spring planting, start by removing all lingering weeds and any diseased or spent plant material. Focus on revitalizing your soil by generously working in organic matter such as compost, aged leaf mold, or a balanced slow-release fertilizer. This replenishes vital nutrients and improves soil texture, creating an optimal environment for root development. Consider a simple soil test to pinpoint any specific nutrient deficiencies for targeted amendments.

Preparing your garden is essential for safeguarding sensitive plants during harsh weather. Apply a substantial layer of mulch around the base of plants to insulate roots from extreme temperatures and retain soil moisture. Ensure plants are adequately watered before a cold snap, as moist soil holds heat more effectively than dry soil. Strategic placement in sheltered areas can also offer natural protection.

When selecting hardscaping for pathways and patios, prioritize functionality and durability based on usage. For high-traffic areas, opt for robust materials like concrete pavers or sturdy flagstone that can withstand heavy use and various weather conditions. For less-frequented spots, gravel or stepping stones might be suitable. Also, consider local climate factors like drainage and freeze-thaw cycles to ensure your chosen materials offer long-term performance and minimal maintenance.

Start by assessing your home’s scale and dominant colors. Tall homes can support larger trees and shrubs, while smaller houses might require more delicate plantings to maintain proportion. Select a plant palette whose colors either echo or beautifully contrast with your home’s exterior, creating visual interest. Thoughtful placement of garden elements, like a welcoming pathway or a striking focal point, can draw the eye from your home into the garden, enhancing overall curb appeal.

Newly planted trees and shrubs often struggle due to incorrect planting depth or improper watering. Planting too deep can suffocate roots, while planting too shallow exposes them to air and temperature extremes. Overwatering can lead to root rot, and underwatering causes dehydration. Ensuring the root collar is level with the soil surface and establishing a consistent, deep watering schedule is crucial for successful establishment and robust growth.

Dig a hole that is at least 2.5 times larger than the root ball, and 2-3 feet deep. Fill the base with compost and nutrient rich soil up to the point where when you set the tree down, it’s base is level with the ground. Mix local soil and amended soil/compost together to fill in the rest of the hole and cover with a layer of mulch.