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Ohio, known as The Buckeye State, proudly features the Ohio Buckeye as its state tree, encompassing over 13 varieties of Buckeye. This medium-sized deciduous tree, reaching heights of 50 to 80 feet, showcases compound leaves with five long leaflets. While its fruit contains tannic acid, making it poisonous, the acid can be utilized for leather tanning when properly processed. Although not suitable for every Ohio yard, growers have numerous tree options. Given Ohio’s moderate precipitation, proximity to lakes, and diverse temperatures, wise Ohioan growers should consider climate, soil type, average precipitation, irrigation, growing zones, and weather damage when selecting trees for planting.
Read about the specifics for your state in the following sections. If you’re looking for some quick ideas on what to plant, consider the following trees as expert-tested and The Tree Center approved:
New developments throughout the United States mean more infrastructure, more people, and more invasion of privacy. The residents of Ohio have the option to plant and tend trees that produce privacy, turning away prying eyes and loud noises and instead enjoying the quiet and peace of private property.
The Leyland Cypress is the perfect privacy tree for Ohioan inhabitants. The Leyland Cypress grows quickly, adds distinct charm, and produces thick barriers between a private abode and unwanted chatter. Growing between 3 and 5 feet a year, the Leyland Cypress will give the Ohioan yard the fast-growing privacy for which they have been searching. Alternatively, the Thuja Green Giant and American Holly will bring privacy, color, and solitude to the savvy planter’s yard.
Most of Ohio falls into a humid continental climate, with the exception of the Bluegrass regions in the south. Summers are hot and humid, with the record from July 1934 at 113°F. Winters are cool to cold, with the record from February 1899 at -39°F. Snowfall and rainfall is moderate, falling throughout the year.
Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Miamian soil covers over 750,000 acres of Ohio’s land. A productive, loamy, and well-draining soil, Miamian soil is high in lime content and grows deciduous forests. Today, farmers use Miamian soils to grow soybean, corn, and winter wheat. Regardless of the property’s location in The Buckeye State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.
The squeeze test is a tool pedologists (soil scientists) use to determine the type of soil in a given area. Remove the first layer of soil and grab a handful of damp (but not wet) dirt. Then, squeeze the soil in the palm of your hand. When you open your hand, the results will help you to determine your specific type of soil.
Once you know what soil type you have, you can find trees best suited to the dirt’s properties. Loam is the best soil to have, as its unique qualities make it ideal for holding and transferring water to trees.
Rainfall is moderate, falling relatively consistently throughout the year. Ohio receives, on average, 56 inches of rainfall annually. Precipitation falls in lateral bands across the state, with the most rain falling in southern regions. In the far northwest, precipitation is smallest, often receiving less than 36 inches. Snow follows similar patterns, although the northwest and northeast regions switch. In the Lake, Ashtabula, Geauga, and Cuyahoga regions, snowfall is much heavier, sometimes exceeding 100 inches. The rest of the state sees anywhere from 40 inches or less.
With moderate and inconsistent rainfall throughout the state, Ohio planters should investigate irrigation systems for the property. Irrigation systems can help ensure successful plant growth, as newly planted trees require consistent and controlled access to water for strong growth in the first seasons. The roots and limbs are affected negatively by transplantation, and the stress can be minimized by providing sufficient water access. Drip or sprinkler irrigation systems can be an effective method for ensuring successful plant growth.
Ohio features four distinct growing zones, designated by the USDA based on minimal temperature ranges conducive to plant survival. The majority of the state, extending from the northwestern border and spanning eastward, falls into zone 5b, characterized by low temperatures ranging between -10°F and -15°F. This zone extends southward to Route 35 and eastward to Wheeling. Southern and southeastern regions, encompassing areas just west of Columbus and north to East Palestine, are classified as zone 6a, with temperature ranges of -5°F to -10°F. In the southernmost areas, low temperature ranges are warmer, seldom dipping below -5°F. Conversely, in the northeastern regions near Lake Erie, temperatures are cooler, with low temperature ranges falling between -20°F and -15°F.
Tornadoes and earthquakes are the most common natural disasters to hit Ohio. Tornadoes, although occurring annually, are usually minor and do not cause significant damage. Similarly, earthquakes do not cause much damage, nor do they register above 5.0 usually; however, between 2002 and 2007, more than 30 earthquakes have struck Ohio. Soon-to-be tree planters should not be concerned about newly planted trees being affected by serious weather. Trees can be beneficial in preventing erosion and cooling hot summer temperatures.
