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In West Virginia, the Sugar Maple reigns supreme among its abundant natural and cultural treasures. Standing tall at heights of up to 148 feet, with striking foliage in the fall, this deciduous tree is cherished for its tourism appeal and the maple syrup it produces. However, amidst its many virtues, West Virginian growers have a plethora of tree options to consider when planting, given the state’s diverse geography and fluctuating temperatures. Therefore, prudent growers must carefully assess factors such as climate, soil type, precipitation levels, irrigation needs, growing zones, and resilience to weather damage.
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:
Fast Growing Privacy Trees in West Virginia
As property in West Virginia continues to be developed, land owners are searching for trees that will provide privacy from prying neighborly eyes and loud, unwanted noise. There are many fast growing privacy trees in West Virginia, which will quickly grow after initial planting to offer your property and family long sought-after privacy.
The Thuja Green Giant, a staple of privacy trees throughout West Virginia, is a fast-growing pine that will quickly provide a barrier between you and your neighbors. Growing between 3-5 feet a year, the Thuja Green Giant will offer your yard classic French design with minimal hassle. Alternatively, the Leyland Cypress and American Holly will also add color and privacy to your yard’s perimeter.
West Virginia’s distinct elevations impact the existence of two distinct climate zones. In the lower elevations of the southwest, the region displays a humid subtropical climate. The rest of the state displays weather characteristic of a humid continental climate. In the southwest and eastern areas of Appalachia, residents experience hot, humid summers and mild winters. The rest of the state has slightly cooler summers and winters. Winter averages annually across the state at 34°F, and the record low temperature was recorded in 1917 at -37°F. Summers are hot, and average at 72°F across the state. The highest recorded temperature was recorded in 1936 at 112°F.
Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. West Virginia is characterized by Monongahela soil, which covers over 100,000 acres of the state. The soil is valuable; well-draining, deep, and nutrient rich, Monongahela soils are used for crops, pasture, woodland, and construction. Regardless of the property’s location in The Mountain State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.
The Squeeze test is aptly named because it requires only a small handful of dirt from just beneath the ground’s surface, and your hands. The soil should be moist, but not drenched. The tester simply squeezes the soil and observes one of the three following events.
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 both plentiful and variable in West Virginia. In the southeastern region, rainfall annual averages is 32 inches, while in the rest of the state areas may receive 52 inches. Despite moderate rainfall, West Virginia is one of the cloudiest states in the nation, with two of its cities ranked 9th and 10th for cloudy days. Fog is also prevalent in the region. Snowfall, like rainfall, is unevenly distributed. More snow falls in the mountains, which may see 180 inches of snow. The cities accumulate, on average, 34 inches of snow annually.
With uneven rainfall, irrigation can be an important tool for ensuring successful plant growth. Newly planted trees require sufficient and sustained access to water, which an irrigation system can easily provide. Many trees, once planted, may require watering 3-4 times a week. Investigate the property for natural or manmade irrigation systems, and if none exist, consider investing in a drip or sprinkler irrigation system to ensure a successful new planting.
West Virginia is home to four unique growing zones. A growing zone simply refers to the USDA’s determination of areas where certain plants are most likely to thrive, preferring to focus on minimal temperature ranges in which a plant can survive. In West Virginia these zones are primarily focused on elevation. In the lower elevations of the southeast, east, and areas southwest of Charleston, low temperature ranges are warmest, rarely dropping below 0°F. In the central-west region of the state, temperatures cool significantly, dropping to below -10°F and -5°F. In the central-east region of the state, the coldest low temperature ranges exist: between -15°F and -10°F.
West Virginia is partially protected from severe weather, both due to its inland location and tall mountain ranges. Of all the states east of the Rockies, West Virginia is the least-tornado prone. Flooding can occur, although damage is usually minimal and only in low-lying regions. Trees can be a preventative measure against flash-flooding, as the roots protect against erosion.
