Our Favorite Tree Recommendations for Tricky Areas
Including trees that do well near roads, in heavily shaded areas, and in wet soil.
Are you considering planting a tree or shrub in an area with specific limitations? We scoured our field notes to develop recommendations for a variety of areas including close to a road, in heavily shaded areas, and under utility lines. We also have suggestions for trees that serve specific functions like providing shade and creating privacy rows.
NOTE: The trees and shrubs recommended below are specifically for zones 7b and 8a in North Carolina.
Shade Tolerant and Evergreen Trees and Shrubs
- Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
- Yellow Anise-tree (Illicium parviflorum)
- Florida Anise-tree (Illicium floridanum)
Heat Tolerant Trees
- Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda)
- Southern Sugar Maple (Acer floridanum)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Trees that Do Well in Wet Areas
- Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
- Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
- Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
- Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Trees that Do Well Under Utility Lines
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
- Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
- Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
- American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
- Red Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)
- Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)
Trees that Do Well Near Roads or Pavement
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- American Holly (Ilex opaca)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
- Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
- Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
- Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
- Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)
- Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
- Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
Trees that Do Well in Devil Strips
(the thin strip of grass between the road and the sidewalk)
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
- Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
- Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
- Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis)
- Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
- Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica)
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Limitations are not the only thing to consider when you are choosing the right tree to plant. Trees have wide variety of features and benefits. They can act as privacy rows, provide shade, and create wildlife habitats. Here are some trees and shrubs that work great when you need them to perform a specific function.
Trees that Provide Shade for Large Areas
- Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
- Overcup Oak (Quercus lyrata)
- Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
- Nuttall Oak (Quercus texana)
- American Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Trees and Shrubs that Create Privacy Rows or Thickets
- Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)
- Dwarf Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
- American Holly (Ilex opaca)
- Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Eastern Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis)
- Yellow Anise-tree (Illicium parviflorum)
- Florida Anise-tree (Illicium floridanum)
Trees and Shrubs that Provide Habitat for Wildlife
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- Willow Oak (Quercus phellos)
- American Holly (Ilex opaca)
- Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
- Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
- Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Carefully assessing the conditions of an area before you plant will give your trees a better chance at a long, healthy life. Also, considering your needs before you pick up a shovel will help you determine the most functional trees and shrubs. These suggestions can get you started, but we're always happy to make recommendations.
If you have any questions about choosing the right tree or if you are looking for a specific recommendation, send us a message.
