If You Only Plant 1 Tree in Spring, this Low-Maintenance Native With Fragrant Blooms is Impossible To Beat

Saving money on only plant tree spring does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, no nonsense rundown of what works and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• The last Friday in April is National Arbor Day; it is a perfect time to plant a tree.
• It is an ideal moment to add a low-maintenance tree with fragrant flowers that supports pollinators and wildlife in your garden.
• So let me introduce you to a sweetbay magnolia.
• With citrus-scented white flowers that pollinators adore, and fruits and seeds that provide food for birds, this compact native tree is perfect for any wildlife garden.

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Worth noting: it is impressively flexible and can be grown in full sun or partial shade and is more tolerant of wetter conditions than other magnolias. National Arbor Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in April.

• It encourages people to celebrate and plant a tree on this celebratory day.
• Throughout the US, trees are planted in parks, schools, and streets to celebrate National Arbor Day.
• More importantly, it is also a perfect time for homeowners to plant a tree, and what could be better than a native tree like sweetbay magnolia?
• Why Plant a Sweetbay Magnolia? (Image credit: Getty Images/Lifeisticac)A sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) is native to the coastal plains of the eastern US and can be either evergreen or deciduous, depending on climate.

Tips That Make a Difference

When you plant this magnolia tree, it will be evergreen in milder climates (US hardiness zone 7 and above) and deciduous in colder locations. It can be grown as a large shrub or small fragrant tree, making it a flexible choice for landscapes, and, due to its common habitat in shaded woodlands and swamps, it is tolerant of wetter sites.

• Remember that a sweetbay magnolia produces fragrant, creamy white flowers in late spring and early summer.
• The flowers, which open and close each day, support numerous pollinators.
• The tree makes an ideal addition to a bustling wildlife garden, providing food for numerous local wildlife species throughout the year.
• Ana Herrera-Ruiz, Director of Buildings, Gardens & Grounds at DC’s Historic Tudor Place, highlights: ‘Sweetbay magnolia supports pollinators such as bees and beetles, while its seeds provide interest for birds later in the season.’ Songbirds and squirrels are also attracted to the small fruits, while the tree offers valuable shade and nesting spots for birds.

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As a rule, sweetbay magnolia is also perfect for a butterfly garden, as it is a host tree for swallowtail butterflies. You can get a live sweetbay magnolia tree at Fast Growing Trees Sharon YieslaSocial Links NavigationSharon Yiesla is a plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum.

• She currently runs its Plant Clinic, a leading source of science-based advice about trees, plants, and landscapes, helping gardeners and landscape professionals throughout the Chicago region and the world have healthy, attractive, well-chosen plants.
• Where to Plant a Sweetbay Magnolia (Image credit: Getty Images/claudiodivizia)A sweetbay magnolia is adaptable and straightforward to maintain.
• In short, ana Herrera-Ruiz says it ‘thrives in full sun to partial shade’ and performs best where it gets six hours of sunlight a day.
• The tree can tolerate as little as four hours of light daily, but the more sun it gets, the more flowers there will be for you and the wildlife to enjoy.

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The flowering tree likes moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate wetter planting conditions than other magnolias and prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5.

• Worth noting: a straightforward soil test (you can get a soil test kit at Amazon) before planting will reveal whether the ground conditions suit a sweetbay magnolia, or if you require to amend the soil to make it more acidic.
• A sweetbay magnolia can reach 10-20 feet tall and wide.
• It grows at a slow pace, but it does require room to develop.
• As Katie Watkins, a certified arborist for Miller's Tree Service, advises. ‘To keep it performing year-to-year, you’ll require to plant it with plenty of space for the roots and stay consistent with watering during the first year.’ Ana Herrera-RuizSocial Links NavigationAna Herrera-Ruiz is the Director of Buildings, Gardens & Grounds at Tudor Place Historic House & Garden in Georgetown.

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More importantly, the 5+ acre site dates back to 1805 and was originally stewarded by Martha Washington’s descendants. The team cares for a genuinely diverse mix of native plants, heirloom gardens, and some of the city’s oldest trees.

• The tree can tolerate periods of wet soil and drier weather, but the ground shouldn’t be allowed to dry completely for extended periods.
• The tree doesn’t require regular fertilizing, but will upside from mulching with organic matter annually to retain moisture in the ground and keep the soil healthy.
• Remember that ana adds that ‘minimal pruning’ is required for shapely, healthy trees. ‘Focus on removing dead or damaged branches to maintain structure,’ she explains.
• A sweetbay magnolia tree tends to be hardy to the US hardiness zones 4-10.

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Though, Sharon Yiesla recommends ‘some winter protection’ at the reduce ends of its tolerance, and avoiding windswept winter planting sites. The specialist recommends ‘Moonglow’ sweetbay magnolia for gardeners in colder climates, as she says: ‘This cultivar is more tolerant of cold and can retain some of its semi-evergreen foliage more successfully in northern climates.

• As a rule, the habit is more upright, and the flowers are slightly larger than the species.’ You can get a ‘Moonglow’ sweetbay magnolia at Nature Hills.
• FAQs What Is the Lifespan of a Sweetbay Magnolia?
• A sweetbay magnolia tends to live anywhere between 50 and 130 years, depending on the conditions.
• How Far Apart Should I Plant Sweetbay Magnolia?

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In short, a sweetbay magnolia grows to 10-20 feet tall and wide, but is capable of having a spread of 30 feet. It is advisable to plant them at least 20 feet apart, and the same distance away from houses or other structures.

• Garden Spade A garden spade is your go-to tool for planting trees.
• This one is strong and durable, with a stainless steel head and a hardwood handle to last any gardener for years.
• Worth noting: compost and Manure Blend Amend any soil for the better by mixing in compost to boost soil structure, water retention, and nutrient levels.
• Incorporate this into the soil before planting any trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on only plant tree spring?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. National Arbor Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday in April.

Is it worth shopping around for only plant tree spring?

Usually yes. It encourages people to celebrate and plant a tree on this celebratory day.

Smart Ways to Save More on Only Plant Tree Spring

• Sign up for the retailer newsletter to catch first time and seasonal discounts.
• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, line up only plant tree spring against current promotions and any codes you can stack. Small habits like these add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.