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Michigan, aptly named The Great Lakes State, lies along the northern border of the United States, surrounded by the vast lakes that define its identity. Representing this majestic region is the Eastern White Pine, a towering conifer native to Canada, the Great Lakes, and the Appalachia. With the potential to reach heights exceeding 200 feet and lifespans of over 400 years, this tree embodies the resilience and endurance of Michigan’s landscape. Given its expansive aquatic environment, frigid winters, and heavy snowfall, prudent Michigan growers must carefully consider factors such as climate, soil type, precipitation, irrigation needs, growing zones, and resilience to weather damage when selecting trees for cultivation.
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:
As property in Michigan 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 Michgian, 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 Michgian, 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.
Michigan has two peninsulas: the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. The Lower Peninsula is has typically milder seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. The northern portion of the Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula have more extreme weather, typified by heave snow, freezing temperatures, and shorter summers. These cold winters often linger below zero for days, with the record set at -51°F. Although the summers are usually in the mid-80s, temperatures in the southern regions of the Lower Peninsula can get quite hot, with the record high set at 112°F in 1936.
Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Michigan is characterized by Kalkaska soil, first described in 1927. The soil covers over 750,000 acres of Michigan land, and is sandy in nature, best used for growing timber, potatoes, and strawberries. Regardless of the property’s location in The Great Lakes 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.
Michigan only receives about 35 inches of rainfall annually on average, though this is usually plenty for the crops and livestock raised in the area. What Michigan receives in annual rainfall is by far outdone in snowfall, with the state receiving, on average, 160 inches of snow a year. Snow falls for a longer time and with a greater quantity in the northern regions of the Upper Peninsula, though areas in the southernmost regions of the Lower Peninsula will receive plenty as well. Michigan averages approximately 30 thunderstorms a year, slightly below the national average.
Michigan receives sporadic rainfall, with most of the state’s annual 35 inches falling in the spring and summer. Irrigation can be an effective way to ensure adequate water is available to trees and plants all year long. Installing a simple sprinkler or drip irrigation system can mean the difference to a newly planted tree, which will require consistent and controlled access to water to ensure successful rooting and growth. Certain varieties of trees will also fare better with a reliable watering system.
Michigan’s diverse geography significantly influences its array of growing zones, defined by the USDA based on minimal temperature ranges for optimal plant survival. With eight distinct growing zones, some covering mere acres, Michigan’s zones traverse the landscape, with colder temperatures concentrated at the heart of each peninsula. In the Lower Peninsula, temperatures plummet to -35°F in north-central regions near Gaylord, while coastal and southern areas experience milder lows around -10°F, with most regions dipping to -15° to -20°F in zones 5b and 5a. Similarly, the Upper Peninsula’s zones follow a banded pattern, with the coldest area southwest of the Ottawa National Forest, where temperatures can plummet to -40°F.
Michigan does receive severe weather, such as thunderstorms, heavy snowfall, and tornadoes. Heavy snow affects most of the state, with the lake-effect causing most snow to fall in regions surrounding the Great Lakes. Although the number of thunderstorms is below the national average, they can be quite severe in the south, often accompanied by flash floods. The southern parts of the state also see severe tornadoes. In some regions of the south, tornadoes are frequent. Planting trees near powerlines or buildings can increase the risk, so be sure to plant them far away. Trees can also assist in protection from erosion, so if flooding is a risk, plant trees with strong roots on banks of rivers or streams.
