Rhode Island Trees For Sale

Buying Trees and Shrubs in Rhode Island

Rhode Island, known as The Ocean State, boasts the Red Maple as a common deciduous tree, thriving along its Atlantic coast. Despite its modest height, typically reaching 49 feet, the Red Maple‘s vibrant red foliage during autumn decorates New England landscapes. While it’s a popular choice for Rhode Island yards, growers have numerous tree varieties to explore. Given the state’s compact size, coastal climate, and temperature diversity, prudent Rhode Island growers must consider factors such as climate, soil type, precipitation, irrigation, growing zones, and weather damage.

Best Trees for Rhode Island

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:

1. Royal Empress Trees – Ideal for providing fast-growing shade, year-round beauty, and drought resistance.
2. October Glory Maple – Ideal for continuous color, adaptable growing conditions, and landscaping designs.
3. Meyer Lemon Tree – Ideal for bearing fruit for delicious, edible profits, color, and adaptable qualities.
4. Autumn Purple Ash – Ideal for providing unique fall colors, shade, climate tolerance.

Fast Growing Privacy Trees in Rhode Island

New developments throughout the United States mean more infrastructure, more people, and more invasion of privacy. The residents of Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island 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.

• Climate

Despite its small size, Rhode Island sits amidst the transition zone between two distinct climates: humid subtropical and humid continental climates. Temperatures are moderated by the state’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, which tends to cool summer temperatures while warming winter ones. Even still, the record high temperature was recorded in 1975 at 104°F. The record low is more reasonable, standing at -23°F since 1996. Typically, temperatures linger in the low to mid80s in summer, and temperatures hover near 20°F in winter.

• Soil Type

Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Fertile Narragansett soils cover 12,000 acres of the smallest state, assisting in the production of corn, hay, and vegetables. Regardless of the property’s location in The Ocean 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.

1. The soil will hold its shape. If you touch the soil, it will maintain its original shape. You have CLAY.
2. The soil will hold its shape. If you touch the soil, it will collapse. You have LOAM.
3. The soil will fall apart as you open your hands. You have SAND.

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.

• Average Precipitation

In Rhode Island it precipitates on average 116 days of the year, which is slightly above the United States average of 100 days. 46.8 inches of rain, on average, hit Rhode Island, and mild temperatures do nothing to diminish snowfall, which averages 33.7 inches annually across the state. Precipitation is moderately constant throughout the year, with large increases seen in the early spring, primarily March, with average monthly rainfall increases from a little over 3 inches to 5 inches.

• Irrigation

The best way to capitalize on heavy spring rains is through the judicious use of irrigation systems. Irrigation systems simply help to conserve and direct water use, benefiting both irrigation system owner and user. Drip or sprinkler irrigation systems can be beneficial at moderating water use, directing the low-pressure water to disperse at regular intervals. Newly planted trees benefit from irrigation systems, as the stress of transplantation can be detrimental to new growth.

• Growing Zones

Despite being the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island is home to four distinct 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. Closest to the ocean, especially those regions southeast of Portsmouth and Newark bordering Massachusetts, areas are warmest. Temperatures here do not often drop below 0°F. Moving northwest across the state, temperature ranges cool, and in the northwestern corner temperatures can drop to as low as -15°F for extended periods.

• Weather Damage

Rhode Island’s small size assists in protecting in from severe weather systems, which by sheer probability do not often hit the state; regardless, tropical storms, such as hurricanes, and occasional tornadoes have hit the state, often causing severe damage in the second densest population state. Plant trees away from power lines and small buildings, and remember trees can protect against erosion.