Most well-established trees can tolerate some drought. Much depends on the drought resistance of certain species and whether they are growing on an appropriate site.
Moisture sensitive tree species like dogwoods, Japanese maples, flowering cherries, and birches may need extra water in times of drought. Oaks, red maples, tulip poplars, sycamores, crabapples, hawthorns, elms, gingkos, and hackberries are noted for their drought resistance so should be a preferred species to plant in drought-prone areas.
Japanese Maple Leaf Scorch - Steve Nix Photo, Licensed to About.com
Nearly every state and province has a forestry association that represents forestry practiced by both the forest owner and forestry trade organizations. These forestry associations are designed to protect timber growers and timber processors from excessive regulation, provide them with continuing education in the effort to grow and harvest trees and recognize excellent forest stewardship. Here are many of the largest forestry associations in North America. Let me know if I missed your favorite!
A United States Forest Service report called the
Check List of Native and Naturalized Trees suggests that there may be more than 865 different species of trees in the United States. Here are the 10 most common native tree species in the United States, based on several Federal surveys of tree stem count, and are listed with the most common first:
Nearly Five years after being voted the United States' favorite tree, Congressional passage and presidential signing of an historic bill made it official in 2004 - the Oak was selected as America's National Tree. The actual voting took 4 months to cast and tally but did not become official for years after that vote.
The oak tree was selected from 21 candidate trees based on broad tree categories (genera) that included the State Trees of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Redwood was selected as runner-up in the Arbor Day Foundation supported effort.
