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Coconuts are a popular tropical food, which can grow in regions that range from warm subtropical to fully tropical. If you are looking for information on how to successfully plant and sustain your coconut trees, you are in the right place! While thinking about planting them, you may have wondered how far apart you should plant coconut trees.

Coconuts are a unique yet versatile crop that can thrive when planted and spaced correctly. A good rule of thumb is that coconut palms should be planted about 20 feet apart from each other. This ensures enough room for each individual coconut tree to thrive.

Before we continue our discussion about how far apart coconut trees should be planted, it is important to understand the classifications that coconuts hold. Let’s dive into what a coconut is before we focus on just how far apart you should plant coconut trees and the best ways to grow one yourself. Let’s get to it!

What Exactly Is A Coconut?

Okay, so it’s all well and good that this is a tropical food that grows on trees in warm regions, but does anyone know how coconuts are actually classified? 

Are coconuts a fruit, are they a nut, maybe a seed? What classification best fits this popular tropical food?

Is A Coconut A Fruit?

Coconuts grow on trees, fall off of them, and are edible. That sounds like a fruit to me, or does it?

Coconuts have an inner flesh and a ‘seed’, although it may not look like one would traditionally expect. But, it can be considered to be a fruit. 

We might be on to something here, but let’s go through the other options before getting to the real explanation. 

There’s an even more in-depth explanation for this? Of course, there is!

Is A Coconut A Nut? 

Coconuts could be compared to almonds, pistachios, and cashews based on the way that the edible ‘fruits’ grow and spread. The hard shell around the internal ‘meat’ of the coconut only furthers its comparison to other nuts.

Also, coconut, right? It’s in the name so how can it not be a nut? 

The answer to this is that the way that coconuts are not considered true nuts.

What is a true nut, then, you ask?

A true nut is different in the way that it releases its seeds and spreads throughout the soil. 

This type of ‘true nut’ does not open at maturity to release its seeds, which includes things like acorns, chestnuts, and hazelnuts.

Thanks to the hard-shelled pods that enclose the fruit and the seed of a plant, the nut does not ever have the opportunity to open up at maturity. Coconut seeds are spread through the animals that consume them. 

Say, for example, that a squirrel takes an acorn to eat, breaks open the outer shell and then eats the inner contents. The squirrel will either leave a bit behind (not as likely) or will dispose of anything left of this nut after it has been processed by the squirrel’s body. 

Either way, the seed is spread and the species of tree (an oak, in this case) can continue to live on and spread across a viable area. 

While a coconut might not be a ‘true nut’ in this sense, it is still technically able to be classified as a nut.

Is A Coconut A Seed?

So, a coconut can sort of be a nut, and might technically be a fruit, but what about the plain and simple notion that a coconut is a seed meant to create more trees?

In short, the answer is that yes, coconut is technically the seed for a palm tree. 

According to the Universities Space Research Association, the ‘coco de Mer’ or double coconut, is actually noted as the largest seed. How about that? 

So, which one of these three titles does a coconut actually hold?

Perhaps It’s All Three!

Aside from the confusion of how coconut is really classified, is the idea that all of these classifications have the potential to be correct.

When we loosely define a coconut, in the way that real average humans would, as opposed to professionally trained botanists, a coconut can be all three of these things. 

So, coconuts are a fruit. Coconuts are a seed. Finally, coconuts are a nut. 

There must be some way to describe this that doesn’t rely on multiple classifiers, right? Right!

Let’s talk about the technical term that you may hear when referring to a coconut: a drupe.

A Coconut Is A Drupe

As defined by the Library of Congress, coconuts are technically fibrous, one-seeded drupes. 

What on earth even is a drupe? Good question. 

A drupe is a word that describes a hard fruit whose seed is enclosed by a hard, stony covering. 

All drupes have three layers. The three layers are defined as the outer layer, or the exocarp, the fleshy middle layer known as the mesocarp, and the hard, woody layer that surrounds the seed and is known as the endocarp. 

Does a coconut even have a seed, though? What would this look like?

The part of the coconut that you are likely used to seeing among the aisles of your favorite grocery store is that inner layer, the endocarp, that surrounds the coconut meat and the water within this drupe.

With the fibrous outer layer removed, as well as any other external layers, the coconut is prepared for easier consumption.

You can read more about these drupes in our guide on the most common places where coconut trees grow!

How Far Apart Should Coconut Trees Be Planted?

Penn State University research discusses the benefits of a multi-storied cropping system in which coconut trees are planted in rows of a North-to-South orientation.

The distance between two coconut trees in any direction (in the same hedgerow of trees or to the East or West in a neighboring row) is about six meters in this model. 

The IFAS Extension at the University of Florida confirms this spacing model, noting that coconut trees should be planted anywhere from 18-30 feet apart to maximize space and soil quality at the same time.

The reason for this spacing requirement essentially boils down to the fact that sunlight is a key factor in the success of palm trees, as is the quality of the soil. 

So, for example, if another tree was too close to another tree it might have soil that is not fully helping to nourish it but is also supporting another tree. More than that, that tree might end up being partially shaded by another tree that is too closely spaced, causing it to lack the sunlight it so deeply needs to flourish.

While there are other factors, the point is that coconut palms should be planted about 20 feet apart, which is between 18-30, so this is a good bet to rely on when you find yourself unsure.

What Equipment Might You Need To Plant A Coconut Tree?

So, now that we know a little more about the classification of a coconut, what one might expect while growing this type of tree, and how far apart coconut trees should be planted, let’s talk about the resources necessary to keep the coconuts coming!

Water

If you are planning on planting a coconut tree from the coconut itself, water is going to be an essential part of the process. Especially at the start!

You will want to soak your whole coconut (damaged, cracked, or otherwise no longer filled with its coconut water will not do the trick) in a large bowl of water for 2-3 days.

You’ll need to practice regular watering when it comes to your coconut tree. But, what does regular really entail?

Your coconut palm tree should be receiving at least one inch of water weekly. Whether this comes in the form of natural precipitation, or as the result of an irrigation system of your choice, at least an inch of water every seven days is essential to the wellbeing of your coconut tree.

Something like a simple Drip Irrigation Kit can do the trick if you want to have a plan in place to back you up if rain doesn’t come.

You can also read our guide on how much water coconut trees need for more in-depth info!

High Quality Potting Soil

When your coconut has soaked for a long enough period, you’ll want to move it from the water to a pot full of potting soil in which it can begin to grow and thrive. 

This soil should be able to drain well, have a loamy texture, and have a relatively acidic pH. The pH should be somewhere between 5-8, to be specific.

Soil is still important no matter if you are already planting a sapling directly into the ground. You’ll still want to ensure that your maturing coconut tree is planted in the right conditions to promote a healthy level of growth.

As long as you remember that loamy, drainable soil is essential for these trees and you’ll be fine!

Potting Your Coconut Tree

When you plant a coconut itself to begin the process of growing into a tree, you’ll want to make sure to utilize a pot that is about 12 inches deep. The main thing, though, is that your coconut should be placed inside about 10 gallons of soil that is well-draining.

Now, we know that this is just the start and that many of you will be planting many coconut trees over a wide plot of land. So, there are many other tools that you will want to plan on utilizing during this process. 

Especially if you are planting a coconut palm from a container, whether or not you originally planted the tree from a coconut or purchased a bunch of saplings to relocate to your property, you’ll want to use the planter as a reference for the size of the hole you create in the ground. 

The easiest way to do this is by grabbing a shovel, something like this Radius Garden Rootslayer Shovel will do, and then digging a hole that is roughly the same depth and width of the space that the tree was already beginning to grow in.

The good thing about having such a heavy-duty shovel is that you can use it for many other types of planting in other environments, should you ever need to. Or, just be that friend with the really good shovel that people borrow, who are we to decide!

Fertilizer For Coconuts

One of the absolute most important aspects of maintaining healthy coconut trees is going to be enriching the soil in which they live. 

This comes into play as well when we talk about how far apart you should plant your coconut trees, because the more space between trees the more nutrients each tree can get from a section of soil. 

However, if you do have to plant your trees relatively close together, adding fertilizer can be a game-changer when it comes to the growing progress that they make. 

Even if your trees are planted miles apart (yes, that is a very extreme example), you should still keep fertilizer in mind. Its value is priceless for your trees!

There is a reason that we always come back to the topic of fertilizer, and that is because of the immense benefits and support that it can offer your tree.

Thankfully, obtaining the right kind of fertilizer is as easy as opting to order a Miracle-Gro Palm Tree Food fertilizer that is both inexpensive and can be bought online with same-day delivery for when you are in a pinch!

Keeping Your Coconut Tree Healthy Long-Term

Keeping your coconut tree healthy over a long period of time is going to take a couple of things, really. 

Nothing too high maintenance, but just a little extra TLC from time to time.

Great, what a relief! What kind of care should be given regularly to a coconut tree throughout its life?

General Maintenance

General maintenance can include everything from watching your tree to checking for any sort of infestation or disease, to knowing when it is time to prune some leaves or branches. 

The thing about general maintenance is that it is commonly overlooked or undervalued while it happens to be the most important thing you can do in the long-term. Paying attention to your coconut trees, just like any other crops or personal plants you may own, is vital to the success of the plant itself.

We’ve got even more information on coconut trees for you! Check out more our article about how tall coconut trees grow!

Healthy Soil, Happy Tree

What, did you expect that to rhyme or something? No way!

Anywho, keeping your soil healthy is going to be the biggest factor that supports your coconut tree into maturity and throughout the rest of its life. 

This can look like everything from proper watering practices to fertilizer to help promote the absorption of nutrients and keep other species (and individual coconut trees) from getting too close to your tree’s source of life. 

That’s All For Now!

Well, that’s pretty much what we have for you today. Thanks for sticking around to learn a little more about the nuances that come with growing and sustaining a coconut tree. 

Don’t forget to plant them about six meters, or 19-20 feet apart!

I hope this piece helps you feel confident in maintaining your coconut trees to the best of your ability. 

To end, here is a gentle reminder that we are all at different stages of our tree journeys, and we are wishing you the best of luck as you continue to navigate your own!

If you want to continue your coconut tree journey, check out our article all about palm trees 10 Best Steps For Transporting Palm Trees (And How To Do It)!

References

Pandey, S., & Gupta, S. (2020). Diversity analysis of ACC deaminase producing bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of coconut tree (Cocos nucifera L.) grown in Lakshadweep islands of India and their ability to promote plant growth under saline conditions. Journal of Biotechnology, 324, 183-197.

Swezey, O. H. (1952). Insect fauna of a coconut tree.

Have you ever noticed a tree that is full of beautiful branches and leaves, but wondered why the tree doesn’t have branches that grow on the bottom portion of the tree?

Branches don’t always grow at the bottom of a tree due to the amount of sunlight this part of the tree tends to get. Many trees also shed their lower branches as they continue to grow so that the higher branches can receive more energy from the sunlight.

There is a pretty simple reason that explains why some trees don’t have branches growing down the entire length of the trunk just a bit deeper than what we said. We won’t keep you waiting any longer- let’s get into it!

Why Don’t Branches Grow At The Bottom Of Trees?

Biologically, there is no one thing stopping branches from growing at the bottom of trees, at the base of the trunk. 

The culprit, simply put, is the amount of sunlight this part of the tree tends to get. 

It is for this exact reason that tree branches also tend to continue growing outward for long periods after becoming large, established branches. It’s all about which branches can get more sunlight!

Many trees shed their lower branches as they continue to grow so that the branches that are higher up and therefore closer to the sunlight can receive more energy to grow. 

Branches Grow Where The Sun Goes

To make it easy, you can remember that branches tend to grow wherever the sun goes. 

Things like nutrients from the soil, water, and sunlight are the key components to the health and success of a tree. While different species certainly have different needs, this is a constant that you can bet on almost every time!

Why Would Trees Not Lose Their Bottom Branches?

When it comes to an evergreen tree like pine, the biology of the tree works a bit differently. 

In a tree like this, the lower limbs (meaning the branches) tend to support the higher branches. 

This makes sense if you look at the triangular shape of a pine tree, where the lower branches are longest and then each row gets a bit shorter until the top ends in a small point of branches and twigs. 

Because of the shape and structure of this type of tree, vying for sunlight is not as much of a concern. Therefore, structural integrity and support turn into the main priority. 

Pros And Cons Of Pruning Bottom Branches On Trees

While pruning is a great, and important practice the way you go about doing so can differ depending on the type of tree you are dealing with. 

Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees do the best with pruning, thanks to the anatomy of a deciduous tree. According to Virginia Tech University’s Cooperative Extension, corrective pruning can be quite useful when the purpose is to remove any dead branches or branches that are rubbing too close together. 

Even if the latter is healthy branches, any that are growing too close together for too long can hinder sunlight, trap moisture and cause decay, or offer a host of other complications. 

Pruning deciduous trees is a pretty regular practice that when done correctly and without being overzealous, can be a very beneficial part of tree maintenance.

You can learn more about deciduous trees here!

Evergreen Trees 

Evergreen trees can benefit from pruning. The University of Idaho Extension highlights this by saying that you should locate the live zone of the tree and remove any branches that may be decaying or otherwise damaged. 

It is important to remember that evergreens have a dead zone closer to their trunks, which is where branches have been so densely shaded by other sun-facing branches that new branches cannot develop nor be sustained. 

So, as you prune an evergreen, be sure to keep the live zone full enough to continue growing. If you over prune and expose the dead zone, likely that new branches and needles will not be able to take place of the old ones.

Additionally, there is another extra consideration for evergreen trees. Since there are branches that grow so much lower on many of the species in this category, you’ll want to be careful about ‘limbing up’ evergreens or removing the lower branches for the sake of appearance.

If you decide that pruning your tree is the way to go, you can try these Fiskars Bypass Pruning Shears for nice, clean cuts that leave you knowing that you got the job done cleanly and efficiently.

Want to learn more about evergreen trees? Check out our article Here’s How Evergreens Grow During The Winter And Year-Round!

How Can You Keep Your Trees Branches Strong?

Alright, so now that you have a better idea of the (simple) reason that branches don’t always grow at the bottom of a tree, and the ways that pruning differs in evergreens and deciduous trees, what’s next?

Keep your tree healthy and maintained regularly, of course!

Learn more about tree maintenance in our article 5 Simple Tips For Trimming A Cedar Tree!

Regularly Monitor Your Tree

By this, of course, we mean that the prize is your tree’s health and you should keep a watchful eye over your tree to ensure that it maintains its strength and wellbeing. 

This is perhaps the simplest, most constant part of general tree maintenance and a good practice to get in the habit of early on.

By keeping tabs on how your tree is doing every once in a while, you’ll be able to catch problems before they start, instead of needing to take a more reactionary approach. 

If you remember one thing about how to grow a good tree it should be this: prevention is the best method!

By watching your tree, you’ll be able to more quickly notice anything out of the ordinary. This could mean seeing signs of weakness, early detection of disease, noticing insect infestation, and more. 

Malnourishment and under watering are also some common culprits when it comes to the weakening of a tree, so we will go into a little more depth about those two below. 

Frequently Water Your Tree

Speaking of those important measures you can take to equip your tree with the best chances of not only survival, but the ability to thrive, you should be regularly watering your tree. 

Watering a tree? Just like its any other plant on my property? But trees don’t need watering like other small plants, do they?

This is a common misconception and one that often leads to issues down the road when it comes to tree growth. 

A tree that is not receiving proper hydration will not be able to put the same amount of energy toward growing those beautiful branches, getting taller, or sprouting lush new leaves. That energy will all go toward keeping the tree alive. 

Think of it like this, you’re sitting in the sun all day, soaking up lots of heat and rays. If you only drink a sip or two of water, you’ll probably be feeling pretty thirsty. Trees are the same way.

Even if there was a rain shower a few weeks ago or you sprayed a bit of water when you watered the flowers on the porch or the vegetables in the garden, that doesn’t mean that the tree is fully hydrated and performing at its best capacity. 

Utilizing an irrigation system can help determine how often, and how easily, you make sure your tree is receiving water. 

If you are starting out and looking for a simple solution the Raindrip Rootwise 360 Precision Drip Irrigation System is a great option. This is great for saplings and younger trees that don’t have a very wide trunk just yet. Eventually, you and your tree will need to graduate to either a larger size or a different system.

Fertilize Your Tree Each Season

That may sound dramatic that fertilizer can be a lifesaver for your tree, but using a product that helps nourish your tree is as easy yet crucial as it gets!

How do you know what type of fertilizer would be best for your tree? 

Using a balanced tree fertilizer like this J R Peters 52024 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-20-20 All Purpose Fertilizer can act as the perfect starting point. 

Hold on, though. What does balanced mean, really, and what do all of those 20’s stand for? 

Simply put, fertilizers have an NPK value (standing for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), which indicated how different elements are balanced within the fertilizer. So, if you see 6-6-6 or 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, you can rest assured that your fertilizer is going to be well-balanced and can work on most if not all trees. 

For specific species, you can look up the NPK value that is recommended by experts, and go from there.

We’ve Reached The Bottom (Of The Article)

Sorry for that one, but we’re trying to branch out!

Get it? 

Anyway, we are glad you stuck around to learn a little more about why branches don’t always grow at the bottom of a tree.

We are wishing you the very best of luck as you continue along your own tree journey. For now, keep learning and we’ll see you soon!

References

Clowes, M. S. T., & Allison, J. C. S. (1983). The growth and development of lateral branches in the top, middle and bottom of pruned coffee trees in a hedgerow. Zimbabwe Journal of Agricultural Research (Zimbabwe) v. 21 (2) p. 115-134.

Massonnet, C., Regnard, J. L., Lauri, P. E., Costes, E., & Sinoquet, H. (2008). Contributions of foliage distribution and leaf functions to light interception, transpiration and photosynthetic capacities in two apple cultivars at branch and tree scales. Tree physiology, 28(5), 665-678.

Deciduous trees are typically described as ‘trees that lose their leaves during the winter months.’ But did you know some deciduous trees keep their leaves during the winter?

Most deciduous trees either lose all or most of their leaves during the winter. In extreme cases, certain deciduous trees keep all of their leaves during the winter as they go through a longer process of decay. This includes trees like oak, beech, ironwood, hornbeam, witch hazel, and frailejones.

There is an explanation as to why a deciduous tree might not lose all of its leaves during wintertime, and we don’t want to keep you waiting any longer. (Hint: it has to do with a delayed timeline in certain trees.) So, let’s get right into it!

How Do Deciduous Trees Keep Their Leaves During Winter?

There is a term for this, and we want to equip you with it now because it’s something that we are going to reference a lot from here on out!

It is important to understand that the term deciduous is an overarching classification, but that certain species and even individual trees may do things a bit differently.

Marcescence is a term to describe the retention of dead plant organs that are normally shed. The Ohio State University further elaborates on this, saying that to be marcescent is to wither but do not fall off of a plant. 

So, marcescence on a tree does not mean that the tree is keeping its leaves in the way that an evergreen would, with healthy and full leaves. Instead, the leaves of a deciduous tree will still go through the cyclical process of decline but will simply remain on the tree itself.

These leaves will appear to be brown and wilted, the same way they would a few days to a week after falling from the tree. Effectively, these leaves are going through a slowed-down version of the decay process while still on the tree. 

This does not harm the tree, though. In fact, the reason for this phenomenon actually has the tree’s best interest in mind. More on that in the next section!

Eventually, a deciduous tree is still going to lose its leaves. So, no worries to those of you thinking, ‘well isn’t that the whole point of a deciduous tree, to lose its leaves each year?’

You’d be right! A deciduous tree with marcescence does not simply begin to act like an evergreen and keep its leaves year-round, the leaf dropping period is only delayed to the spring. 

Essentially, this entire process is just a delay of the cycle that all deciduous trees go through every year. 

With that, we should discuss why deciduous trees might exhibit this marcescence.

Why Might Deciduous Trees Exhibit Marcescence?

There are many ideas surrounding the why of marcescence. The most common of the thoughts is that a tree will keep its leaves into the spring to help protect it to some degree. 

If an area is especially dry or windy, or there are different wildlife species that may cause a threat to the ends of the branches that are responsible for a tree’s growth, the likelihood of marcescence becomes higher. 

This abnormality does tend to occur in less-mature, or not-yet-developed portions of the tree, which only adds to this theory that leaves remain attached to their branches as an extra layer of protection.

6 Deciduous Trees That Keep Their Leaves During Winter

Now that we know a little bit more about marcescence and what it actually means, it’s worth discussing some different species of trees that fall into this category.

Oak and beech trees are the most common deciduous trees where this retention of leaves in the winter can be seen, but there are also a few other species to note.

Oak Trees 

White Oaks, specifically, are a tree that most commonly displays marcescence to some degree. 

The University of Illinois also notes that shingle oak and pin oak trees are a bit more abnormal than other oaks that display marcescence. These two species are some of the few who continue retaining leaves in the winter as mature trees. 

Typically, this is limited to trees that are not yet fully mature, so shingle and pin oaks are even more of an exception to the rule than the other deciduous trees that stray from the common cycle of deciduous trees.

The oak tree’s leaves will shift from the green of summer to red, orange, yellow, or brown in the fall before reaching marcescence. At that point, the leaves will turn into wilted brown attachments on the tree.

Beech Trees

Beech trees have foliage that tends to be quite dense and narrow. 

This type of tree exhibits marcescence in a way that makes the leaves’ appearance a bit different than that of oak leaves going through the same process. 

In beech trees, the leaves will go from a green to a light tan color as opposed to the darker red-brown tone of wilted oak leaves.

Ironwood Trees

Ironwood trees are desert trees that only grow in the southwest United States.

So, it’s safe to say that the marcescence of this tree takes place to protect the tree from especially dry winter conditions.

This tree’s leaves will go from light green to a dark brown, withered-looking shade under the conditions of this leaf retention throughout the winter.

Hornbeam Trees

These hardwood trees tend to grow in more temperate regions, where the cause of marcescence is most likely the wildlife that many try to snack on the ends of branches. 

Hornbeam trees will see their leaves go from being full and deeply green to withered, essentially rolled upon themselves, and light brown.

You can learn more about hornbeam trees in our article: 6 Best Shade Trees To Plant That Don’t Cause Root Problems!

Witch Hazel Trees

With yellow, fragrant flowers in the winter, witch hazel trees are quite unique, even for this list. 

These are most commonly marcescent, with their green summer leaves turning brown alongside the yellow flowers that grow and thrive during the winter months. 

While it may be unfortunately difficult to see the pretty yellow winter flowers, this process is still quite normal and healthy for a witch hazel tree.

Frailejones

This tree is more of a shrub and is part of the sunflower family. Native to South America, frailejones (or espeletia, as they are also known) are the final tree on our list today. 

In the summer months, their leaves are long and pale green. With marcescence, they turn into shriveled leaves that are more of a greyish tan than a green color.

This is a pretty quintessential desert plant, and frailejones tend to blend in with their landscapes no matter what time of year it is.

Caring For Your Deciduous Trees In The Winter

Now that you know a little bit more about some of the abnormal processes that can take place in the winter when it comes to deciduous trees, it is time to shift gears. 

We are going to talk about general maintenance practices that you can follow in the winter to give your tree, with or without marcescence, the best opportunity to grow and flourish.

Following some of these simple steps will allow you to feel confident in your tree-growing practices, and they’re all easy, too!

Keep An Eye On Your Tree

Taking some time to observe your tree is a habit that is hugely beneficial but also widely overlooked. 

Especially during the winter months, regardless of whether your tree has lost all of its leaves, it is going to be much easier to notice signs of anything that is out of place. 

For example, examining your tree once in a while can be quite a preventative measure.

You may need to trim away some branches or use some other sort of tactic to get rid of bugs, but your tree will bounce back faster and the problem should be able to be managed much more easily than if you caught the issue later on.

Most people tend to notice any issues with their tree at that later stage and will tell you firsthand that they wish they’d kept closer tabs on their tree. 

Still Water Your Tree In The Winter

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean that your tree doesn’t need water!

While this, of course, depends on the climate and region that your tree is living in, it is pretty standard practice to water trees throughout the winter months. 

A tree that is not properly hydrated will have to focus more of its energy on keeping things running smoothly and can focus less on the other processes that a tree needs to go through during the winter months. 

You don’t need to water your tree very much, especially if there is snow or ice that can seep into the soil around the tree. However, you should keep watering in mind if you are having a warmer winter, or live in a dry but cold area.

If the idea of remembering to water regularly concerns you, fear not! You can use a product like this HIRALIY 98ft Drip Irrigation Kit that will help you to easily space out where the water will go and time the flow so that you don’t need to actively water your tree. 

Add Fertilizer To Your Tree

Can you guess what the best fertilizer for your tree is? 

Yes- it’s own leaves!

Decomposed leaves can make great mulch or be added to compost piles to be dispersed throughout other parts of your property. Or, they can be left where they are to fertilize the ground on which they fall. 

Nature has some pretty sweet processes and this is one of them. Why waste time raking leaves and moving them around when those leaves are actually some of the best, cheapest, most natural fertilizers you could possibly obtain. 

What’s better is that the fertilizer from a tree’s leaves has all of the nutrients and elements the tree needs because it comes from the tree itself. Pretty crazy, huh?

Now, if your tree is exhibiting an extra case of marcescence and is not losing those leaves you might still be in the market for a good fertilizer that can help pick up some of the slack. 

We should begin by going back to that point about leaves being the perfect fertilizer to nourish a specific tree. What does that mean, exactly? 

Well, different trees need different amounts of certain elements and vitamins. A balance of these things that can best support the tree is the overall goal in the end. 

So, if you’re looking for a fertilizer that you can purchase and works well on white oak, for example, you’d want to opt for an NPK value of 12-4-8 or 12-6-6. 

Wait a minute, what is an NPK value?

If you aren’t familiar, this stands for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and each number corresponds to the amount of the element that is in a given fertilizer product. 

So, an oak tree does best with a lot more nitrogen and a relatively balanced amount of phosphorus and potassium, as long as they are less than the nitrogen, that is.

If you’re looking for a good starter fertilizer that is going to pair well with the majority of trees, you can try these Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes. These are reasonably priced and come in a 12-pack, so you’ll have some on hand!

You can also read our guides on the best maple tree fertilizers and best oak tree fertilizers if you’re trying to get a bit more specific!

Winter Is A Great Time To Prune Your Tree

Although the deciduous trees listed above can display marcescence and keep some, if not all of their leaves during the winter months, winter tends to be the best time to spot any branch-related issues.

What might you be searching for?

You’ll want to observe any dead or overly clustered-together branches that may otherwise be obscured by the fuller, denser leaves of the spring and summer months. 

Even if your deciduous tree has not shed all of its leaves, odds are that you’ll still be able to notice some things that you would not see during other times of the year.

It is wise to not try to kickstart the falling process of the leaves, known as abscission. Trees may need some human support from time to time, but a process as natural as this one tends to occur for a reason and should not be interfered with.

If you do have some branches that you find are needing a trim, we suggest trying out the Fiskars 7.9-12 Foot Extendable Tree Pruning Stik Pruner. While shorter, more easily hand-held shears offer successful opportunities for pruning, these longer pruners can make your job a whole lot easier if you are trying to reach those places that aren’t as readily exposed.

That’s All For Now

That’s all we have for you today!

Remember that if your deciduous tree is retaining some of its leaves in the winter, it will still lose them eventually. While you may have to wait for spring for the leaves to fall, they will do so eventually- as all deciduous trees do in the end.

Six of the major types of trees you can expect to see to keep some-to-all of their leaves during the winter are:

• Oak Trees
• Beech Trees
• Ironwood Trees
• Hornbeam Trees
• Witch Hazel Trees
• Frailejones

If this occurs on your tree, you are not doing anything wrong and neither is the tree. Sometimes, nature has to go beyond the ‘norm’ to keep working as intended. 

With that, we wish you all the best on your personal tree journey. Thanks for sticking with us friends, we’ll see you next time!

If you enjoyed this article, you can check out our other articles about deciduous trees here!

References

Abadía, A., Gil, E., Morales, F., Montañés, L., Montserrat, G., & Abadía, J. (1996). Marcescence and senescence in a submediterranean oak (Quercus subpyrenaica EH del Villar): photosynthetic characteristics and nutrient composition. Plant, Cell & Environment, 19(6), 685-694.

Angst, Š., Cajthaml, T., Angst, G., Šimáčková, H., Brus, J., & Frouz, J. (2017). Retention of dead standing plant biomass (marcescence) increases subsequent litter decomposition in the soil organic layer. Plant and Soil, 418(1), 571-579.

Shaughnessy, D., & Polomski, B. (2006). Oak. 

Freshwater ecosystems contain some of the most diverse plant and animal life. Every organism has adapted to a life filled with water to one degree or another. Trees, in particular, have an interesting relationship with freshwater

Trees that grow in freshwater are typically located in swamps. Their seed dispersal is often dependent on water levels, flooding, or both. Common trees that grow in freshwater include bald cypress, willow, pumpkin ash, swamp tupelo, and water tupelo.

Let’s take a look at some of the trees that grow in freshwater and figure out why these trees have adapted to such an aquatic environment!

1. Bald Cypress Tree

Bald cypress trees go by many names – southern cypress, swamp cypress, red-, yellow-, and white- cypress, as well as gulf cypress.

These water-loving trees grow along the east coast from Delaware to Florida, continuing along the southern gulf coast from Florida to eastern Texas. They can also be found inland in Louisianna, Arkansas, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. 

The most common place you’ll find a bald cypress is in a wet floodplain or swamp. This tree’s favorite environment is somewhere that floods frequently. According to the United States Forest Service, they can withstand being submerged in up to 10 ft of water.

Considering the tree can grow up to 150 ft tall, ten feet doesn’t seem like that much…

Why Do Bald Cypress Trees Grow In Freshwater?

Bald cypress trees are monoecious, meaning both the male and female parts are found on the same tree. The tree self-pollinates during March and April, with female cones carrying anywhere from 2 to 34 seeds per cone.

As the cones mature, they will begin dropping scales that contain seeds. Sometimes, entire cones will drop from the tree instead of just a few scales here and there. 

Some seeds are spread by squirrels that pick up the scales, eat a few seeds, and discard the rest.

However, the most important way that bald cypress tree seeds are distributed is from floodwater. The water carries scales, or whole cones, downstream and spreads them to areas where they can flourish.

This is why floodwaters are so important for the bald cypress tree and why they actually prefer to be in freshwater. Additionally, bald cypress trees benefit from flooding because with the water comes an explosion of nutrients that the tree can use.

Bald cypress trees are important trees for a lot of waterfowl, eagles, and aquatic organisms like catfish and frogs. 

You can learn even more about bald cypress trees in our article 5 Different Uses For Bald Cypress Cones And Balls!

2. Water Tupelo

Also known as Nyssa aquatica, water tupelos are wide-based trees that narrow as it grows. It’s found in many of the same regions as bald cypress but does not extend as far into Florida or inland. 

The water tupelo has an even higher tolerance for flooding, able to withstand being submerged in up to 13 feet of water for long durations. 

Instead of having a cone as fruit like the bald cypress, water tupelo produces a drupe that’s about one inch long and typically dark purple. Inside each fruit is a stone that contains a single seed.

Water Tupelos provide food in the form of their fruits to ducks and squirrels. Deer also feed on the twigs and buds of this important freshwater tree species.

Why Do Water Tupelo Trees Grow In Freshwater?

Being able to grow in freshwater is a unique characteristic of a tree. It’s the same as how cacti adapted to living with so little water. The extreme environment means there is little competition with other trees or shrubs, giving the water tupelo a better chance of survival.

According to the US Forest Service, just like the bald cypress, water tupelo seeds are spread mainly through flooding. 

As long as the stone is intact it will float downstream and eventually land in moist soil. From there, the seed will sit until the next flood when it sinks further beneath the soil and eventually sprouts.

3. Red Maple

When you think of red maple trees, you may not think about swamps and wet environments since these trees can survive in dry conditions just as well. But red maple trees will flourish in wet, swampy soils too. 

Red maples are a short-lived tree, typically making it to the 150-year mark before dying off. The brilliant fall foliage of red maples makes them an attractive tree for landscapes, medians, and sidewalk ornaments. 

Animals appreciate the red maple as well. Deer, elk, squirrels, raccoons, and other small mammals use the red maple for food, especially during winter.

Why Do Red Maples Grow In Freshwater?

Unlike the water tupelo and bald cypress trees, red maples do not use flooding or water to spread their seeds. Instead, they use the wind.

Red maple seeds are attached to fruit that many people call helicopters or whirligigs. They are winged and incredibly light. So, if red maples don’t use water to carry their seeds, why grow in freshwater?

The main reason red maples prefer to grow in freshwater is that it has more nutrients and the tree grows faster than if it were in dry soils. According to the University of Florida, red maples grow the best in wet places.

Once the seeds disperse from the tree and land where the wind takes them, seeds that land on wet soil tend to have the best chance of sprouting.

If you’d like to learn more about maple trees and how to Identify them, check out our article comparing oak and maple trees here.

4. Black Spruce

The black spruce tree has an interesting history behind its name. The description of ‘black’ comes from the appearance of having black branches when viewed on mountain slopes.

However, the tree is most often found in bogs and swamps, so people rarely see this coloration. Its species name ‘Mariana’ means ‘Maryland,’ but the tree is not found in Maryland…

Certainly a strange conundrum. But weird names aside, the black spruce grows in northern North America throughout Canada and the northeastern United States. According to Adirondacks Forever Wild, it has the smallest cone of any spruce.

The black spruce prefers cold climates that are humid and often grow in wet soils, swamps, and bogs.

Why Do Black Spruce Trees Grow In Freshwater?

Once mature, the cones of the black spruce tree will drop scales periodically. It’s not common for entire cones to drop. 

However, much like the red maple, black spruce seeds are not dispersed by water or flooding. They’re normally dispersed by wind and can get help from wildfires that open the cones up.

So, why live in water?

Black spruce trees prefer bogs because they are nutrient-deficient and therefore there is less competition with other trees. Bogs are not very productive, so black spruce trees have the chance to thrive.

Under these conditions, black spruce trees typically have stunted growth due to the lack of nutrients. But at least they survive, right?

5. Willow Tree

The willow tree is more of a group name than an actual species of tree. There are many different willow tree species such as:

• Weeping
• Goat
• Arctic
• Peachleaf
• Brittle

Just to name a few. Most willows love water, but some species grow on dry soils on prairies or open woods as well. 

Willow trees are essential to the stabilization of stream banks and other water systems. The roots help hold the soil together, preventing erosion.

If you’d like to learn more about willow trees, our article Willows & Weeping Willow Trees: 15 Differences & Similarities goes in-depth!

Why Do Willow Trees Grow In Freshwater?

Weeping willows are probably the most well-known willow tree. It’s found near ponds, streams, rivers, and swamps. 

Most willows use stream currents or flood currents to carry seeds downriver. They are then deposited on stream banks or river banks where they can sprout. 

Willows are used by a variety of animals and fish. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, roots that are exposed either partially or completely in water provide homes for fish, turtles, newts, and salamanders. Beavers use them to build dams. Deer and other animals browse willow trees when other food is scarce.

Willows are also useful in the reclamation of disturbed sites such as quarries or mines. Through its own chemical processes to grow and receive nutrients, willow trees can remediate such sites to help stabilize the soil and reduce contaminates.

6. Pumpkin Ash Tree

Pumpkin ash trees can be found in discontinuous clumps along the east coast, down to northern Florida, and in patches in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Indiana.

The tree gets its name from the bloated pumpkin-shaped base it can get when growing in standing water such as swamps. At least this tree’s name is a little less of a mystery than the black spruce, right?

The pumpkin ash is considered critically endangered due to the emerald ash borer, a pest that infests all ash trees that have been sweeping through the United States.

You can learn more about ash trees in our article Here’s How Much Water Ash Trees Actually Need!

Why Do Pumpkin Ash Trees Grow In Freshwater?

Wetlands and swamps are the pumpkin ash’s favorite types of habitat. They thrive in areas with standing water, even if it’s for prolonged periods. 

Pumpkin ash trees use water and flooding to disperse their seeds. The seeds are contained in lightweight, winged fruit, which is usually carried by the wind. However, some drop into the water and are carried by the current.

The fruits of the pumpkin ash are also food for wood ducks and a few other waterfowl. When food is scarce, deer will nibble on the leaves.

7. Swamp Tupelo

As the name suggests, swamp tupelos are closely related to the water tupelo. They are all in the same genus, Nyssa, which refers to the Greek water nymph.

The swamp tupelo thrives in areas of frequent flooding. The tree will form a bloated base that reaches the height of the average level of flooding each season and then begins to taper into a normal-sized trunk.

The best environment for swamp tupelo is where the water is shallow but remains moving. The growth of swamp tupelos can be stunted when grown in stagnant water or in prolonged flooding. Picky picky…

Why Do Swamp Tupelo Trees Grow In Freshwater?

The niche environment that the swamp tupelo requires is due to the way it disperses its seeds. Seeds cannot flourish while submerged in water, but neither can they survive without water. 

When seeds drop from the tree, they are carried by the water to a new location. Once the water recedes and the soil is exposed, then and only then, can the seeds sprout.

Under moist conditions, the seedlings are on the clock to grow as fast as they can before the next flood. If a flood comes through and the seedlings are not above the water level, they’ll die off. 

Honorable Mention: Mangrove Trees

When you think of mangrove trees you’re probably picturing more of a tropical, saltwater environment. And you would be right most of the time!

Mangrove trees typically grow in saltwater estuaries and near the shoreline. They have a unique filtration system that helps keep most of the salt out of their system.

The reason we mention mangrove trees is that some thrive in partial freshwater. According to the Smithsonian Institute, these are called riverine mangrove forests. They are located on floodplains near the coast and occasionally get flooded with freshwater from rivers.

These types of mangrove trees can thrive in both fresh and saltwater conditions. Sometimes the water is mostly fresh, such as during a river flooding. Once the freshwater recedes, the leftover water can have a high salt content, but the mangroves can withstand the rapid change.

You can learn more about trees that grow near saltwater here.

What Are The Best Water-Loving Trees To Plant In Your Yard?

If your yard is slightly saturated with moisture at some point in the year, you may be better off planting some of the trees mentioned above. Trees that do not typically grow in moist conditions will not be able to survive well in constantly moist soil.

But which tree is the BEST to plant in the yard? Let’s check out our top picks.

1. Red Maple

Red maples are an excellent choice to plant in the yard. They are usually the first tree to turn colors in the fall, turning a brilliant red mixed with orange, yellow, and sometimes purple.

Red maples thrive in partial shade to full sun and can thrive in well-drained soils, even if there is extended flooding. 

You can check out your local nursery to pick up a red maple tree. Or, if you prefer to go the online delivery route, try something like DAS farms Red Maple Shade Tree. This is shipped as a live plant and many customers comment on how healthy the tree looks when it arrives.

2. Weeping Willow

Weeping willow trees are iconic water-loving trees with long, drooping branches that sway in the wind.

These trees are a great choice if you have the room to grow them and have a stream or pond on your property. Just like the red maple, you can check your local nursery for a willow tree or order one online like Perfect Plant’s Weeping Willow Live Plant.

That’s A Wrap!

Trees are just as diverse as animals on planet Earth. Some prefer low elevations, others prefer to be thousands of feet above sea level. Some prefer wet conditions, others prefer dry desert conditions. Even the pH of the soil is a factor for a tree.

Several trees prefer to live in freshwater conditions. This typically comes in the form of a swamp or floodplain that sees frequent flooding. 

To recap, the most common trees that grow in freshwater include:

• Baldcypress
• Water tupelo
• Red maple
• Black spruce
• Willow
• Pumpkin ash
• Swamp tupelo

The two main reasons why trees prefer to live in freshwater are seed dispersal and lower competition. That’s all we’ve got, thanks for reading!

References

Allen, S. T., Keim, R. F., & Dean, T. J. (2019, January 15). Contrasting effects of flooding on tree growth and stand density determine aboveground production, in baldcypress forests. Forest Ecology and Management, 432, 345-355.

Burke, M. K., & Chambers, J. L. (2003). Root dynamics in bottomland hardwood forests of the Southeastern United States Coastal Plain. Plant and Soil, 250, 141-153.

Effler, R. S., & Goyer, R. A. (2006, May 01). Baldcypress and water tupelo sapling response to multiple stress agents and reforestation implications for Louisiana swamps. Forest Ecology and Management, 226(1-3), 330-340.

Knight, K. S., Brown, J. P., & Long, R. P. (2013). Factors affecting the survival of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees infested by emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis). Biological Invasions, 15, 371-383.