Native NJ Shade Trees

There are trees.

Then there are shade trees.

Then there are native shade trees.

And of course there are native New Jersey shade trees.


Because native shade trees are adapted to local environmental conditions, they require far less water, saving time, money, and perhaps the most valuable natural resource, water. In addition to providing vital habitat for birds, many other species of wildlife benefits as well. Restoring native plant habitat is vital to preserving biodiversity. By enhancing a native tree habitat, the area becomes part of a collective effort to nurture and sustain the living landscape for other native plants, insects, birds and other animals.

Within the images below you will find various species of shade trees that are native to New Jersey and as such are adept at growing within the Monmouth County New Jersey growing zone. Utilizing trees from among these species will help promote a “green” environment and maintain a “natural” growing habitat for plants and animals alike.


The list below is maintained by Fair Haven residents and approved by the Fair Haven Shade Tree Commission and was sourced from:

  • Arbor Day Foundation

  • Choose Natives Organization

  • Direct Native Plants

  • Edge of the Woods Nursery

  • Monmouth County Parks

  • Native Plant Society of New Jersey

  • Rutgers University Urban Forestry Department

  • State of New Jersey Forest Service

  • Sustainable Princeton Organization


The trees highlighted in RED are living well and can be found in Fair Haven.

Ash

(Black Ash)

Ash

(White Ash)

Beech

(American Beech)

Butternut

Bigtooth Aspen

Birch

(Gray Birch)

Birch

(Paper Birch)

Birch

(River Birch)

Birch

(Sweet Birch)

Birch

(Yellow Birch)

Cherry

(Black Cherry)

Elm

(American Elm)

Elm

Silver Elm

Gum

(Black Gum)

Gum

(Sweet Gum)

Locust

(Black Locust)

Locust

Common Honey Locust

Hackberry

(Common Hackberry)

Horsechestnut

Cumbertree Magnolia

Eastern Black Walnut

Eastern Hemlock

Dogwood

(Flowering Dogwood)

Linden

(American Linden)

Hickory

(Bitternut Hickory)

Hickory (Mockernut Hickory)

Hickory

(Pignut Hickory)

Hickory

(Shagbark Hickory)

Hickory

(Shellbark Hickory)

Maple

(Sugar Maple)

Maple

(Red Maple)

Maple

(Silver Maple)

Northern Catalpa

Oak

(Black Oak)

Oak

(Burr Oak)

Oak

(Chestnut Oak)

Oak

(Northern Red Oak)

Oak

(Pin Oak)

Oak

(White Oak)

Pawpaw

Persimmon (Common Persimmon)

Sassafras (Common Sassafras)


Sycamore (a.k.a. Buttonwood)

Tuliptree

Willow

(Black Willow)