City Introduces New Tree and Shrub Recommendation List
In an effort to encourage sustainable landscaping and enhance Bella Vista’s natural beauty, the city’s Tree Advisory Board, in partnership with city planners, has introduced a comprehensive Tree and Shrub Recommendation List. This list includes a variety of native and non-native species suited to the local climate, helping homeowners and developers choose appropriate plants for their properties. Below is a selection of the recommended trees from the list:
Recommended Shade Trees:
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): Native, 50-70 feet tall, thrives in full sun and medium to wet soil. It’s great for rain gardens and attracts birds.
Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica): Native, 30-50 feet tall, prefers part sun to full shade and medium to wet soil. Known for fall color and attracting birds and bees.
White Oak (Quercus alba): Native, 60-100 feet tall, thrives in full to part sun and medium soil. It offers shade and beautiful fall color, and is tolerant of drought.
Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra): Native, 60-75 feet tall, grows in full sun and dry to medium soil. It’s ideal for shade and fall color.
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea): Native, 50-70 feet tall, suited for full sun and dry to medium soil. Known for its vibrant fall color.
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Native, 40-60 feet tall, thrives in full to part sun and medium soil. A stunning tree with rich fall color, it also serves as a host for butterflies.
Recommended Ornamental Trees:
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Native, 20-30 feet tall, does well in full to part sun and dry to medium soil. This tree offers showy flowers, fall color, and attracts butterflies and birds.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): Native, 15-30 feet tall, thrives in full to part sun and medium soil. It is known for its showy flowers and wildlife benefits, attracting birds and butterflies.
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana): Non-native, 20-25 feet tall, grows in full to part sun and medium soil. A fragrant, showy tree perfect for ornamental purposes.
Downy Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea): Native, 15-25 feet tall, does well in full to part sun and medium soil. It has fragrant flowers, showy blooms, and attracts birds, bees, and butterflies.
Recommended Shrubs:
American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana): Native, 5 feet tall, grows in full to part sun and dry to wet soil. Showy with purple berries that attract birds.
American Hazelnut (Corylus americana): Native, 5-10 feet tall, prefers full to part sun and medium to wet soil. A wildlife-friendly shrub that provides food for birds and mammals.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii): Non-native, 6-12 feet tall, thrives in full sun and medium soil. Known for attracting butterflies and birds.
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata): Native, 6-12 feet tall, does well in full to part sun and medium to wet soil. Showy fruit and attracts birds.
This carefully curated list is designed to promote environmental health, enhance biodiversity, and beautify the community. Bella Vista residents are encouraged to refer to this guide for sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping solutions.
