Trees of the Blue Ridge Parkway
There are hundreds of species of trees along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They put on an awesome show throughout the year. In springtime, serviceberry and tulip trees produce eye-catching, vivid blooms. In autumn, the leaves burst into extraordinary oranges, reds, and yellows. Additionally, flowering shrubs, such as the flame azalea, mountain laurel, and rhododendron provide a spring show that matches the vibrancy of fall's display.
Western North Carolina Forests
In the Parkway's lower elevations and climbing to its peak, travelers will note the numerous transitions between the types of forests. In lower elevations, the Parkway is dominated by oak-chestnut trees. However, in remote sheltered forests, you will find a variety of tree species, to include some of the final virgin timber that proved to be too difficult to access by loggers centuries ago. In higher elevations, you will find northern hardwoods reminiscent of the New England states. These include birch, beech, and buckeye trees who grow together to dominate these higher areas of the Parkway. At the very highest parts of the Parkway, evergreens can be found in spruce/fir forests, which grow near the tops of mountain peaks and ridgelines. And, where advancing glaciers might grow someday, you will find residual seeds growing similar to what you might see in boreal Canadian forests.
Integrated within these different forest varieties, you will find smaller, unique habitats, such as health balds and mountain bogs. Quite a few species of mammals make these habitats their home, such a Gray's Lilly and bog turtles living amount the mountain bogs. In protected wet coves, you will likely find different species of salamanders, which love this excellent habitat and are unique to the southern Appalachian Mountains. Another excellent place interspersed in these forests are hemlock coves that hold a good population of red squirrels. Lastly, as you climb in elevation, you will discover black-capped chickadees give way to Carolina chickadees in spruce/fir forests.
Integrated within these different forest varieties, you will find smaller, unique habitats, such as health balds and mountain bogs. Quite a few species of mammals make these habitats their home, such a Gray's Lilly and bog turtles living amount the mountain bogs. In protected wet coves, you will likely find different species of salamanders, which love this excellent habitat and are unique to the southern Appalachian Mountains. Another excellent place interspersed in these forests are hemlock coves that hold a good population of red squirrels. Lastly, as you climb in elevation, you will discover black-capped chickadees give way to Carolina chickadees in spruce/fir forests.
Autumn on the Parkway
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, trees enrich our lives but never more than during the blaze of autumn in the moutans. Blackgum, dogwood, sourwood, and maples turn deep red in later September and early October. Turning bright yellow at the same time are hickories and Tulip trees. Sassafras compliments the landscape with their vivid orange while red maples display a radiant brilliance across many color spectrums Finally, the oaks provide various earth tones and maroons as they change color at various elevations. Always holding on to their blues and greens, evergreen trees such as the white pine, Virginia pine, spruce, fir, and hemlocks round out the show,
Every autumn brings a different show, as each year's weather will vary. To be the best, a truly spectacular fall needs sunny, bright days and nighttime conditions that are cool but not below freezing. If there is a premature frost, many trees' leaves will turn brown and drop before reaching their peak color. However, regardless of the intensity, the Parkway's trees put on a great show as the area heads into winter.
Every autumn brings a different show, as each year's weather will vary. To be the best, a truly spectacular fall needs sunny, bright days and nighttime conditions that are cool but not below freezing. If there is a premature frost, many trees' leaves will turn brown and drop before reaching their peak color. However, regardless of the intensity, the Parkway's trees put on a great show as the area heads into winter.
Landscape Trees vs Forest Trees
You won't find much tree service work being conducted along the Parkway, that is, unless a tree falls into the roadway. Forest trees take care of themselves and compete vigorously with their neighboring trees for resources, such as water and sunlight. Alternatively, landscape trees need routine tree care due to the fact they have not competition for resources, and they can grow unfettered. Forest trees typically only grow up as they fight for sunlight. Conversely, landscape trees can and do grow in every direction. Therefore, they need regular trimming to promote healthy growth and eliminate unappealing growth. This include growth that potentially could affect nearby property structures, such as homes and power lines. Forest trees also have the luxury, if you will, to deal with dead, dying, and other unsightly problems on their own and in their due time. Landscape trees should be regular cared for to eliminate these unsightly limbs and branches as they occur. This is not only for landscape aesthetics reasons, but also to minimize the tree from being a hazard to life and property.
For more information about landscape trees, please visit here.
For more information about landscape trees, please visit here.