Skip to main content

The 5 best trees to grow if you live in a wet area

If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain regularly, or if you have sections of your yard that tend to collect or hold water, then you might be having some difficulty finding trees that will thrive in your yard. Many plants appreciate well draining soil, but there are plenty of plants that prefer wet soil. If you aren’t certain if your soil is well draining or wet, you can test how quickly it drains. If it drains at a rate slower than 2 inches per hour, then your soil is slow draining, and you may have better luck with one of these 5 trees.

Pin oak

Pin oaks are a great option if you have clay-rich soil and a lot of room. They can grow to between 60 and 70 feet tall, although their spread is not nearly as big. Additionally, they grow very quickly, especially for trees of their size. Plant your pin oak in full sun. They will tolerate clay-rich soil and some flooding, but not the shade. Avoid planting this tree on a slope, and instead plant it in a low lying spot, if there’s one available. Pin oaks are a popular source of food for many animals, especially during fall and winter, so you can expect to see a lot of happy squirrels and birds in your yard or garden.

A line of young pin oaks
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Black tupelo

Black tupelo trees, which are in the gum tree family, can grow up to 30 to 50 feet tall. This makes them slightly more manageable than some of the larger trees on this list. They can tolerate wet soil as well as mild droughts. This range of tolerance makes black tupelo trees an excellent choice for any section of your yard that fluctuates between wet and dry throughout the year. They prefer full sun and slightly acidic soils. Black tupelo is a favorite of bees, although the tiny flowers are not much of a draw for humans. Instead, the main attraction for people is typically the brilliant array of colors this tree presents during fall.

Sweetbay magnolia

Sweetbay magnolias are an interesting variety of magnolia, as their size range is incredibly wide depending on the climate you live in. In mild climates and urban gardens, it generally grows to between 10 and 20 feet tall, with a spread of equal width. In hotter climates, however, sweetbay magnolias can grow to between 50 and 60 feet tall. They are very tolerant of wet soil, and grow stunning cream-colored blooms and dark red cones. For the biggest and best flowers and cones, plant your sweetbay magnolia in full sun. However, they can tolerate partial shade if necessary.

A weeping willow in fall
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Willow

Often the first tree to come to mind when listing trees that grow in or near water, willows are easy to care for. There are many different species of tree and shrub in the willow family, but one thing they all have in common is a love for water. Willows are a great option regardless of space availability, as there are varieties of all sizes. There are enormous trees, such as the white willow which can grow up to 100 feet tall, and tiny shrubs, like the dappled willow, which tops out at 6 feet tall. No matter which willow variety you plant, choose a planting site with plenty of water in full sun to light shade.

River birch

River birches are an excellent choice for land that borders standing water or is otherwise consistently moist; it’s in the name, after all. River birches are moderately fast growing and will tolerate almost any soil type. They can grow to between 40 and 70 feet tall, with a spread that is roughly the same width. River birches prefer full sun, but can tolerate partial shade as long as they get at least 4 hours of sunlight a day.

Any of these 5 trees would make a great addition to your yard and will thrive in areas where other trees may not. They’re all easy enough for any gardener or homeowner to care for with little trouble, and each one has a unique feature to its appearance that will be sure to wow guests. Whether you plant willows or birches, magnolias or tupelos, your yard will look stunning, and your wet soil won’t be an issue.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Cayla Leonard
Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and…
Can you grow a bird of paradise from a cutting? Here’s what you need to know to grow your dream plant
Tips and tricks for successfully propagating a bird of paradise plant
Bird of paradise plant

Whether they're found in their natural habitats in the wild or as the centerpiece in an indoor garden, bird of paradise are eye-catching and perfect plants for adding some color and tropical flair to your home. This plant is native to South Africa and is well-known for its lush foliage and attractive tropical blooms with vividly colored flowers. The plant gets its name from the stunning flower's resemblance to a colorful bird in flight.

For all its perks, the plant also can be costly to acquire and slow to cultivate from seed. So when you find yourself wanting more than one of these attractive plants, what can you do? Take a cutting and grow a new plant! No matter if you're just starting out with a new cutting from a friend or you're adding to your existing plant's family, you can add more of these plants to your collection easily and at little or no expense.

Read more
When is the best time to plant St. Augustine grass? What you need to know
Your guide to planting and caring for St. Augustine grass
A home with a grass lawn

St. Augustine is a popular lawn grass, often compared to grasses like zoysia or Bermuda grass. Often recommended for first-time homeowners, St. Augustine is low-maintenance and grows in a beautiful shade of green. Just because it's popular doesn't automatically mean it's right for you, though! If you’re considering planting St. Augustine grass, looking for general information, or just curious, here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for it to decide if St. Augustine is the best grass for your lawn.

What is St. Augustine grass?
St. Augustine is a grass variety that enjoys warm weather. It’s popular for being low maintenance and growing densely. If you want a thick, luscious lawn with minimal effort, St. Augustine grass is a good choice. Rather than the typical vibrant green color associated with most grasses, St. Augustine has a bluish tint.

Read more
How to grow hackberry trees, a native tree with unique and tasty berries
Growing and harvesting your own hackberries
Hackberry tree with hackberries at various stages of ripening

If you’re thinking about adding some delicious fruit trees to your garden, your first thoughts are likely to be apples, oranges, or maybe even pears. However, did you know there is a tasty native fruit you might be missing out on? Hackberry trees are native deciduous trees with crunchy berries that are popular with people and wildlife. Want to give them a try? Here’s what to know about growing them.
Planting hackberry trees
When planting your hackberry trees, choose a location in full sun. It will need an average of at least 6 hours of sunlight daily in order to grow properly and produce plenty of fruit. Hackberry trees grow best in soil that is either sandy or loamy. If your yard doesn’t naturally have these soil types, then amend your soil with compost or other sources of organic material.

When planting, the holes should be as deep as the roots are tall and twice as wide. This gives your trees improved stability. Directly after planting, you should water your trees deeply. Continue to water your hackberry trees one to two times per week for the first several months after planting. Consistent watering helps saplings become established in their new home.

Read more