By JESSICA DAMIANO

If you’re looking for a new tree, consider: plant natives. They generally require less maintenance than exotic species, require less water, fertilizer and pesticides, and are generally less costly.

Native trees also support our native wildlife that thrive alongside them, so consider them food. The same cannot be said for many introduced trees. And exotic trees recognized by insects may not have the right shaped flowers to accommodate their mouthparts. Others may provide adequate amounts of food, but not the nutrients our native animals need.

These are some of my favorite native trees, listed autumn color To turn your landscaping dreams into a sustainable reality.

FOR RED

Let’s start with: Oaks, considered the keystone species of North AmericaThey are vital components of the ecosystem. Oaks host hundreds of species of native insects that feed, lay eggs, and seek shelter on and under the leaves.

Red oak (Quercus coccinea) grows best in full sun, reaching 50-70 feet tall and shining with red leaves in fall. horticultural zones 5-9. While red oak (Quercus rubra) has similar characteristics, white oak (Quercus alba) can withstand cooler temperatures, so it is suitable for zones 3-9 and can grow up to 10 feet taller.

All native serviceberries provide beautiful autumn color, but Amelanchier Small white flowers bloom in spring, followed by edible purple-black fruits in summer. Plant in full sun to part shade in zones 4-9.

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a single- or multi-stemmed tree with white or pink spring flowers and red fall foliage, reaching 20-40 feet in full to part sun in zones 2-10.

Also consider: Plants 3-9 that retain their color year-round, displaying red buds in winter and red flowers in spring. red maple (Acer rubrum) in areas receiving full or partial sun; and 3-6. American mountain ash (Sorbus americana) in full sun in regions.

FOR YELLOW

A cousin of the magnolia, the tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is absolutely stunning when its fragrant, tulip-shaped flowers bloom in the spring, and just as beautiful in the fall when its leaves turn bright gold. These fast-growing trees grow between 4 and 9 years of age. They reach heights of 60 to 80 feet in regions but are shallow-rooted and top-heavy, so they can topple over if planted in wet soil.