What Trees Did Colonists Like to Plant in Their Yards

During the colonial era, trees were an essential part of a household. They provided shade, fruits, nuts, and a sense of security. Selecting the right tree to plant was a task that required attention to detail. The colonists had preferences when it came to the trees they planted in their yards. In this article, we will discuss the trees that were popular among colonists and why they were so well-liked.

The Oak

The oak tree was revered by colonists for its longevity and strength. It was a symbol of stability and security, and many colonists chose to plant them in their yards as a sign of their commitment to their homes. The oak tree also provided shade in the summer, and its acorns were a valuable source of food for both humans and livestock.

The colonists also prized the oak for its wood, which was used in the construction of buildings, ships, and furniture. Due to its durability, oak was a favorite among colonists for its use in items that needed to withstand harsh weather and heavy use. The oak's popularity among colonists allowed it to become the national tree of the United States.

The Apple Tree

The apple tree was a common sight in colonial yards. It was brought to America by the colonists, who saw its potential for producing a variety of apple types. The colonists quickly realized that the apple tree was easy to care for and could provide a significant amount of fruit in a short amount of time.

Apple trees also had medicinal benefits. Their fruit could be used to make apple cider vinegar, which was believed to have healing properties. The colonists also used the apple tree's bark to make tea that helped alleviate symptoms of fever and diarrhea.

The Cherry Tree

The cherry tree was another popular choice among colonists. Its sweet, juicy fruit made it a favorite for eating fresh or in desserts. The cherry tree was also known for its beautiful blooms in the spring, which added a touch of color to the landscape.

Cherry wood was also used for making furniture, as it was a dense and durable wood. Colonists prized cherry wood for its unique grain pattern, which made each piece of furniture distinct.

The Maple Tree

The maple tree was valued by colonists for its sap, which was used to make maple syrup and sugar. The sap was collected in the spring, and the syrup or sugar was made by boiling the sap down to a concentrated form. Maple syrup was often used as a sweetener for desserts, while maple sugar was used to make candy or as a substitute for white sugar.

The maple tree also provided shade in the summer and beautiful fall foliage, making it a popular tree for ornamental purposes as well. The durability of its wood made the maple tree an essential source of lumber for the colonists, who used it to make furniture, floors, and even musical instruments.

The Conclusion

The colonists' choices of trees to plant in their yards were influenced by practicality and aesthetics. The oak, apple, cherry, and maple trees were popular choices due to their usefulness and beauty. These trees were not only symbols of stability and security but also provided a source of food, medicine, and lumber for the colonists. Even today, these trees remain popular among home gardeners and continue to be valued for their practical and aesthetic qualities.