The Best Trees to Grow in Moist Soil

Willows

• Willow trees are a diverse group of plants with several dozen members. Of these members, approximately half a dozen will thrive in damp or wet soil. Among these is the weeping willow (Salix babylonica), a common sight around waterways and along wet terrain. These trees, like most willow varieties, do best in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 9, and may extend into zone 10 if well watered. The weeping willow will reach a mature height of 35 to 50 feet and prefers being planted in an area with full sun. Additional willow choices include the white (salix alba) or black (salix nigra) willow, golden willow (salix vitellina) and the brittle willow (salix fragilis). Each of these will have their own growing requirements, but all will do well in moist soil.

Birch

• The birch family includes approximately 30 members, each of which is widely spread throughout North America. Most species are small to medium in size, and may be classified as a tree or shrub. They favor mild climates and produce a bark that is unique to the species and features horizontal segments that give a deep, cragged appearance. They may be gray, white, black or yellow, depending on the species. There are three birch species that do well in wet conditions: the yellow (Betula lutea), river (betula nigra) and gray birch (betula populifolia). The yellow birch and other water-loving birch species will reach as tall as 85 feet, will produce bark with a yellow-gray hue and prefers a mild climate and soil that is kept moist to wet.

Maple

• Most maple trees are fairly easy to grow and are among the most widely used species when it comes to home landscaping. Growers should avoid placing them near the home or other structures as their roots tend to become invasive. Specific size and growing needs will vary widely depending on the species, though there are three that grow best in wet conditions. The silver maple (Acer dasycarpurn), the box elder (Acer negundo) and the red maple (Acer rubrurn) prefer soil that is moist or wet. The red maple is among the most widespread maple varieties in the United States. It thrives in zones 3 through 9 and provides nearly year-round color to the environment.

Other Options

• The selection of water-friendly trees will vary greatly depending on the intended planting zone. Most maples and birches will do well across most of the country, but a wide selection of trees will do well in wet conditions. Growers in zones three through seven may choose the European alder (Alnus glutinosa), while those as far as zone 9 should consider the American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). Additional options are the water (Fraxinus carloiniana) or green (Fraxinus lanceolata) ash, the Carolina cottonwood (Populous balsamifera), a number of oak varieties and the sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua).