I live in the Brewerytown section of Philadelphia and am looking for a native tree to plant in our backyard.
Answer
We suggest you look at the TreePhilly web site. Looks like registration to receive a tree this fall is still open. This fall, Philadelphia property owners can register for up to two free trees to plant in a yard or lawn on private property. There are several species available this fall, ranging from tall shade trees to beautiful and tasty fruit trees! Find more information on the species offered this season here.
Here is a chart listing the trees and their properties, including whether or not they are native:
http://treephilly.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Comparison-Chart-F15.pdf
Be sure to take into account how tall the trees will grow when mature and what kind of light requirements they need.
If you plan to purchase a tree from a nursery, you will have many more choices of native trees to plant.
Attached is a list of mid-Atlantic native trees and shrubs with wildlife value -- this list is from Doug Tallamy's book, Bringing Nature Home. PHS members can borrow this book and it's available both as a print book and an eBook.
To learn more about tree care and become involved in tree planting in Philadelphia, consider becoming a