Welcome to the wonderful world of Mark Twain National Forest, a lush and lively landscape that stretches over 1.5 million acres of land in southern Missouri. In the depths of this marvelous place, you will encounter a vibrant array of flora, with particular emphasis on a rich variety of trees. The Mark Twain National Forest is home to well over 50 different species of trees, but the most common tree species are short leaf pine, oak, hickory, maple, basswood, and black gum in that order. Also of note, MTNF has over 750 miles of trails, 16 lakes, and 14 streams. (1)

This tree type distribution is influenced by a number of factors, including soil type, elevation, and climate. For example, shortleaf pines are more common on sandy soils, while oak trees are more common on loamy soils. When it comes to tree distribution, an intricate pattern unfolds. Pine, Oak and hickory are the forest’s dominant species. Pine trees, such as the Shortleaf Pine, grow prominently in this region. These species provide a dense, leafy backdrop to the forest and create unique habitats for countless wildlife species. Stay tuned for the next blog, where we’ll begin to delve into the world of tree services and how we help maintain these beautiful landscapes.(2)

(1) https://www.getawaycouple.com/mark-twain-national-forest/

(2)https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_1/pinus/echinata.htm