What tree has gorgeous spring flowers, tasty summer berries, is native to the East Coast, AND can be planted under utility wires? Look no further than the Amelanchier, or serviceberry tree! Serviceberries are a wonderful addition to any street tree plan and are a favorite to plant among NJTF staff.
Serviceberries are one of the smallest species recommended as street trees, reaching a maximum height of only 25 feet. Their width can also range from about 10-25 feet, so they should be given enough room spread out. They can also appear in a multi-stem, shrub-like form. Serviceberries prefer well drained soils and can tolerate air pollution in cities and congested areas. They prefer partial shade, so you can plant them in areas that receive light for at least 4 hours a day. In the spring, the serviceberry tree has beautiful showy white flowers that are one of the first species to bloom. In the fall, serviceberries have a striking orange fall color.
Most noticeably, the serviceberry produces red edible berries for both people and wildlife. The berries can be eaten straight off the tree, and can be incorporated into a food forest or urban garden landscape. Serviceberries can be considered a nice in between tree if you are unable to plant a more traditional fruit tree, but still want a street tree with edible components. We enjoy planting these trees near community gardens or with residents that want the beauty of spring flowers and the opportunity to harvest food straight from their own homes. The berries have a slightly sweet flavor and can be used in everything from fruit juice to ice cream. The possibilities are endless!
Serviceberry flowers in bloom. Photo credit: NJTF 
The edible berries on a serviceberry tree are a tasty treat!
The only real concern we have noticed while working closely with serviceberries is their susceptibility to cedar apple rust, a fungal disease. Cedar apple rust appears shortly after the berries begin to grow in June. This rust can occur when serviceberries are planted near evergreens like cedar or juniper trees, or if you have a particularly warm and wet spring. While the cedar apple rust will not kill your tree, it is rather unsightly and will make the berries inedible. This will cause problems for urban gardeners and those that want to harvest the berries on their tree. If you have cedars or junipers near your home, it is recommended to not plant serviceberries or other members of the Rosacae family, such as crabapples and hawthorns. If you notice cedar apple rust on your trees, you can prune away the affected portion of the branches and throw them away. In the fall, it is recommended to rake up and dispose of affected leaves and other debris. Do not compost the diseased fruit or branches. In early spring, while the flower buds begin to form on the tree, you can spray an organic fungicide like neem oil. Traditional fungicides are not recommended, as they can harm wildlife. Please read the label of any neem oil sprays you purchase and closely follow the instructions for application.
Overall, serviceberries are a hardy, beautiful and edible street tree that is a welcome addition to any community. They are a great way to provide an edible berry source to your garden or urban food forest. So the next time you are in the market for a native street tree, consider the wonderful, petite, serviceberry!