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4 Different Types of Forests in Michigan

This is a view of the sunrise over Lake of the Clouds in Porcupine Mountains Sate Park, Michigan.

There are four main forest types in Michigan, a vital part of Michigan’s economy and natural habitat. The forests include all deciduous types of forests. However, small coniferous forests in the northern part of the state are mixed together with deciduous trees.

The four types of forests found in Michigan are beech-sugar maple forests, aspen forests, northern hardwood forests, and oak-hickory forests. All the trees in these forests provide a habitat for the countless birds and animals that help create the diverse ecosystem in Michigan.  

Table of Contents

Types of Forests In Michigan

Michigan is home to some diverse geography ranging from forested land to beaches with dunes surrounding the lakes. In general, four main types of forests can be found throughout Michigan. These forests are varied, but the majority of the forests are filled with deciduous trees. With only a few coniferous forests to the northern part of the state, conifers are largely outnumbered in Michigan.

A deciduous tree sheds its leaves every year and is usually defined by its large and broad leaves. Deciduous forests are more common in temperate climates and provide suitable habitat for countless birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Below, let’s take a closer look at the several forest types found throughout the state.  

Beech Sugar Maple Forests

This is a close look at a maple tree during spring time.

Usually, the beech sugar maple forests are in the southern parts of Michigan. These types of trees have an easier time growing in moist soil and more temperate weather. The trees that live in this type of forest need a long growing season and plenty of nutrients in the soil to keep them well-nourished.

Typical trees found in the beech sugar maple forests of the south include the tulip tree, walnut, black cherry, ash, and basswood trees.  Many animals call these forests home, … Read the rest of the story.


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