Northern Maine falls into Zones 3b to 5a, with the coldest areas in Zone 3b and slightly milder conditions in Zone 5a.
Each zone tells a different story about what will thrive and what might struggle. Here’s a guide to understanding and making the most out of these planting zones in northern Maine.
Planting zone map of northern Maine
Here is a map of northern Maine showing the USDA hardiness zones.
Are you interested in learning more about the zones of Maine or other parts of the state? Here are our detailed guides to planting zones in Maine:
Planting zones by city
The cities listed below show the varying planting zones in different parts of northern Maine:
Ashland: Hardiness zone 4a
Bridgewater: Hardiness zones 4a and 4b
Caribou: Hardiness zone 4a
Eagle Lake: Hardiness zone 4a
Easton: Hardiness zones 4a and 4b
Fort Fairfield: Hardiness zone 4a
Fort Kent: Hardiness zone 4a to 4b
Frenchville: Hardiness zones 4a, 4b, and 5a
Houlton: Hardiness zones 4a and 4b
Limestone: Hardiness zone 4a
Madawaska: Hardiness zones 4a and 4b
Mapleton: Hardiness zone 4a
Mars Hill: Hardiness zone 4a
Millinocket: Hardiness zone 5a
Presque Isle: Hardiness zone 4a
Van Buren: Hardiness zone 4a
Washburn: Hardiness zone 4a
Northern Maine’s planting zones explained
Your specific planting zone can impact your lawn and garden. These zones are not just some random numbers and letters tossed around, but a climatic map that dictates what grass types and plants survive and flourish under the given conditions. USDA hardiness zones are based on minimum winter temperatures divided into 10-degree Fahrenheit zones.
Depending on the grass type you choose to grow on your lawn, the zone can also determine the best time for seeding along with other specific lawn care tasks.
Zone 3b (-35°F to -30°F)
The extreme northern Aroostook County bordering Canada and parts of the St. John Valley are located in Zone 3b, the coldest zone in northern Maine. This zone is characterized by extremely cold winters and a short growing season.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
Shrubs:
- Bush honeysuckle
- Sheep laurel
- Labrador tea
- Sweetgale
- Rhodora
Perennials:
- Yarrow
- Columbine
- Blanket flower
- Sedum
Zone 4a (-30°F to -25°F)
Cities such as Caribou and Presque Isle are situated in Zone 4a. While still cold, this zone has slightly milder winters compared to Zone 3b.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Common juniper
- Northern bayberry
- Meadow rose
- Bush cinquefoil
Perennials:
- Asters
- Coneflowers
- Daylilies
- Rudbeckia
Trees:
- Striped maple
- Yellow birch
- American hornbeam
Zone 4b (-25°F to -20°F)
Houlton and surrounding areas are located in Zone 4b, which experiences milder winters than Zones 3b and 4a.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Winterberry
- Nannyberry
- Red chokeberry
- Ninebark
Perennials:
- Bee balm
- Catmint
- Hostas
- Salvias
Trees:
- Pagoda dogwood
- Shadblow serviceberry
- Showy mountain ash
Zone 5a (-20°F to -15°F)
The southernmost parts of northern Maine, such as Millinocket, are in Zone 5a. This zone has the mildest winters in the region and a slightly longer growing season.
Best grass types:
- Kentucky bluegrass
- Fine fescues
- Tall fescue
- Perennial ryegrass
Shrubs:
- Highbush blueberry
- Lilac
- Hydrangea
- Azalea
- Roses
Perennials:
- Astilbe
- Black-eyed Susans
- Delphinium
- Hollyhock
Trees:
- American elder
- Black cherry
- Common chokecherry
Call a lawn care pro for help
A little understanding of planting zones can go a long way to creating a beautiful lawn or garden in northern Maine. Some patience, a bit of trial and error, and knowledge are your best tools when dealing with these different hardiness zones.
We can help you connect with a local lawn care pro in northern Maine who understands these zones and can guide you through the process of choosing what’s best for your landscape.
Main Image Credit: Doug Kerr | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
