Choosing the right trees for your Minneapolis-area landscape can significantly impact the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to create shade, enhance privacy, or add a touch of natural beauty, selecting the appropriate tree species is essential.

However, not all trees are suitable for every environment. Factors such as climate, soil type, and local pests can affect the health and longevity of your trees.

In this blog post, the certified arborists at Bratt Tree Company explore the best tree options for Minneapolis and those you should avoid to ensure a thriving, sustainable landscape for years to come.

Best Trees To Plant in Minneapolis

There are several tree species that can grow and thrive in Minneapolis’s continental climate, including:

Native Species

• Eastern red cedar: This native species thrives in environments with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.
• Bur oak: A slow-growing native tree species, the bur oak craves lots of sun and offers ample shade once it’s reached maturity.
• Northern white cedar: Known as the oldest tree in the Twin Cities area, the white cedar is over 1,000 years old and is a great choice for those with cool, moist soil.

Non-Native Species

• Ginkgo: Introduced from China hundreds of years ago, the ginkgo tree can withstand harsh environments and are resistant to many insects and disease.
• Scots pine: Originally from Europe, the Scots pine is an excellent choice for Christmas trees and offers plenty of shade and windbreaks.

Trees To Avoid in Minneapolis

It’s important to understand which trees to avoid planting on your Twin Cities-area property so you can prevent harming your landscape and surrounding ecosystem. These are just some of the top trees to avoid in Minneapolis:

Invasive Species

Invasive woody trees are non-native trees that can harm the environment and human health, growing quickly and spreading aggressively. Some invasive species to avoid planting in your yard include:

• Amur maple
• Black locust
• Buckthorn
• Japanese barberry
• Mulberry
• Norway maple
• Siberian elm

High-Maintenance Species

Along with invasive species, you may want to avoid planting some types of trees due to their complex maintenance requirements. Some trees that are considered difficult to maintain include the mimosa and Bradford pear and cottonwood.

These fragile trees can succumb easily to Minneapolis’s heavy snowstorms and harsh weather, leaving broken limbs and debris all over your yard.

Disease-Prone Species

Some tree species are more prone to disease and pests than others. The American elm tree, for example, is susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease — a fungal infection spread by bark beetles that causes severe wilting and death in elm trees.

Ash trees should be avoided due to their ability to attract Emerald Ash Borers, which infest and kill ash trees by tunneling under the bark and disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Trees

When selecting the right trees for your property, it’s important to keep these considerations in mind:

• Size at maturity: Consider the full-grown height and spread of the tree to ensure it fits well within your landscape and doesn’t interfere with structures or power lines.
• Growth rate: Choose a tree with a growth rate that matches your landscaping goals, whether you need quick shade or are planning for long-term growth.
• Root system: Be mindful of the tree’s root system to avoid potential damage to foundations, sidewalks, and underground utilities.
• Fruit or seed production: Factor in the type and amount of fruit or seeds the tree produces, as it can affect yard maintenance and attract wildlife.
• Allergies: Select tree species that are less likely to produce allergens if anyone in your household has pollen sensitivities.

Planting & Care Tips

Before planting trees on your property, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with proper care and maintenance. Aim to plant trees in the spring after the ground thaws or in the fall before the ground freezes.

Dig a hole that’s a foot or two wider than the tree’s container, loosening the soil at the bottom of the hole. Water the tree regularly for several weeks after planting and keep up with regular pruning to ensure healthy growth.

Consult With the Expert Arborists at Bratt Tree Company

From bur oaks to white cedars, there are plenty of native trees you can plant in Minnesota that will make your property shine. If you’re looking to plant new trees on your property, the expert arborists at Bratt Tree Company can help.

With over 30 years of service in the Twin Cities area, no one understands the local environment like our team of highly trained technicians. From planting to pruning to continuous plant healthcare, we’ll help you care for your landscape every step of the way.

Contact our team to speak with our ISA-certified arborists about your Minneapolis landscape today.