Planting trees is a simple yet effective way to contribute to the health and sustainability of our environment. Native trees, in particular, are critical to maintaining a balanced ecosystem as they have evolved to thrive in specific regions and are well-adapted to local climate, soil, and wildlife. Not only do native trees provide crucial habitats and food sources for wildlife, but they also offer numerous benefits to homeowners and communities, such as improving air and water quality, reducing energy costs, and increasing property value. Specifically, they can help reduce energy costs by providing shade and windbreaks, increase property values by improving curb appeal and creating a more attractive and desirable living environment, and enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of parks and public spaces.
Unfortunately, many non-native species have been introduced to Missouri and have become invasive, crowding out native plants and damaging local ecosystems. By planting more native trees, individuals can help counteract the negative effects of invasive species and restore balance to local ecosystems. The simple act of planting native trees is an effective way for individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and communities in Missouri.
Missouri is home to a diverse array of native trees, many of which are important for maintaining our state’s unique ecology. The Missouri Department of Conservation is currently partnering with several other organizations to provide citizens with a Bradford Pear buyback program. Visit https://moinvasives.org/2023/02/15/pear-buy-back-2023/ for more information on this initiative. If you’re looking to replace an invasive tree or plant a new one, here are some Missouri-native tree options to consider:
- White Oak (Quercus alba)
- A slow-growing, impressive specimen tree
- Can adapt to a wide range of soils, but prefers well-draining, moist, and slightly acidic conditions in full sun
- Fall color is variable and can range from brown to scarlet red
- Characterized by rounded leaf lobes, and good resistance to oak wilt, leaf spot, and other diseases affecting oak
- Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
- Can adapt to a variety of soils in full sun, but prefers moist, well-draining conditions
- Can tolerate some drought once established
- Matures into a majestic specimen tree with a wide, spreading crown
- Can suffer from various pests and diseases common to oaks but is generally considered to be low-maintenance and long-lived
- Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria)
- Grows well in rich, well-draining soils in full sun
- Can adapt to other soils, including semi-dry
- Leaves are narrow and unlobed.
- Can suffer from various pests and diseases common to oaks but is generally considered to be low-maintenance and long-lived
- Shellbark Hickory (Carya laciniosa)
- Found in wet bottomland areas in the wild
- Best suited in a large, open area with rich, moist, well-draining soils
- Can produce large amounts of twig and fruit litter and reaches considerable heights
- Not recommended as an urban street tree
- American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)
- Generally considered to be the largest tree native to eastern North America, reaching 100’ tall and 8’ in diameter
- The exfoliating bark is showy
- Sycamore anthracnose (a fungal disease) can disrupt bud and leaf formation, but on its own is not usually fatal
- Fruit, twig, and leaf drop make this tree not well suited to urban plantings
- Best suited in a large, open area with moist, well-draining soils
- Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)
- A large, fast-growing tree that is easy to grow in moist to wet, well-draining soils in full sun
- Not appropriate for use as a street tree or near the home, since its fast growth rate leads to weak wood and branch breakage
- Fluffy seeds can also cause cleanup issues in gutters and air conditioning filters
- A good choice for a low, wet, open area away from homes and streets
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
- This soft maple’s wood is stronger than the silver maple but not as tough as the hard sugar maple
- It has a relatively fast growth rate, and the orange-to-red autumn color is dependable
- Can tolerate a variety of soils, but prefers moist, well-draining, slightly acidic conditions
- Very common street or lawn tree
- Many cultivars are available
- Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
- Best grown in moist, well-draining soils in full sun to partial shade
- Generally intolerant of road salt, urban pollution, and compacted or poorly drained soils
- In the proper location, this tree offers reliable, yellow-orange fall color, and its hard wood is resistant to breakage
- Maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
- The state tree of Missouri
- In the wild, it is found at forest edges and as a small, understory tree
- Will tolerate a range of soil conditions, but prefers organically rich, slightly acidic,
well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade - When stressed, can become susceptible to several pests and diseases
- Many cultivars are available which tout superior disease resistance and more profuse, colorful blooming
- Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
- Will form colonies from underground spreading rhizomes over time
- Unique, edible fruits
- This understory tree will tolerate part shade, but the densest growth and best fruiting occur in full sun
- Fruits attract squirrels and raccoons, so keep this in mind if planting in a populated area
- Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
- Persimmon trees bear round, orange, edible fruits
- Notable for their straight form and dark, scaly bark
- The wood of this ebony relative is very hard
- Can adapt to a range of soil conditions, but does best in sandy, well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade
- Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
- Very tolerant of all soil types
- Also tolerant of wind, summer heat, drought, and salt spray
- The leaves turn a golden yellow color in fall and break down quickly
- The straight species is not recommended for any street or garden
- Branches are covered in sharp thorns, and the seed pods are numerous and messy
- Plant only seedless and thornless cultivars, such as ‘Skycole’
Hentges Tree Service can help ensure that these trees remain healthy and thrive on private or commercial property by providing regular pruning, fertilization, and disease prevention services. The professionals at Hentges Tree Service are committed to keeping your trees healthy, safe, and beautiful for this generation and the next.
Many of these native species are available for order through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s website at: https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-seedlings/order-seedlings
