Media Contact: Catherine Dehdashti, U of M Extension (612) 625-0237, ced@umn.edu

Trees to consider to replace ash trees

ST. PAUL, Minn. (7/6/2009) — With the threat of emerald ash borer potentially killing ash trees in Minnesota, homeowners must begin planning for the future and plant a more diverse selection of tree species in their landscapes. Homeowners are urged to learn what kinds of trees can replace ash. Many characteristics can be reviewed online. University of Minnesota Extension (www.extension.umn.edu) has a Forest Resource website that can help identify trees suitable for your location. Find it at www.forestry.umn.edu/extension/urban_com/TreeandShrubSelection.html.

The listed deciduous trees are not a complete list of possible trees for your location but a general list of trees to consider. Note that some trees produce seed pods and nuts that may not be desirable for some areas of your landscape. Diversify your landscape by planting many species of trees

Deciduous:    
Amur Corktree (‘His Majesty,’ ‘Macho,’are good varieties; female trees are invasive and should not be planted), Ginkgo, Hackberry, American Linden or Basswood, Sugar Maple (‘Fall Fiesta’), Freeman Maple (‘Sienna Glen,’ ‘Autumn Blaze’), Red Maple (‘Northwood’), Quaking Aspen (can sucker), ‘Discovery’ and ‘Princeton’ Elm (DED tolerant, others are available), Ironwood and River Birch (resistant to Bronze Birch Borer), Cucumber Tree Magnolia. 

Trees producing nuts: Ohio Buckeye (‘Autumn Splendor’), Shagbark Hickory, Bitternut Hickory, Bur Oak, White Oak, Bicolor or Swamp White Oak, Black Walnut (can inhibit some plants from growing near it).

Trees that produce pods: Northern Catalpa, Kentucky Coffeetree, Honeylocust (podless cultivars, ‘Shademaster,’ ‘Sunburst,’ or other named cultivated varieties).

Deciduous; Fruit bearing, mid-size trees for wildlife:
These trees should not overhang driveways, sidewalks, or decks. 
Crabapples (select Apple Scab resistant varieties; see Extension website at www.extension.umn.edu/projects/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/p242applescab-crab.html) for more information), Serviceberry (shrub and tree forms), Hawthorn, (thorn and thornless cultivar) Amur Chokecherry.

Many trees were selected from the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum publication “The Value of Trees” which can be found online at  www.arboretum.umn.edu/valueoftrees.aspx. There are many other helpful websites, such as: Minnesota Trees: www.mntrees.org, North Dakota Tree Book: www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/handbook.htm and Tree Trust: www.treetrust.org/.

Remember, landscape diversity! Plant several different species of trees, shrubs and plants. No single species should represent more than 15 percent of your landscape. 

Sources: Gary Wyatt, U of M Extension; Gary Johnson, U of M Forestry Department, Jeff Johnson, U of M Landscape Arboretum woody plants specialist.

URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2009/trees-replace-ash.html  This page was updated July 6, 2009 .
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