Best 3 Native Missouri Trees To Plant In Your Yard

It is no secret that native trees are essential part of our natural environment and offer many benefits from cleaner air, reduced temperatures, and increased home value, and habitats for wildlife..

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So when it comes to planting native trees in your yard, which are best?

It all comes down to not only your preference, but the type of soil you have, where the tree will be located, and the amount of sun and water it can receive. While planting a wide diversity of trees is best, here are a few that have a great track record:

Shade Tree: Red Oak

Red oaks are a coveted tree in the Midwest, famous for their vibrant red fall color and rounded shape. With its tall stature and spread, it makes for a good shade tree so you can enjoy your summers and help reduce your cooling bill.

The red oak is generally tolerant of transplanting, which helps to prevent transplant shock and also tolerates pollution and compacted soil. It is less prone to leaf yellowing (chlorosis) caused by soils with low acid.  Pin oaks are often chlorotic on soils with low acid, while red oaks are a bit more tolerant and less likely to show yellowed leaves.

Tip: Many of the native oaks are good choices, but each has their particular soil they like best. If you have a smaller yard, it is best to consult with a professional arborist at Hansen’s Tree Service before purchasing and planting a red oak—these trees can get up to 75 feet tall and 45 foot spread when mature.  

Flowering Tree: Flowering Dogwood

Most Missourians are familiar with the brilliant white spring display of dogwood blooms.

This classic native tree is not only beautiful but is the state tree of Missouri! The flowering dogwood can be as small as a shrub or a small tree with a large crown that blooms small flowers ranging from white to pink.

Its leaves also turn a bright red in the fall, making it an attractive addition to your lawn.

Tip: Like many native trees, dogwoods prefer a slightly acid soil. Many urban soils are alkaline because municipal water supplies.  Reduce the alkalinity and increase acid by adding soil supplements like soil sulfur, a powder available at landscape centers. Improving urban soils with compost will enhance soil structure and increase acidity.  

Privacy Tree: American Holly

The American Holly tree is an attractive tree that can be shaped into hedges or kept in its tree form to grow to up to 50 feet in height. Its year-round evergreen foliage adds beauty to your landscape with its leathery leaves, bright red fruit, and beautiful green color. Its another native that prefers a slightly acidic soil.

Consult the ISA Certified arborists at Hansen’s Tree Service for information about best locations for holly. They will be able to determine the best method of pruning and do it correctly to avoid injury to the tree.

Consult The Professionals At Hansen’s Before Planting

Before you decide on a tree for your yard and plant it, consult with the professionals at Hansen’s Tree Service. We are more than happy to provide tree consulting at your home and work with you to find the best tree that meets your needs and unique soil and light conditions.

Don’t forget one of the most important steps when picking a tree species, and a location to plan it. Look up! Be sure to select trees and locations that will not interfere with overhead utilities. And… look down! Before digging to plant a tree, call 1-800-344-7483 (800-DIG-RITE). It’s a free service that will verify locations of underground utilities before you dig.

Contact Hansen’s Tree Service Today
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