Midwest Tips: Trees That Will Stand Tall Throughout the Seasons

Are you looking to add some life to your yard? Well, one of the best ways you can do this is by adding some beautiful landscaping trees. But with so many options, types, sizes, and variables to consider . . . it can be a daunting task. Plus, the extreme weather changes we experience here in Minnesota can make the decision even tougher. Before you know it, you’ve gone another spring, summer, and fall without planting a single tree.

Well, we’re going to give you some tips and suggestions for how you can get the most out of your planting investment with some tree ideas that will last.

However, there are some popular missteps we see homeowners make when picking out trees for their yard. Before we get started with our tips for trees, first let’s look at what you can do to avoid these common mistakes and get it right the first time.

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So, there are a few strategies you can undertake to achieve a beautiful array of landscaping trees that will bring value and awe to your property. You can certainly plant a variety of worry-free, sturdy trees that will hold up to the extreme weathering of the Midwest. Or, you can mix in some tough trees with specimens that shine during their respective seasons. Either way, a diverse selection of trees is always a good bet.

These trees will flourish under the harshest Minnesotan conditions. Given the proper care, you’ll essentially end up with trouble-free trees that will stand tall and elevate your property’s appeal.

This is a favorite up here in the Midwest. Not only because our location is a natural habitat, but because of the ornamental shape and changing colors, with white flowers in the spring and blue fruits with purple coloring in the fall. With framing branches that can reach up to 25 feet, the pagoda dogwood grows best in moist and acidic soil.

Oaks don’t always have to be enormous trees that billow over your yard. Nope, there are dwarf variations that only grow to about 10-15 feet high. This white oak variety will give your yard some incredible color in the fall with red and orange leaves. The more sun the better for this oak, but a little shade is fine.

While this tree is actually native to southern states, it has been known to make it through winters that dip to 20-30 below. We love these trees because they can absolutely tower over your property, growing up to 70 feet tall with a 40-foot spread. While the bald cypress has the look of an evergreen, it will get some color during the fall. This tree prefers wetter urban clay soils and even standing water, but also does well with somewhat dryer soil.

If you like evergreens, this is a great one for your property. With a nice fragrance and soft feel, these trees can grow to a decent size depending on the variety and provide great privacy and aesthetic for your property. You’ll also likely see some birds using these as nesting grounds.

These easy-to-grow and simple-to-maintain trees are absolutely stunning additions to your property. There are several disease-resistant varieties that are perfect for your home. They’ll sprout some gorgeous fruits and even white flowers in the spring. These trees do best in neutral to acidic soil and full sunlight.

These are known to be some of the most adaptable trees around. They perform great in the Midwest with well-drained and moist soil, in both sun and shade. These don’t have a whole lot of insect, pest, or disease issues.

Next on our list of tough trees for Midwest seasons is the Japanese tree lilac. As you probably guessed, this tree is native to Japan and boasts some pretty impressive white flowers. Not much pruning required here, and this tree isn’t very prone to diseases. Grows best in loose, drained soil and full sunlight.

The final suggestion on our list is one that thrives specifically in Minnesota (Zone 4). Compared to other varieties of hickories, the bitternut grows exceptionally fast and can get as tall as 75 feet. During the fall the leaves reach a fine yellow color and the bitternut drops nuts that animals adore. For best results, plant in moist soil. That being said, this tree is adaptable and will survive in almost any soil type.

Landscaping trees offer a great addition to your property. While we gave a handful of options, there are tons of other great trees that will thrive on your Midwestern property. A good variety of various tree types, sizes, colors, and shapes will give you a truly unique and beautiful aesthetic.