What trees to plant in my yard

Question: Hello! My wife and I recently moved to a new home and are thinking of planting some trees in our yard, but we want to make sure we make the right choices. We are new to this and haven’t planted trees before. We are interested in knowing what exact species of trees we already have and whether these would be possible to find and plant more of, or if there would be a better option to plant. I’m not sure how the process works, if someone comes out to view our property, or if it’s best to send pictures? I’ll attach a couple of photos of the trees already here and the general area in which we want to plant. Let me know what you think! Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 16, 2023, 12:49 PM EDT
response: Hi Tim,  Thanks for the question. I am wondering what your goal is. Shade trees, visual screens, food for wildlife,.... The two large evergreen trees in the photo look like red pines, or Norway pines. The state tree of Minnesota, definitely a native tree. They get very large, as you can see. Please tell me what your goals are and I can help you further.  Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2023, 12:54 PM EDT
response: Thanks for the quick response! Our main goal is to create a bit more privacy between our house and the road. Perhaps a bit of a sound buffer as well. Wouldn’t mind inviting a few more birds and wildlife, but that’s not the main priority. Does that help? Thanks again!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 16, 2023, 1:33 PM EDT
response: Yes, this helps. You have many choices for creating some privacy, a visual break from street traffic. Am I correct to assume that this is a sunny area? I would suggest that there are many hardy shrubs and smaller stature trees that will work for you, as well as produce berries/fruit for wildlife. Here are some possibilities to get you started.  Trees: Nannyberry- 12-18ft tall, showy white flowers and multicolored fruit Crabapple- 15-25ft, many flower colors available Common witch hazel- 10-20ft, bright yellow fall flowers Japanese tree lilac, 15-25ft, white flowers, long-lived White fringe tree-12-20ft, a bit of extra care needed to get established but well worth it Alleghany serviceberry,15-25ft, edible fruit, red fall color Arborvitae- an evergreen, many varieties to choose from, deer do like them though! White spruce- evergreen Shrubs: Viburnums- many varieties to choose from Amelanchchier- many to choose from Ninabark, many to choose from Lilac, many to choose from Lots of options depending on what your preferences are. Hope this helps. I'm happy to answer any follow up questions. Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 16, 2023, 1:48 PM EDT
response: Wow thanks for all this info. Do I need to worry about soil quality for some or all of these? I was told by a friend about sending in a soil sample to see what will grow well or to see about possibly adding things to the soil to make sure it’s good for supporting certain trees and shrubs. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 16, 2023, 7:20 PM EDT
response: Tim, Do you need a soil test is a good question. Sending in a soil sample for testing is always helpful to know exactly what your soil makeup is and to get a fertilizer recommendation. I don't feel it is critical in your situation because 1. you have an establish lot/not new soil as one would encounter with new construction. 2. you are planting trees and/or shrubs which are typically not going to need special soil amendments. In fact, the research shows that trees are stressed and their roots restricted if they are planted in a hole filled with special soil. They will do better in the long run in uniform/parent soil. Here is the link to a soil test if you chose to do one. http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden Here too are two more links you might find useful: planting trees, water newly planted trees and shrubs Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 17, 2023, 3:37 PM EDT
response: Awesome, thanks so much! One more question, not sure if you're able to answer this but is there a specific landscaper or something of that nature in the area that you would recommend? I'm in Cloquet. Or would you recommend going ahead and doing it on our own? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 17, 2023, 10:30 PM EDT
response: Tim, We do not endorse any products or contractors so I can't help you there. I believe you can do it yourself. Here are the highlights for planting trees and shrubs. Use the size information on the tag or online to decide how much space is needed based on the mature size. They will look sparse at first but you avoid problems of crowding later. You will likely be buying potted plants, versus balled and burlap or bare root. Smaller trees are less money and they transplant more successfully.  Dig the hole twice the width of the pot but only as deep as the root ball. The top of the roots should be right at the soil level. Too many trees get planted too deep and this leads to problems, often including premature death in 5-7 years. Water well at planting and anytime the soil 2 inches down gets dry. Do water right up to the time the soil freezes in November. No need to fertilize at planting. Add mulch (wood chips are most common) around the base but not against the trunk, which can lead to problems. Protection (chickenwire, hardware cloth or fencing) from rabbits may be necessary. Have fun with it! Paul

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 18, 2023, 12:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for the abundance of info! We feel so much more prepared and ready to get started on this project now! Thanks for everything!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2023, 5:28 PM EDT
response: Hi Paul! I had another question I thought of. I was wondering if you were able to identify the other trees in my photo, not the two tall ones. Is it possible or a good idea to plant trees like these ones? I just read online somewhere that red pine aren't recommended as a landscape plant, does that apply to these other trees in my photo?  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2023, 5:46 PM EDT
response: Hi Paul! I had another question I thought of. I was wondering if you were able to identify the other trees in my photo, not the two tall ones. Is it possible or a good idea to plant trees like these ones? I just read online somewhere that red pine aren't recommended as a landscape plant, does that apply to these other trees in my photo?  Thanks!

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 21, 2023, 5:49 PM EDT
response: Here’s another picture of some little ones we have. Are these possible to plant more of? Or how difficult is it to transplant these? Right now they are in the ditch sort of area and if it’s possible, could we move them so they are in the yard?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 23, 2023, 11:15 PM EDT
response: Tim, Sorry for the delay- I was away from my computer this weekend. I like your idea of transplanting those little evergreens from the ditch area. There appears to be quite a few of them and they do look healthy. As soon as the soil warms up enough to dig new holes and dig them out is an excellent time to move them. I am not certain what they are. Likely spruce - sharp pointed needles. Or, firs, which have flat needles and not prickly. Keep in mind that they will get big so space them accordingly. After moving them be sure to water them well anytime they get dry. Don't water them if the soil is still wet 2 inches down. Add mulch around them (wood chips is most common).  Paul