Many people believe we should plant only native trees in our landscapes. Others believe that natives are best left in the woods, and that our cities should be planted with hardier cultivars.
Native plants do give our cities a sense of character.
Remove the native trees and any Oregon city might look like a city in Colorado, Nevada, or New Hampshire. The backdrops of Douglas-fir, Oregon white oak, and Ponderosa pine that frame our landscape views give a distinct sense of Oregon to our cities. However, with growth and development comes the ability to use a diversity of plant material that is better suited to our cities than native species. Hardy ornamental and shade trees provide color, form, and texture while serving as a pleasing contrast to our native forest remnants. The result is the right tree planted in the right place to contribute to the quality of life in Oregon communities.