Tree Collections South Dakota State University Tree Collections Trees are an integral component of our environment. Aesthetically, they give shade and beauty to the land. Functionally they prevent soil erosion and give shelter to thousands of different birds and animals.
Trees provide a buffer that is essential to a habitable environment for all plants and animal life.
In North America there are approximately 650 native tree species north of Mexico. Over 100 additional species have been introduced and have naturalized. Of this number, only a handful are native to or have become naturalized to the Northern Great Plains. At the South Dakota Arboretum, we are trying to expand the number and quality of species that can be successfully grown in the Northern Plains. Species native to Northern Asia have particular value.