ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information on tree planting and tree care, specific to
the City of Moscow or general in nature, can be found from the following sources:
Moscow Parks and Recreation Office
and Moscow Tree Commission, Moscow, ID
Phone: 208/883-7085.
Free copies of Moscow Tree Bulletins,
‘Pruning Shade Trees’ brochure, City of Moscow
Arboricultural Specifications and Standards Guide,
City of Moscow Community Forestry Ordinance,
and other informative tree care brochures are available.
Idaho Department of Lands
Community Forestry Program
Phone: 800/432-4648.
Free copies of Tree City USA Bulletins on a wide range
of topics are available.
University of Idaho Extension Office, Latah County
Courthouse, 5th & Van Buren, Moscow, ID
Phone: 208/882-8580.
Numerous extension publications are available.
A catalog listing of all of the publications is free.
Moscow has received
The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Award
and Tree City USA Growth Award for
excellence in community forest management.
Tree Selection
Guide
For Street Tree Planting
City of Moscow
Parks and Recreation
Community Forestry Program
INTRODUCTION
The Community Forestry Program was established to enhance the quality of life in
Moscow by promoting the planting, protection, and care of Moscow’s trees. Street
trees are a major focus of the program since they contribute to energy conservation,
beauty, air quality, soil stabilization, and t he enhancement of property values which
benefit all Moscow residents.
This guide provides recommendations on the selection of trees to be planted along
the street rights-of-way. The list is not all-inclusive, yet offers many choices in terms of
species and their cultivars. The trees were selected based on their adaptability to our
climate, attractiveness, range of sizes, and suitability to growing along streets.
The importance of planting the right tree in the right location is key to the tree’s
survival and to sound community forestry practices. We encourage you to use this
guide in your future street tree planting efforts. Please keep this as a resource and
share it with friends and neighbors. If we act collectively, we can make our community
a pleasant and inviting place to live and work. Thank you for being an important part
of keeping our city beautiful.
THINK BIG!
When planning what tree to plant, please consider using large-maturing species when
space allows. There is an unfortunate trend toward planting only small trees in Moscow
and other cities, leading to what some call “the dwarfing of the urban forest.” This is a
good thing to do near overhead lines because it reduces the need for line clearance and the
disfigurement of street trees, increases safety, and prevents power outages. However, where
we have large spaces, we need large trees to perpetuate benefits for the future, especially the
cooling effects of summer shade and providing homes and cover for wildlife.
Moscow’s goal is to maintain large trees to maximize benefits to our citizens.
Not only do large growing trees provide more benefits such as energy savings, rain runoff
retention, and air pollution control than small growing trees, their assessed values at maturity
are much higher than small growing trees. Below are values for two of Moscow’s street trees:
Small ornamental tree
Large shade tree
$ 2,500
$ 15,000
Moscow Tree Commission
WHERE TO PLANT LARGE-MATURING TREES
SPECIAL THANKS
The City of Moscow extends its appreciation to the City of Lewiston and the City of
Las Vegas for permission to adapt published material for use in this booklet. Funding
for this second edition was made possible by a grant from the Latah County Community
Forestry Program.
Here is a guide to appropriate spaces for large trees, when at least 50 feet from
overhead power lines.
On the lawn side
of curb-attached
sidewalks
Yards
Centered in planting
strips 6-8’ in width
Parking Lots
UNDESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
FOR STREET TREES
Trees to be planted along Moscow’s streets should be appropriately hardy, deep
rooting, safe, and have inherently strong branching. Certain trees should not be planted
within the public rights- of -way because of the following undesirable characteristics:
SELECTING A TREE AND OBTAINING A PERMIT
Carefully consider the planting site:
• Are overhead wires present? Do not plant tall -growing trees under such wires.
• Will the tree’s growth interfere with street lights and signs, or will it obstruct
pedestrian and traffic visibility? Move the tree’s planting site if these interferences
are foreseen.
• What is the width of ground between the street and the sidewalk? For narrow
widths (4-6 feet) plant small to medium size trees — the roots and trunk flare
of large trees grown in narrow widths may uplift sidewalks.
• How close is the tree to structures and other trees near the planting site? Remember to give your tree adequate room to grow.
• Inherently weak branching and high susceptibility to wind, ice, and snow breakage
(e.g. poplars/cottonwoods, willows, silver maple, box elder maple).
• Susceptibility to Dutch Elm Disease (e.g. American and European elms species).
• Litter and thorn problems (e.g. Russian-olive, thorny honey-locust).
• View obstruction and vehicular/pedestrian safety (e.g. evergreens)
• Profuse suckering from outlying roots (e.g. quaking aspen, white poplar)
Select a tree:
• Does the tree match the site? Select a small tree where space, both above and
below ground, is limited. Select a large tree where ample space is available.
Know how large a tree will become when mature.
• Do you have a preference for the type of tree you plant? Choose a tree you will
enjoy for its unique characteristics such as fall color, flower display, wildlife
friendliness, etc.
Obtain a free street tree planting permit:
• Permits for planting in the street rights - of - way are required. Your free permit
may be obtained at the Moscow Parks and Recreation Office or City Hall. Simply
complete the short form and return it to either office. The city forester will
return your permit as approved, or will contact you with recommendations for
improving the tree planting. Once approved, you may secure the tree and plant
it. Please call the Parks and Recreation 0ffice at 883-7085 if you have questions
concerning the permit or street tree planting.
Always
check for underground utilities before digging a hole to plant a tree. For free assistance, phone: 1-800-342-1585
24
1
TREE PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Step 1
Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the spread of roots or diameter of root ball,
but no deeper than the root ball is tall. Roots grow wide and shallow. By breaking up
the soil outside the root ball, the roots will have an easier time penetrating and growing into
the adjacent soil. It is better to plant the tree above the base of the trunk flare than to plant
it at or below the original growing level.
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Japanese Pagodatree
Sophora japonica
Height: 40’-65’
Spread: 40’-65’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly
rounded
Foliage: Medium bright
green
Fall Color: Yellow/green
Beautiful late-summer flowers
composed of 10” long creamy
clusters. Grows well in tough
environments. Plant in full sun
to help attain its medium to fast
growth rate. Native to China and
Korea where it is planted around
Buddhist temples.
Liberty Elm
Ulmus americana
‘Liberty’
Height: 50’-70’
Spread: 40’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Vase
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Yellow
A cultivated form of the stately
American elm that shows resistance to Dutch elm disease. The
tree displays many of the same
characteristics as the American
elm, including the elegant vase
shape and arching branch pattern.
Japanese Zelkova
Zelkova serrata
Height: 40’-60’
Spread: 35’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Vase
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Orange to
bronze to red
Similar in appearance to the
American elm, but lacking some
characteristics. Still a handsome
tree because of its vase shape,
clean-looking foliage, and exfoliating bark. Has a medium growth
rate. Recommended cultivated
forms include ‘Green Vase’ and
‘Village Green’.
Step 2
Container Grown Trees
• Remove the pot. If the
roots are bound in a
tight circle, uncoil them. Some roots may have to be cut to loosen the mass.
• Place the tree in the hole so that the top
of the root ball is
slightly higher than the
surrounding ground.
• Adjust the position of the tree so that it is
straight.
Bare Root Trees
• Keep the bare roots moist at times.
• Cut away any broken or
unhealthy looking roots.
• Construct a 6” to 8” soil cone at the bottom of the hole.
• Spread the roots evenly
over the cone. The soil line on the trunk should
be slightly higher than the
surrounding ground.
• Add soil over the roots
until the tree is straight
and can stand on its own.
2
Balled and Burlapped
(B&B) Trees
• Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is slightly higher
than the surrounding
ground.
• Adjust the position of the
tree so that it is straight
- stabilize it by adding soil
around the bottom of the
ball. Be gentle.
• Remove the twine from the trunk.
• Loosen the burlap and cut away the top one -
third of the burlap and wire basket.
23
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Height: 55’-80’
Spread: 55’-80’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Rounded,
broad
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
A large impressive tree with a
stout branching pattern. Plant
in wide tree lawns. The fruit are
large, 3/4” to 1 1/2” long acorns
with a deep cup and attractive
fringed margin, needless to say, a
favorite tree for wildlife. Tolerant
of city conditions and dry alkaline soils. Young twigs and stems
develop distinctive corky ridges.
Height: 50’-70’
Spread: 50’-70’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Round,
spreading
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Green to
brown
Adaptable to various climates and
soils, including those soils with
a high pH (alkaline). The tree is
widely used in Europe.
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Height: 50’-65’
Spread: 45’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Bright red
A good street tree that performs
well in the city environment. Has
a medium to fast growth rate.
One of the most popular oaks to
plant in the area. Provides food
and shelter for many types of
wildlife.
Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Height: 40’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Red
Similar to pin and scarlet oak, its
main advantage over these trees
is its adaptability for growing in
difficult soil conditions, conditions where other oaks perform
poorly.
English Oak
Quercus robur
22
TREE PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Step 3
Backfill the planting hole with the soil that was originally dug out. In most cases, it
is unnecessary to amend the backfill. When the hole is half filled, lightly tamp the
soil around the roots or root ball to stabilize the tree. Add water to settle the soil and
remove air pockets. Continue to backfill until the hole is filled. Water again until all the
soil is saturated. If water percolates slowly through the backfill or if the planting site is
located on a slope, a raised ring of soil can be made around the planting hole to create
a water-catching basin.
Step 4
Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch (wood chips or bark, pine needles, etc.) over the planting
site. Improved root growth will occur if the root system of the newly planted tree is
given a suitable environment. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, moderate the soil
temperature, reduce
competitive weeds, and keep the mower deck
away from the tender, young tree trunk. Do
not place mulch directly against the trunk
as this may cause trunk rot.
Step 5
In most situations, if the soil ball is
adequately sized, staking the tree for
support is unnecessary and even harmful
to its early development. However, staking
is recommended if the tree will encounter
strong winds, the soil ball is undersized
or the tree is planted bare root. Use two 6
- 8 foot stakes, spaced on opposite sides of the
trunk, and drive them into the ground just beyond the
root ball or root ends. To prevent injury to the bark,
wrap heavy burlap or nylon
webbing around the trunk to secure the tree to the stake.
Place the webbing at the lowest
level at which the trunk can
be held upright. Allow some slack
in the webbing so that
the tree may sway in the wind.
Remember to remove the
staking after the first or second growing season.
3
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
POST PLANTING CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Saving Water
Watering the newly planted tree regularly for the first three years is crucial to its survival.
In addition to rain showers and lawn watering, periodic, deep watering of the tree will help ensure its establishment.
The soil around the tree should be kept moist, but not wet. Use a garden hose set at a trickle for best results. Water
often enough and deep enough to maintain moist soil at least six inches below ground level. Remember to water
more often during periods of drought and hot weather.
Describes the
trees’s tolerability
to drought and
hot weather.
Very
Tolerant
Tolerant
Moderately
Tolerant
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
White Oak
Quercus alba
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Uprightrounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Brown to
reddish purple
A slow grower that can live for
hundreds of years. Winter appearance is strong and bold due
to its stout branching pattern.
Native to the eastern U.S., its
availability in the Pacific northwest is low. However, it is one of
the most handsome of the oaks
and is worthwhile growing.
Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Height: 45’-60’
Spread: 45’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous green
Fall Color: Yellow brown
to reddish
Attractive features include leaves
with wavy margins and flaky grayish brown bark. Like most oaks,
popular with wildlife, especially
small mammals which prize the
acorns. Drought tolerant when
mature, but can also grow in wet
soils.
A tough oak for our area.
Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinia
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Red to scarlet
Very similar to the more common
and well known pin oak. Its most
appealing characteristic is its
deep and brilliant red fall color,
generally regarded as the finest
of all the oaks.
Shingle Oak
Quercus imbricaria
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous
dark green
Fall Color: Yellow to rusty red
Has beautiful summer foliage.
The leaves often persist through
the winter and assist with screening or wind protection. Can
tolerate high pH soils.
Intolerant
How to water?
This question refers to the area to be watered. Apply water to all areas above growing roots and just beyond to encourage growth. Tree roots have the potential to grow far beyond the drip line, however, roots only grow where the soil is
moist. The myth, “roots grow toward water” is simply not true. Roots do not grow through dry soil.
How much to water?
This question refers to the quantity of water applied to the root area. Apply enough water to penetrate the soil to a
depth of 18 inches to 24 inches. This is where a majority of absorbing roots grow. In clay or compacted soils, roots
will be shallower than roots growing in sandy soils. After watering, check how deep the water has penetrated the soil.
A metal rod or root feeder shaft will easily penetrate moist soil, while dry soil is difficult to penetrate.
How often to water?
This question refers to frequency of watering. A general recommendation is to water once weekly during the growing
season and adjust as needed to allow for soil type and seasonal condition.
Pruning
Pruning at the time of planting should be limited to removing dead, broken, or crossing branches.
Remove a branch just outside the branch collar (swollen area between trunk and branch or main stem). Never leave
stubs or make flush cuts. It is unnecessary and sometimes harmful to apply wound dressing or “tree paint” to the
cut area after pruning. During its early growth, a young tree will also need training so that it may develop strongly
attached branches. Please contact the city forester for more information about training young trees.
Fertilizing
It is recommended not to fertilize your tree during the first year after planting.
If the tree is showing signs of nutrient deficiency contact the city forester for fertilizing advice.
Insects and Disease
Most problems with newly planted trees can be linked to improper watering, inferior tree stock, or a difficult planting
site -- insects and disease cause the least problems.
Keeping the tree in good health is the best protection against pests. If it is suspected that the planted street tree is suffering from insects or disease, please contact the city forester.
4
21
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Blue Ash
Fraxinus quadrangulata
Height: 40’-55’
Spread: 30’-35’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
Has a shaggy outer bark, and its
inner bark contains a substance
which turns the color blue on
exposure to air, thus its common
name. It is fairly drought tolerant.
Twigs are stout and usually 4
angled, a rather unique feature.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Height: 40’-55’
Spread: 35’- 45’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Broadly
pyramidal
Foliage: Bright green,
fan-shaped
Fall Color: Bright yellow
A durable tree for difficult
environmental situations. A slow
grower. Leaves are interestingly
fan-shaped and present a very
soft appearance. Plant only male
trees since the fruit of this tree
has an extremely unpleasant
odor. The Ginkgo is the oldest
species of tree on earth.
Tuliptree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Height: 60’-70’
Spread: 30’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Bright green,
tulip-shaped
Fall Color: Golden
yellow
Both the leaf and large yellowgreen-orange flowers have shapes
that resemble a tulip. A tree for
wide tree lawns (8 feet or greater). Not drought tolerant. A fast
grower. Becomes a large, stately
tree. Attractive golden yellow fall
color. Native to the eastern U.S.
London Planetree
Platanus x acerifolia
Height: 50’-70’
Spread: 40’-60’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Medium
green, large
Fall Color: Yellow
to brown
Has interesting exfoliating bark
that reveals patches of beautiful
brown, olive, and cream colors.
Leaves are large and maple-like.
A fast grower which can tolerate most types of soils. A relative
to the American sycamore, the
‘Bloodgood’ cultivated form is
recommended due to its greater
resistance to disease.
20
TREES RECOMMENDED
FOR PLANTING ALONG MOSCOW’S STREETS
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Trident Maple
Acer buergeranum
Height: 20’-25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Glossy green
pale underside
Fall Color: Orange to red
A handsome small tree for confined spaces. Tolerates drought
and prefers full sun. Prune low
spreading growth to encourage
adequate sight clearance.
Hedge Maple
Acer campestre
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
One of the best smaller maples
for dry, alkaline soils. Prune low
spreading growth to encourage
adequate sight clearance. Native
to Europe, western Asia and
Africa. Mostly free of major pests.
Vine Maple
Acer circinatum
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Multi-stemmed
and wide-spreading
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Orange to
bright red
New spring foliage is tinged red
before turning green. Can be
grown in shade or full sun, with
better fall color when located in
sunny locations. Needs supplemental watering during periods of drought. This northwest
native has an airy and delicate
appearance. Prune low spreading
growth to encourage adequate
sight clearance.
David’s Maple
Acer davidii
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Upright and oval
Foliage: Glossy green and
deeply veined
Fall Color: Bright yellow to
reddish orange and purple
The striped bark and excellent
fall color make this species very
distinctive. It has clusters of
green to yellow flowers in spring.
5
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Amur Maple
Acer ginnala
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Multi-stemmed,
rounded with spreading
branches
Foliage: Medium green,
Fall Color: Scarlet red
One of the hardiest maples available. Select single stem/tree form
for street planting. ‘Flame’ is a
cultivated form that provides the
most consistent growth and fall
color.
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 35’-45’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green to purple
Fall Color: Red to golden
brown to deep purple
According to many, there is no
finer specimen tree. The bark
is smooth and gray, even when
mature, it is very elegant. Prune low spreading growth to
encourage adequate sight clearance. The purple-leafed form,
‘Riversii’, adds rich color to the
streetscape. ‘Asplenifolia’ is another favorite cultivated form.
Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Red
The bark of this maple is most
striking with its beautiful cinnamon or red-brown color that
peels into paper -thin sheets. Has
a slow rate of growth.
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Height: 45’-60’
Spread: 30’-45’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded to oval
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Orange-red
to bronze-red to purple
The various white ash forms
display beautiful fall colors. The
trees color early and by midOctober the leaves have fallen
from the tree. Seedless cultivated
forms include ‘Autumn Purple’,
‘Skyline’, and ‘Rosehill’.
Globe Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
‘Globosum’
Height: 15’
Spread: 18’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape:Perfectly rounded
and compact
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
Usually grafted or budded at 6’-7’
height. Globe is a symmetrical
and very formal looking tree.
European Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark green
Fall Color: Green to yellow
A popular tree in Europe but has
not had overwhelming acceptance in America, even though
the tree is extremely hardy and
vigorous. The seedless ‘Hessei’
is the recommended cultivated
form.
Rocky Mountain Glow Maple
Acer grandidentatum
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Bright red
Native to the Rocky Mountains,
this maple is a relative of the
Sugar Maple. It is slow growing
and has intense fall color.
Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Height: 45’-60’
Spread: 30’-40’
Hardiness: -20°F to -40°F
Shape: Oval to
pyramidal
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Red to bronze
to yellow
19
A reliable, tough tree with a
fast growth rate. Prune during
its early years to remove weak
branching and double leaders.
‘Patmore’, ‘Bergeson’, Cimmaron’, and ‘Urbanite’ are hardy,
seedless forms.
6
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Redmond Linden
Tilia americana
‘Redmond’
Height: 35’-45’
Spread: 25’-30’
Hardiness:-40°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellowish
green
This cultivated form is closely
related to the American Linden
or Basswood. Its leaves are the
largest of all the linden forms
which gives it a coarse textured
appearance. Provides deep shade
under its crown.
Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 30’-35’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Lustrous
dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
More heat and drought tolerant
than other lindens. Prefers full
sun. An excellent street tree with
moderate growth. Very popular
and widely used in various street
and city settings. Two cultivated
forms ranked high in quality are
‘Greenspire’ and ‘Glenleven’.
Silver Linden
Tilia tomentosa
Height: 45’-50’
Spread: 35’-40’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green with silver-gray
under-surface
Fall Color: Yellow
Both leaf surfaces, dark green
above and silver-gray below, are
exposed when the wind blows
which creates a pleasing effect.
As with all lindens, the small
flowers and nutlets that follow
are attached to interesting leaflike wings called bracts. ‘Sterling’
is a cultivated form that has
proven quite worthy.
Chinese Elm(Lace Bark Elm)
Ulmus parvifolia
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Yellowish to
dull reddish purple
The bark is outstanding and
often displays a beautiful mottled
combination of gray, green, orange and brown. Highly resistant
to Dutch Elm Disease. This tree
should not be confused with the
common and inferior Siberian
Elm (Ulmus pumila) which has
smooth, gray bark prevalent on
younger branches.
18
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Height: 20’-25’
Spread: 20’-25’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Flat/round-topped
and wide-spreading
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow, orange and scarlet
A native to the eastern U.S., it is
slow growing, tolerates wet soils,
and grows best in partial shade.
The tree develops a smooth gray
bark similar to beech. Select
single-stemmed trees for street
tree planting.
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Height: 25’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Flat/round-topped
and spreading
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
The profuse clusters of pink
flowers that bloom in April or
May make this a spring favorite.
Heart-shaped leaves open with
a reddish/purple color then
turn medium green. Plant in a
protected site since it will not
tolerate cold winds or drought.
Low branches/foliage may cause
sight obstructions along the street
and will need to be pruned.
Korean Dogwood
Cornus coreana
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Plum purple
This rugged tree tolerates heat
and cold. Flowers are small white
clusters followed by small black
berries. May be hard to find in
nurseries.
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Height: 15’-20’
Spread: 15’-20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous green
Fall Color: Reddish-purple
to scarlet
Handsome small tree with strong
horizontal branching. Hardier
and more drought tolerant than
the flowering dogwood. Prefers a
sunny location. The actual flowers
are small in the center of four
large, showy white bracts. Prune
low spreading growth to encourage adequate sight clearance.
7
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata
‘Paul’s Scarlet’
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Dense, upright
spreading, oval
Foliage: Small, green
Fall Color: Yellow or no
change
The brilliant double rose to red
scarlet flowers in spring make
this tree one of the showiest, most
spectaular ornamentals. Sets
sparse fruit. Related to the English
Hawthorn. Periodic thinning of
dense branching will improve its
overall appearance.
Callery Pear
Pyrus calleryana
Height: 30’-40’
Spread: 20’-25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Lustrous dark
to medium green
Fall Color: Dark red
to orange/purple red
With small (1/2” or less across)
fruit, this pear is termed an
“ornamental” and is suitable
for street planting. Its most
valued feature is the springtime
display of white flowers, the tree
is completely covered when in
full bloom. Cultivated forms that
display good resistance to fireblight disease include ‘Aristocrat’,
‘Chanticleer’, and ‘Trinity’.
Lavalle Hawthorn
Crataegus x lavallei
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Bronze/red
White spring flowers and red-orange fruit in the fall gives this tree
landscape interest throughout
the season. Its form provides a
strong impact during winter, with
smooth dark bark and an oval,
vase-shaped growth habit.
Ussurian Pear
Pyrus ussuriensis
Height: 45’
Spread: 45’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Rounded, dense
Foliage: Lustrous
dark green
Fall Color: Red to
reddish purple
This is the hardiest of all
ornamental pears. Flowers may
be faintly pink in bud, finally
turning white in April-May. Good
resistance to fireblight disease.
A worthy street tree for exposed
northern and western sites.
Toba Hawthorn
Crataegus x
mordenensis ‘Toba’
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow or no
change
A selection that produces double
white fragrant flowers that age to
pink. Fruit is red and averages
3/8” long.
Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark green
Fall Color: Orange to scarlet and reddish purple
Adaptable to many environmental
conditions, this tree should be
used with caution because of its
2-3” long thorns. The flowers are
white clusters appearing in late
spring followed by bright, glossy
red fruit that persists well into
winter. A good tree for attracting
wildlife.
8
Pink Idaho Locust
Robinia x ambigua
‘Idahoensis’
European Mountainash
Sorbus aucuparia
Height: 25’-40’
Spread: 15’-30’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval, irregular
Foliage: Dark blue-green
Fall Color: Yellow-green
Height: 35’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Oval to columnar
Foliage: Full dark green
Fall Color: Red to rust
17
A very tough tree that can survive
under the harshest of conditions.
Medium in growth rate. Flowers are rose-pink, fragrant, and
borne on long plumes. Quite a
stunning display at peak bloom.
Known for its orange to brilliant
red fruit, the tree is a favorite for
birds. The species often displays
a graceful, open crown when
mature, while several strong cultivated forms, such as ‘Cardinal
Royal’ and ‘Blackhawk’, have a
more upright, columnar habit.
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Goldenraintree
Koelreuteria paniculata
Height: 30’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Medium green,
lacy leaflets
Fall Color: Yellow
Has many splendid features
including branching/spreading habit, 12”-15” long, yellow
plumes of flowers blooming in
July, lacy leaflets on compound
leaves, and attractive papery
capsules for fruit. The tree can
grow in all types of soils. Native
to China, Japan, and Korea.
Green Hawthorn
Crataegus viridis
Height: 25’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded and spreading
Foliage: Lustrous medium
green
Fall Color: Purple to scarlet
Red fruit develops and persists
into winter after the springtime
display of white flowers. The
persistent fruit and distinct
silvery bark make this one of the
handsomest of all hawthorns.
It is usually available under the
cultivated form called ‘Winter
King’. Similar to the Washington
Hawthorn, it should be used with
caution because of long thorns.
Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Height: 35’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Irregular,
spreading
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Coppery red
Outstanding shape and summer
and fall foliage. Plant in a location sheltered from winds. This is
an excellent specimen tree. Fruit
is a 3/8”-1/2” oblong, bluish
black drupe (cherry-like), eaten
by many species of birds and
mammals.
Golden Desert Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
‘Aureafolia’
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Gold
A small round-headed tree with
yellow stems and beautiful golden
fall foliage that begins to turn in
July.
Height: 35’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
A graceful tree with horizontal
or drooping branches. The fruit,
a nutlet, resembles the fruit of
hops, hence, the name Hophornbeam.
Crabapple (red flowering)
Malus spp.
Height: 30’-35’
Spread: 20’-25’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Rounded and
dense
Foliage: Medium green to
purple
Fall Color: Brown to purple
A good street tree for exposed
areas due to its extreme tolerance to cold. Small white spring
flowers and an attractive yellow/
cinnamon brown peeling bark
adorn the tree.
Height: 15’-25’
Spread: 15’-25’
Hardiness: -20°F to -40°F
Shape: Rounded to spreading to columnar
Foliage: Green to purple
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
The selection of this popular and
quite adaptable tree is usually
based on disease resistance and
flower color, which ranges from
light pink to rosy-pink to deeper
shades of red. Some fruits are
persistent, and their size falls
within 1/4”-5/8” with colors from red to orange. A few recommended forms include ‘Royal
Raindrops’, ‘Red Baron’, ‘Indian
Summer’, ‘Centurion’, and ‘Radiant’.
American Hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
Amur Chokecherry
Prunus maackii
16
9
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Crabapple
(white flowering)
Malus spp.
Height: 15’-25’
Spread: 15’-25’
Hardiness: -20°F to -40°F
Shape: Rounded to
spreading to columnar
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
Similar to the characteristics of
the red flowering crabapples,
except that the flower color is
pure white and fruit color may
also be golden. Both types of
crabapples prefer full sun and
their edible fruits attract birds.
Some cultivated forms that
rank high in disease resistance
include ‘Snowdrift’, ‘Red Jewel’,
‘Doubloons’, ‘Spring Snow’, and
‘Golden Raindrops’.
Turkish Filbert
Corylus colurna
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 20’-30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow to
purple
A tough tree that tolerates adverse
environmental conditions once
established. Prefers full sun.
Drooping brown catkins, edible
nuts and flaking brown/orange
bark are interesting features of
this seldom-used tree that is wellsuited to our climate.
Narrowleaf Ash
Fraxinus angustifolia
Height: 35’-50’
Spread: 35’-55’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark green
Fall Color: Burgundy
The fall color can be somewhat
variable. Few seeds are produced. It is native to Europe and
Asia, popular cultivated forms
include ‘Flame’, and ‘Raywood’.
Thornless Honeylocust
Gleditsia triacanthos
var. inermis
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 35’-45’
Hardiness:-30°F
Shape: Vase-shaped to
rounded, spreading to
upright
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
One of our most adaptable trees
- can grow in a wide range of
environmental conditions. An
excellent street tree. The finely
textured, delicate leaves made
up of small oval leaflets provide
filtered shade and offer very
little if any fall cleanup. Fruitless,
thornless, and well branched
forms include ‘Shademaster’,
‘Moraine’, and ‘Skyline’.
Sourwood
Oxydendrum
arboreum
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal to
rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Orange to scarlet to purple
A slow growing tree with a pleasant soft appearance. Drooping
branches, creamy white bellshaped flowers, and brilliant fall
color make this an excellent all
season ornamental street tree.
Prefers a somewhat low pH soil
and good drainage. Do not plant
in soils high in clay.
Flowering Plum
Prunus cerasifera
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -10°F to -30°F
Shape: Upright spreading to
oval/rounded to upright
Foliage: Dark purple
Fall Color: Dark purple/
brown
Eye-catching dark purple summer foliage and light pink spring
flowers distinguish this small tree
from others. Cultivated forms
that are best at withstanding our
cold winters include ‘Newport’,
‘Krauter Vesuvius’, and ‘Mt. St.
Helens’.
Sargent Cherry
Prunus sargentii
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Bronze orange
to orange-red
10
The fall color and a rich,
polished reddish to chestnut
brown bark are this tree’s most
attractive features. Native to
Japan, it is hardier than other
Japanese cherries. Flowers
are single pink and bloom in
spring.
15
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Columnar European
Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
‘Fastigiata’
Height: 35’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Oval and dense
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
This is the most common cultivated form planted. It is narrow
when young but later widens to a
dense oval shape, a very symmetrical and formal
appearance. Heat and drought
tolerant.
Flowering Cherry
Prunus subhirtella
var. Autumnalis ‘Rosea’
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Upright and
spreading
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow to bronze
Unusual blooming occurs on this
tree when semi-double light pink
flowers sporadically open during
a warm fall. A full display of
flowers will follow in the spring.
Delicate branching adds to its
winter interest.
Japanese Tree Lilac
Syringa reticulata
Height: 20’-25’
Spread: 15’-20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded to oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Brown
This is the tree form of the lilacs.
Flowers are showy 8” clusters of white that appear in the beginning of summer. Plant in
full sun for best results.
Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Height: 50’
Spread: 40’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Vase
Foliage: Dull light to
medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
Performs admirably under
adverse conditions such as dry,
clayey soils and windy conditions. Rough corky bark adds
interest throughout the seasons.
This deep- rooted tree rarely lifts
sidewalks, ideal for street tree
planting. ‘Prairie Pride’ is a recommended cultivated form.
Katsuratree
Cercidiphyllum
japonicum
Height: 40’
Spread: 40’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal when
young, round with age
Foliage: Bluish green
Fall Color: Yellow to
apricot-orange
Requires ample moisture in its
early years of establishment. A
delicate, fine textured tree, its
heart- shaped leaves add to its
outstanding appearance. Fall
color can be beautiful. Native to
China and Japan.
Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
Height: 40’
Spread: 45’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Bright green
Fall Color: Yellow to
golden yellow
Attractive features of this tree
include a round spreading habit,
fragrant white flowers, and bright
green foliage. Tolerant of high pH
soils and has very few pests. The
common name is derived from its
freshly cut yellow heartwood.
14
11
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Heights: 45’-50’’
Spreads: 35’-40’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shapes: Oval
Foliage: Medium to dark
green
Fall Colors: Reddish-orange to red
Cultivated forms that have
shown tolerance for cold and
some drought include ‘Green
Mountain’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Bonfire’. These forms can provide
brilliant fall colors when climatic
conditions are favorable. Growth
is slow, possibly medium when
young.
Red Horsechestnut
Aesculus x carnea
Height: 40’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Dull yellow
This tree has large leaves, each
divided into 5 leaflets, with
globose 1” diameter capsules for
fruit. Flowers composed of 8”
rose-red plumes are outstanding
in spring. This is one of the most
popular trees in England.
River Birch
Betula nigra ‘Heritage’
Height: 45’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Broadly
pyramidal
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
Growth rate is medium to fast
with a reputation as one of the
most trouble -free birches in
moist years. Has good resistance
to the bronze birch borer. The
tree is popular for its attractive
bark, which peels off into papery
plates and exposes the brown
to cinnamon to reddish- brown
colors of the inner bark. ‘Heritage’ the most commonly planted
cultivated form of River Birch.
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Height: 50’
Spread: 35’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
Admirable features of this tree
include its white bark and bright
yellow fall color. It is one of the
few white-barked birches that
shows good resistance to the
bronze birch borer. Splendid
in winter when framed against
evergreens.
Growth Characteristics
Height: 50’
Greencolumn Maple
Acer nigrum ‘Greencolumn’ Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Upright oval
and narrow
Foliage: Light green
Fall Color: Yellow to
apricot orange
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Height: 25’-50’
Spread: 15’-40’
Hardiness:-20°F to -40°F
Shape: Rounded to oval to
upright/narrow
Foliage: Dark green to
dark purple
Fall Color: Yellow to reddish brown/bronze
A form of Black Maple, found in
a native stand in central Iowa.
More heat and drought tolerant
than the similar looking Sugar
Maples. Will grow in narrow
spaces and displays excellent fall
color.
A popular and well-known tree
that is known for heavy shading and toughness. Size, shape,
and leaf color vary with the form
selected. Because of surface
rooting, plant in a wide (6 feet or
greater) tree lawn to avoid sidewalk uplifting. Select from these
proven cultivated forms: ‘Emerald
Queen’, ‘Crimson King’, ‘Columnare’, ‘Deborah’, and ‘Parkway’.
Sycamore Maple
Acer psuedoplatanus
Height: 50’
Spread: 40’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Oval to rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Insignificant
Adaptable to many environmental
conditions. Has an interesting
mottled bark pattern displaying
an array of grays, reds, browns,
and oranges; flaking into small,
rectangular scales. Native to Europe and western Asia. Cultivated
for centuries.
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Heights: 40’-50’
Spreads: 20’-40’
Hardiness: -30°F to -40°F
Shapes: Oval to upright
narrow
Foliage: Green
Fall Colors: Orange-red to
red to scarlet red
Red maples generally have clean
foliage, strong wood, and dazzling fall color. Young bark is
smooth and light gray in color.
‘Red Sunset’, ‘Autumn Blaze’, and
‘Columnare’ are several recommended cultivated forms.
12
13
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum
Heights: 45’-50’’
Spreads: 35’-40’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shapes: Oval
Foliage: Medium to dark
green
Fall Colors: Reddish-orange to red
Cultivated forms that have
shown tolerance for cold and
some drought include ‘Green
Mountain’, ‘Legacy’, and ‘Bonfire’. These forms can provide
brilliant fall colors when climatic
conditions are favorable. Growth
is slow, possibly medium when
young.
Red Horsechestnut
Aesculus x carnea
Height: 40’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Dull yellow
This tree has large leaves, each
divided into 5 leaflets, with
globose 1” diameter capsules for
fruit. Flowers composed of 8”
rose-red plumes are outstanding
in spring. This is one of the most
popular trees in England.
River Birch
Betula nigra ‘Heritage’
Height: 45’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Broadly
pyramidal
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
Growth rate is medium to fast
with a reputation as one of the
most trouble -free birches in
moist years. Has good resistance
to the bronze birch borer. The
tree is popular for its attractive
bark, which peels off into papery
plates and exposes the brown
to cinnamon to reddish- brown
colors of the inner bark. ‘Heritage’ the most commonly planted
cultivated form of River Birch.
Paper Birch
Betula papyrifera
Height: 50’
Spread: 35’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
Admirable features of this tree
include its white bark and bright
yellow fall color. It is one of the
few white-barked birches that
shows good resistance to the
bronze birch borer. Splendid
in winter when framed against
evergreens.
Growth Characteristics
Height: 50’
Greencolumn Maple
Acer nigrum ‘Greencolumn’ Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Upright oval
and narrow
Foliage: Light green
Fall Color: Yellow to
apricot orange
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
Height: 25’-50’
Spread: 15’-40’
Hardiness:-20°F to -40°F
Shape: Rounded to oval to
upright/narrow
Foliage: Dark green to
dark purple
Fall Color: Yellow to reddish brown/bronze
A form of Black Maple, found in
a native stand in central Iowa.
More heat and drought tolerant
than the similar looking Sugar
Maples. Will grow in narrow
spaces and displays excellent fall
color.
A popular and well-known tree
that is known for heavy shading and toughness. Size, shape,
and leaf color vary with the form
selected. Because of surface
rooting, plant in a wide (6 feet or
greater) tree lawn to avoid sidewalk uplifting. Select from these
proven cultivated forms: ‘Emerald
Queen’, ‘Crimson King’, ‘Columnare’, ‘Deborah’, and ‘Parkway’.
Sycamore Maple
Acer psuedoplatanus
Height: 50’
Spread: 40’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Oval to rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Insignificant
Adaptable to many environmental
conditions. Has an interesting
mottled bark pattern displaying
an array of grays, reds, browns,
and oranges; flaking into small,
rectangular scales. Native to Europe and western Asia. Cultivated
for centuries.
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Heights: 40’-50’
Spreads: 20’-40’
Hardiness: -30°F to -40°F
Shapes: Oval to upright
narrow
Foliage: Green
Fall Colors: Orange-red to
red to scarlet red
Red maples generally have clean
foliage, strong wood, and dazzling fall color. Young bark is
smooth and light gray in color.
‘Red Sunset’, ‘Autumn Blaze’, and
‘Columnare’ are several recommended cultivated forms.
12
13
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Columnar European
Hornbeam
Carpinus betulus
‘Fastigiata’
Height: 35’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Oval and dense
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
This is the most common cultivated form planted. It is narrow
when young but later widens to a
dense oval shape, a very symmetrical and formal
appearance. Heat and drought
tolerant.
Flowering Cherry
Prunus subhirtella
var. Autumnalis ‘Rosea’
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Upright and
spreading
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow to bronze
Unusual blooming occurs on this
tree when semi-double light pink
flowers sporadically open during
a warm fall. A full display of
flowers will follow in the spring.
Delicate branching adds to its
winter interest.
Japanese Tree Lilac
Syringa reticulata
Height: 20’-25’
Spread: 15’-20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded to oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Brown
This is the tree form of the lilacs.
Flowers are showy 8” clusters of white that appear in the beginning of summer. Plant in
full sun for best results.
Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Height: 50’
Spread: 40’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Vase
Foliage: Dull light to
medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
Performs admirably under
adverse conditions such as dry,
clayey soils and windy conditions. Rough corky bark adds
interest throughout the seasons.
This deep- rooted tree rarely lifts
sidewalks, ideal for street tree
planting. ‘Prairie Pride’ is a recommended cultivated form.
Katsuratree
Cercidiphyllum
japonicum
Height: 40’
Spread: 40’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal when
young, round with age
Foliage: Bluish green
Fall Color: Yellow to
apricot-orange
Requires ample moisture in its
early years of establishment. A
delicate, fine textured tree, its
heart- shaped leaves add to its
outstanding appearance. Fall
color can be beautiful. Native to
China and Japan.
Yellowwood
Cladrastis kentukea
Height: 40’
Spread: 45’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Bright green
Fall Color: Yellow to
golden yellow
Attractive features of this tree
include a round spreading habit,
fragrant white flowers, and bright
green foliage. Tolerant of high pH
soils and has very few pests. The
common name is derived from its
freshly cut yellow heartwood.
14
11
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Crabapple
(white flowering)
Malus spp.
Height: 15’-25’
Spread: 15’-25’
Hardiness: -20°F to -40°F
Shape: Rounded to
spreading to columnar
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
Similar to the characteristics of
the red flowering crabapples,
except that the flower color is
pure white and fruit color may
also be golden. Both types of
crabapples prefer full sun and
their edible fruits attract birds.
Some cultivated forms that
rank high in disease resistance
include ‘Snowdrift’, ‘Red Jewel’,
‘Doubloons’, ‘Spring Snow’, and
‘Golden Raindrops’.
Turkish Filbert
Corylus colurna
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 20’-30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow to
purple
A tough tree that tolerates adverse
environmental conditions once
established. Prefers full sun.
Drooping brown catkins, edible
nuts and flaking brown/orange
bark are interesting features of
this seldom-used tree that is wellsuited to our climate.
Narrowleaf Ash
Fraxinus angustifolia
Height: 35’-50’
Spread: 35’-55’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark green
Fall Color: Burgundy
The fall color can be somewhat
variable. Few seeds are produced. It is native to Europe and
Asia, popular cultivated forms
include ‘Flame’, and ‘Raywood’.
Thornless Honeylocust
Gleditsia triacanthos
var. inermis
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 35’-45’
Hardiness:-30°F
Shape: Vase-shaped to
rounded, spreading to
upright
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
One of our most adaptable trees
- can grow in a wide range of
environmental conditions. An
excellent street tree. The finely
textured, delicate leaves made
up of small oval leaflets provide
filtered shade and offer very
little if any fall cleanup. Fruitless,
thornless, and well branched
forms include ‘Shademaster’,
‘Moraine’, and ‘Skyline’.
Sourwood
Oxydendrum
arboreum
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal to
rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Orange to scarlet to purple
A slow growing tree with a pleasant soft appearance. Drooping
branches, creamy white bellshaped flowers, and brilliant fall
color make this an excellent all
season ornamental street tree.
Prefers a somewhat low pH soil
and good drainage. Do not plant
in soils high in clay.
Flowering Plum
Prunus cerasifera
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -10°F to -30°F
Shape: Upright spreading to
oval/rounded to upright
Foliage: Dark purple
Fall Color: Dark purple/
brown
Eye-catching dark purple summer foliage and light pink spring
flowers distinguish this small tree
from others. Cultivated forms
that are best at withstanding our
cold winters include ‘Newport’,
‘Krauter Vesuvius’, and ‘Mt. St.
Helens’.
Sargent Cherry
Prunus sargentii
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Bronze orange
to orange-red
10
The fall color and a rich,
polished reddish to chestnut
brown bark are this tree’s most
attractive features. Native to
Japan, it is hardier than other
Japanese cherries. Flowers
are single pink and bloom in
spring.
15
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Goldenraintree
Koelreuteria paniculata
Height: 30’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Medium green,
lacy leaflets
Fall Color: Yellow
Has many splendid features
including branching/spreading habit, 12”-15” long, yellow
plumes of flowers blooming in
July, lacy leaflets on compound
leaves, and attractive papery
capsules for fruit. The tree can
grow in all types of soils. Native
to China, Japan, and Korea.
Green Hawthorn
Crataegus viridis
Height: 25’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded and spreading
Foliage: Lustrous medium
green
Fall Color: Purple to scarlet
Red fruit develops and persists
into winter after the springtime
display of white flowers. The
persistent fruit and distinct
silvery bark make this one of the
handsomest of all hawthorns.
It is usually available under the
cultivated form called ‘Winter
King’. Similar to the Washington
Hawthorn, it should be used with
caution because of long thorns.
Black Tupelo
Nyssa sylvatica
Height: 35’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Irregular,
spreading
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Coppery red
Outstanding shape and summer
and fall foliage. Plant in a location sheltered from winds. This is
an excellent specimen tree. Fruit
is a 3/8”-1/2” oblong, bluish
black drupe (cherry-like), eaten
by many species of birds and
mammals.
Golden Desert Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
‘Aureafolia’
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Gold
A small round-headed tree with
yellow stems and beautiful golden
fall foliage that begins to turn in
July.
Height: 35’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
A graceful tree with horizontal
or drooping branches. The fruit,
a nutlet, resembles the fruit of
hops, hence, the name Hophornbeam.
Crabapple (red flowering)
Malus spp.
Height: 30’-35’
Spread: 20’-25’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Rounded and
dense
Foliage: Medium green to
purple
Fall Color: Brown to purple
A good street tree for exposed
areas due to its extreme tolerance to cold. Small white spring
flowers and an attractive yellow/
cinnamon brown peeling bark
adorn the tree.
Height: 15’-25’
Spread: 15’-25’
Hardiness: -20°F to -40°F
Shape: Rounded to spreading to columnar
Foliage: Green to purple
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
The selection of this popular and
quite adaptable tree is usually
based on disease resistance and
flower color, which ranges from
light pink to rosy-pink to deeper
shades of red. Some fruits are
persistent, and their size falls
within 1/4”-5/8” with colors from red to orange. A few recommended forms include ‘Royal
Raindrops’, ‘Red Baron’, ‘Indian
Summer’, ‘Centurion’, and ‘Radiant’.
American Hophornbeam
Ostrya virginiana
Amur Chokecherry
Prunus maackii
16
9
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn
Crataegus laevigata
‘Paul’s Scarlet’
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Dense, upright
spreading, oval
Foliage: Small, green
Fall Color: Yellow or no
change
The brilliant double rose to red
scarlet flowers in spring make
this tree one of the showiest, most
spectaular ornamentals. Sets
sparse fruit. Related to the English
Hawthorn. Periodic thinning of
dense branching will improve its
overall appearance.
Callery Pear
Pyrus calleryana
Height: 30’-40’
Spread: 20’-25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Lustrous dark
to medium green
Fall Color: Dark red
to orange/purple red
With small (1/2” or less across)
fruit, this pear is termed an
“ornamental” and is suitable
for street planting. Its most
valued feature is the springtime
display of white flowers, the tree
is completely covered when in
full bloom. Cultivated forms that
display good resistance to fireblight disease include ‘Aristocrat’,
‘Chanticleer’, and ‘Trinity’.
Lavalle Hawthorn
Crataegus x lavallei
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Bronze/red
White spring flowers and red-orange fruit in the fall gives this tree
landscape interest throughout
the season. Its form provides a
strong impact during winter, with
smooth dark bark and an oval,
vase-shaped growth habit.
Ussurian Pear
Pyrus ussuriensis
Height: 45’
Spread: 45’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Rounded, dense
Foliage: Lustrous
dark green
Fall Color: Red to
reddish purple
This is the hardiest of all
ornamental pears. Flowers may
be faintly pink in bud, finally
turning white in April-May. Good
resistance to fireblight disease.
A worthy street tree for exposed
northern and western sites.
Toba Hawthorn
Crataegus x
mordenensis ‘Toba’
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow or no
change
A selection that produces double
white fragrant flowers that age to
pink. Fruit is red and averages
3/8” long.
Washington Hawthorn
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark green
Fall Color: Orange to scarlet and reddish purple
Adaptable to many environmental
conditions, this tree should be
used with caution because of its
2-3” long thorns. The flowers are
white clusters appearing in late
spring followed by bright, glossy
red fruit that persists well into
winter. A good tree for attracting
wildlife.
8
Pink Idaho Locust
Robinia x ambigua
‘Idahoensis’
European Mountainash
Sorbus aucuparia
Height: 25’-40’
Spread: 15’-30’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval, irregular
Foliage: Dark blue-green
Fall Color: Yellow-green
Height: 35’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Oval to columnar
Foliage: Full dark green
Fall Color: Red to rust
17
A very tough tree that can survive
under the harshest of conditions.
Medium in growth rate. Flowers are rose-pink, fragrant, and
borne on long plumes. Quite a
stunning display at peak bloom.
Known for its orange to brilliant
red fruit, the tree is a favorite for
birds. The species often displays
a graceful, open crown when
mature, while several strong cultivated forms, such as ‘Cardinal
Royal’ and ‘Blackhawk’, have a
more upright, columnar habit.
MEDIUM TREES ( 26 ft. to 50 ft. tall)
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Redmond Linden
Tilia americana
‘Redmond’
Height: 35’-45’
Spread: 25’-30’
Hardiness:-40°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellowish
green
This cultivated form is closely
related to the American Linden
or Basswood. Its leaves are the
largest of all the linden forms
which gives it a coarse textured
appearance. Provides deep shade
under its crown.
Littleleaf Linden
Tilia cordata
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 30’-35’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Lustrous
dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
More heat and drought tolerant
than other lindens. Prefers full
sun. An excellent street tree with
moderate growth. Very popular
and widely used in various street
and city settings. Two cultivated
forms ranked high in quality are
‘Greenspire’ and ‘Glenleven’.
Silver Linden
Tilia tomentosa
Height: 45’-50’
Spread: 35’-40’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Pyramidal
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green with silver-gray
under-surface
Fall Color: Yellow
Both leaf surfaces, dark green
above and silver-gray below, are
exposed when the wind blows
which creates a pleasing effect.
As with all lindens, the small
flowers and nutlets that follow
are attached to interesting leaflike wings called bracts. ‘Sterling’
is a cultivated form that has
proven quite worthy.
Chinese Elm(Lace Bark Elm)
Ulmus parvifolia
Height: 40’-50’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Yellowish to
dull reddish purple
The bark is outstanding and
often displays a beautiful mottled
combination of gray, green, orange and brown. Highly resistant
to Dutch Elm Disease. This tree
should not be confused with the
common and inferior Siberian
Elm (Ulmus pumila) which has
smooth, gray bark prevalent on
younger branches.
18
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
American Hornbeam
Carpinus caroliniana
Height: 20’-25’
Spread: 20’-25’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Flat/round-topped
and wide-spreading
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow, orange and scarlet
A native to the eastern U.S., it is
slow growing, tolerates wet soils,
and grows best in partial shade.
The tree develops a smooth gray
bark similar to beech. Select
single-stemmed trees for street
tree planting.
Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Height: 25’
Spread: 30’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Flat/round-topped
and spreading
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
The profuse clusters of pink
flowers that bloom in April or
May make this a spring favorite.
Heart-shaped leaves open with
a reddish/purple color then
turn medium green. Plant in a
protected site since it will not
tolerate cold winds or drought.
Low branches/foliage may cause
sight obstructions along the street
and will need to be pruned.
Korean Dogwood
Cornus coreana
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Plum purple
This rugged tree tolerates heat
and cold. Flowers are small white
clusters followed by small black
berries. May be hard to find in
nurseries.
Kousa Dogwood
Cornus kousa
Height: 15’-20’
Spread: 15’-20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous green
Fall Color: Reddish-purple
to scarlet
Handsome small tree with strong
horizontal branching. Hardier
and more drought tolerant than
the flowering dogwood. Prefers a
sunny location. The actual flowers
are small in the center of four
large, showy white bracts. Prune
low spreading growth to encourage adequate sight clearance.
7
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Amur Maple
Acer ginnala
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Multi-stemmed,
rounded with spreading
branches
Foliage: Medium green,
Fall Color: Scarlet red
One of the hardiest maples available. Select single stem/tree form
for street planting. ‘Flame’ is a
cultivated form that provides the
most consistent growth and fall
color.
European Beech
Fagus sylvatica
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 35’-45’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green to purple
Fall Color: Red to golden
brown to deep purple
According to many, there is no
finer specimen tree. The bark
is smooth and gray, even when
mature, it is very elegant. Prune low spreading growth to
encourage adequate sight clearance. The purple-leafed form,
‘Riversii’, adds rich color to the
streetscape. ‘Asplenifolia’ is another favorite cultivated form.
Paperbark Maple
Acer griseum
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Red
The bark of this maple is most
striking with its beautiful cinnamon or red-brown color that
peels into paper -thin sheets. Has
a slow rate of growth.
White Ash
Fraxinus americana
Height: 45’-60’
Spread: 30’-45’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded to oval
Foliage: Green
Fall Color: Orange-red
to bronze-red to purple
The various white ash forms
display beautiful fall colors. The
trees color early and by midOctober the leaves have fallen
from the tree. Seedless cultivated
forms include ‘Autumn Purple’,
‘Skyline’, and ‘Rosehill’.
Globe Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
‘Globosum’
Height: 15’
Spread: 18’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape:Perfectly rounded
and compact
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Yellow
Usually grafted or budded at 6’-7’
height. Globe is a symmetrical
and very formal looking tree.
European Ash
Fraxinus excelsior
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark green
Fall Color: Green to yellow
A popular tree in Europe but has
not had overwhelming acceptance in America, even though
the tree is extremely hardy and
vigorous. The seedless ‘Hessei’
is the recommended cultivated
form.
Rocky Mountain Glow Maple
Acer grandidentatum
Height: 25’
Spread: 15’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Bright red
Native to the Rocky Mountains,
this maple is a relative of the
Sugar Maple. It is slow growing
and has intense fall color.
Green Ash
Fraxinus pennsylvanica
Height: 45’-60’
Spread: 30’-40’
Hardiness: -20°F to -40°F
Shape: Oval to
pyramidal
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Red to bronze
to yellow
19
A reliable, tough tree with a
fast growth rate. Prune during
its early years to remove weak
branching and double leaders.
‘Patmore’, ‘Bergeson’, Cimmaron’, and ‘Urbanite’ are hardy,
seedless forms.
6
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Blue Ash
Fraxinus quadrangulata
Height: 40’-55’
Spread: 30’-35’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
Has a shaggy outer bark, and its
inner bark contains a substance
which turns the color blue on
exposure to air, thus its common
name. It is fairly drought tolerant.
Twigs are stout and usually 4
angled, a rather unique feature.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Height: 40’-55’
Spread: 35’- 45’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Broadly
pyramidal
Foliage: Bright green,
fan-shaped
Fall Color: Bright yellow
A durable tree for difficult
environmental situations. A slow
grower. Leaves are interestingly
fan-shaped and present a very
soft appearance. Plant only male
trees since the fruit of this tree
has an extremely unpleasant
odor. The Ginkgo is the oldest
species of tree on earth.
Tuliptree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Height: 60’-70’
Spread: 30’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Oval
Foliage: Bright green,
tulip-shaped
Fall Color: Golden
yellow
Both the leaf and large yellowgreen-orange flowers have shapes
that resemble a tulip. A tree for
wide tree lawns (8 feet or greater). Not drought tolerant. A fast
grower. Becomes a large, stately
tree. Attractive golden yellow fall
color. Native to the eastern U.S.
London Planetree
Platanus x acerifolia
Height: 50’-70’
Spread: 40’-60’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Medium
green, large
Fall Color: Yellow
to brown
Has interesting exfoliating bark
that reveals patches of beautiful
brown, olive, and cream colors.
Leaves are large and maple-like.
A fast grower which can tolerate most types of soils. A relative
to the American sycamore, the
‘Bloodgood’ cultivated form is
recommended due to its greater
resistance to disease.
20
TREES RECOMMENDED
FOR PLANTING ALONG MOSCOW’S STREETS
SMALL TREES (up to 25 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Trident Maple
Acer buergeranum
Height: 20’-25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Glossy green
pale underside
Fall Color: Orange to red
A handsome small tree for confined spaces. Tolerates drought
and prefers full sun. Prune low
spreading growth to encourage
adequate sight clearance.
Hedge Maple
Acer campestre
Height: 25’
Spread: 25’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Yellow
One of the best smaller maples
for dry, alkaline soils. Prune low
spreading growth to encourage
adequate sight clearance. Native
to Europe, western Asia and
Africa. Mostly free of major pests.
Vine Maple
Acer circinatum
Height: 20’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Multi-stemmed
and wide-spreading
Foliage: Medium green
Fall Color: Orange to
bright red
New spring foliage is tinged red
before turning green. Can be
grown in shade or full sun, with
better fall color when located in
sunny locations. Needs supplemental watering during periods of drought. This northwest
native has an airy and delicate
appearance. Prune low spreading
growth to encourage adequate
sight clearance.
David’s Maple
Acer davidii
Height: 25’
Spread: 20’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Upright and oval
Foliage: Glossy green and
deeply veined
Fall Color: Bright yellow to
reddish orange and purple
The striped bark and excellent
fall color make this species very
distinctive. It has clusters of
green to yellow flowers in spring.
5
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
POST PLANTING CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Saving Water
Watering the newly planted tree regularly for the first three years is crucial to its survival.
In addition to rain showers and lawn watering, periodic, deep watering of the tree will help ensure its establishment.
The soil around the tree should be kept moist, but not wet. Use a garden hose set at a trickle for best results. Water
often enough and deep enough to maintain moist soil at least six inches below ground level. Remember to water
more often during periods of drought and hot weather.
Describes the
trees’s tolerability
to drought and
hot weather.
Very
Tolerant
Tolerant
Moderately
Tolerant
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
White Oak
Quercus alba
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Uprightrounded
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Brown to
reddish purple
A slow grower that can live for
hundreds of years. Winter appearance is strong and bold due
to its stout branching pattern.
Native to the eastern U.S., its
availability in the Pacific northwest is low. However, it is one of
the most handsome of the oaks
and is worthwhile growing.
Swamp White Oak
Quercus bicolor
Height: 45’-60’
Spread: 45’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous green
Fall Color: Yellow brown
to reddish
Attractive features include leaves
with wavy margins and flaky grayish brown bark. Like most oaks,
popular with wildlife, especially
small mammals which prize the
acorns. Drought tolerant when
mature, but can also grow in wet
soils.
A tough oak for our area.
Scarlet Oak
Quercus coccinia
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Red to scarlet
Very similar to the more common
and well known pin oak. Its most
appealing characteristic is its
deep and brilliant red fall color,
generally regarded as the finest
of all the oaks.
Shingle Oak
Quercus imbricaria
Height: 50’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous
dark green
Fall Color: Yellow to rusty red
Has beautiful summer foliage.
The leaves often persist through
the winter and assist with screening or wind protection. Can
tolerate high pH soils.
Intolerant
How to water?
This question refers to the area to be watered. Apply water to all areas above growing roots and just beyond to encourage growth. Tree roots have the potential to grow far beyond the drip line, however, roots only grow where the soil is
moist. The myth, “roots grow toward water” is simply not true. Roots do not grow through dry soil.
How much to water?
This question refers to the quantity of water applied to the root area. Apply enough water to penetrate the soil to a
depth of 18 inches to 24 inches. This is where a majority of absorbing roots grow. In clay or compacted soils, roots
will be shallower than roots growing in sandy soils. After watering, check how deep the water has penetrated the soil.
A metal rod or root feeder shaft will easily penetrate moist soil, while dry soil is difficult to penetrate.
How often to water?
This question refers to frequency of watering. A general recommendation is to water once weekly during the growing
season and adjust as needed to allow for soil type and seasonal condition.
Pruning
Pruning at the time of planting should be limited to removing dead, broken, or crossing branches.
Remove a branch just outside the branch collar (swollen area between trunk and branch or main stem). Never leave
stubs or make flush cuts. It is unnecessary and sometimes harmful to apply wound dressing or “tree paint” to the
cut area after pruning. During its early growth, a young tree will also need training so that it may develop strongly
attached branches. Please contact the city forester for more information about training young trees.
Fertilizing
It is recommended not to fertilize your tree during the first year after planting.
If the tree is showing signs of nutrient deficiency contact the city forester for fertilizing advice.
Insects and Disease
Most problems with newly planted trees can be linked to improper watering, inferior tree stock, or a difficult planting
site -- insects and disease cause the least problems.
Keeping the tree in good health is the best protection against pests. If it is suspected that the planted street tree is suffering from insects or disease, please contact the city forester.
4
21
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
Height: 55’-80’
Spread: 55’-80’
Hardiness: -40°F
Shape: Rounded,
broad
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Yellow/brown
A large impressive tree with a
stout branching pattern. Plant
in wide tree lawns. The fruit are
large, 3/4” to 1 1/2” long acorns
with a deep cup and attractive
fringed margin, needless to say, a
favorite tree for wildlife. Tolerant
of city conditions and dry alkaline soils. Young twigs and stems
develop distinctive corky ridges.
Height: 50’-70’
Spread: 50’-70’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Round,
spreading
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Green to
brown
Adaptable to various climates and
soils, including those soils with
a high pH (alkaline). The tree is
widely used in Europe.
Red Oak
Quercus rubra
Height: 50’-65’
Spread: 45’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Rounded
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Bright red
A good street tree that performs
well in the city environment. Has
a medium to fast growth rate.
One of the most popular oaks to
plant in the area. Provides food
and shelter for many types of
wildlife.
Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
Height: 40’-60’
Spread: 40’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly oval
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Red
Similar to pin and scarlet oak, its
main advantage over these trees
is its adaptability for growing in
difficult soil conditions, conditions where other oaks perform
poorly.
English Oak
Quercus robur
22
TREE PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
Step 3
Backfill the planting hole with the soil that was originally dug out. In most cases, it
is unnecessary to amend the backfill. When the hole is half filled, lightly tamp the
soil around the roots or root ball to stabilize the tree. Add water to settle the soil and
remove air pockets. Continue to backfill until the hole is filled. Water again until all the
soil is saturated. If water percolates slowly through the backfill or if the planting site is
located on a slope, a raised ring of soil can be made around the planting hole to create
a water-catching basin.
Step 4
Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch (wood chips or bark, pine needles, etc.) over the planting
site. Improved root growth will occur if the root system of the newly planted tree is
given a suitable environment. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, moderate the soil
temperature, reduce
competitive weeds, and keep the mower deck
away from the tender, young tree trunk. Do
not place mulch directly against the trunk
as this may cause trunk rot.
Step 5
In most situations, if the soil ball is
adequately sized, staking the tree for
support is unnecessary and even harmful
to its early development. However, staking
is recommended if the tree will encounter
strong winds, the soil ball is undersized
or the tree is planted bare root. Use two 6
- 8 foot stakes, spaced on opposite sides of the
trunk, and drive them into the ground just beyond the
root ball or root ends. To prevent injury to the bark,
wrap heavy burlap or nylon
webbing around the trunk to secure the tree to the stake.
Place the webbing at the lowest
level at which the trunk can
be held upright. Allow some slack
in the webbing so that
the tree may sway in the wind.
Remember to remove the
staking after the first or second growing season.
3
TREE PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
LARGE TREES (over 50 ft. tall)
Step 1
Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the spread of roots or diameter of root ball,
but no deeper than the root ball is tall. Roots grow wide and shallow. By breaking up
the soil outside the root ball, the roots will have an easier time penetrating and growing into
the adjacent soil. It is better to plant the tree above the base of the trunk flare than to plant
it at or below the original growing level.
Tree- Species Growth Characteristics
Japanese Pagodatree
Sophora japonica
Height: 40’-65’
Spread: 40’-65’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Broadly
rounded
Foliage: Medium bright
green
Fall Color: Yellow/green
Beautiful late-summer flowers
composed of 10” long creamy
clusters. Grows well in tough
environments. Plant in full sun
to help attain its medium to fast
growth rate. Native to China and
Korea where it is planted around
Buddhist temples.
Liberty Elm
Ulmus americana
‘Liberty’
Height: 50’-70’
Spread: 40’-60’
Hardiness: -30°F
Shape: Vase
Foliage: Lustrous dark
green
Fall Color: Yellow
A cultivated form of the stately
American elm that shows resistance to Dutch elm disease. The
tree displays many of the same
characteristics as the American
elm, including the elegant vase
shape and arching branch pattern.
Japanese Zelkova
Zelkova serrata
Height: 40’-60’
Spread: 35’-50’
Hardiness: -20°F
Shape: Vase
Foliage: Dark green
Fall Color: Orange to
bronze to red
Similar in appearance to the
American elm, but lacking some
characteristics. Still a handsome
tree because of its vase shape,
clean-looking foliage, and exfoliating bark. Has a medium growth
rate. Recommended cultivated
forms include ‘Green Vase’ and
‘Village Green’.
Step 2
Container Grown Trees
• Remove the pot. If the
roots are bound in a
tight circle, uncoil them. Some roots may have to be cut to loosen the mass.
• Place the tree in the hole so that the top
of the root ball is
slightly higher than the
surrounding ground.
• Adjust the position of the tree so that it is
straight.
Bare Root Trees
• Keep the bare roots moist at times.
• Cut away any broken or
unhealthy looking roots.
• Construct a 6” to 8” soil cone at the bottom of the hole.
• Spread the roots evenly
over the cone. The soil line on the trunk should
be slightly higher than the
surrounding ground.
• Add soil over the roots
until the tree is straight
and can stand on its own.
2
Balled and Burlapped
(B&B) Trees
• Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is slightly higher
than the surrounding
ground.
• Adjust the position of the
tree so that it is straight
- stabilize it by adding soil
around the bottom of the
ball. Be gentle.
• Remove the twine from the trunk.
• Loosen the burlap and cut away the top one -
third of the burlap and wire basket.
23
UNDESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS
FOR STREET TREES
Trees to be planted along Moscow’s streets should be appropriately hardy, deep
rooting, safe, and have inherently strong branching. Certain trees should not be planted
within the public rights- of -way because of the following undesirable characteristics:
SELECTING A TREE AND OBTAINING A PERMIT
Carefully consider the planting site:
• Are overhead wires present? Do not plant tall -growing trees under such wires.
• Will the tree’s growth interfere with street lights and signs, or will it obstruct
pedestrian and traffic visibility? Move the tree’s planting site if these interferences
are foreseen.
• What is the width of ground between the street and the sidewalk? For narrow
widths (4-6 feet) plant small to medium size trees — the roots and trunk flare
of large trees grown in narrow widths may uplift sidewalks.
• How close is the tree to structures and other trees near the planting site? Remember to give your tree adequate room to grow.
• Inherently weak branching and high susceptibility to wind, ice, and snow breakage
(e.g. poplars/cottonwoods, willows, silver maple, box elder maple).
• Susceptibility to Dutch Elm Disease (e.g. American and European elms species).
• Litter and thorn problems (e.g. Russian-olive, thorny honey-locust).
• View obstruction and vehicular/pedestrian safety (e.g. evergreens)
• Profuse suckering from outlying roots (e.g. quaking aspen, white poplar)
Select a tree:
• Does the tree match the site? Select a small tree where space, both above and
below ground, is limited. Select a large tree where ample space is available.
Know how large a tree will become when mature.
• Do you have a preference for the type of tree you plant? Choose a tree you will
enjoy for its unique characteristics such as fall color, flower display, wildlife
friendliness, etc.
Obtain a free street tree planting permit:
• Permits for planting in the street rights - of - way are required. Your free permit
may be obtained at the Moscow Parks and Recreation Office or City Hall. Simply
complete the short form and return it to either office. The city forester will
return your permit as approved, or will contact you with recommendations for
improving the tree planting. Once approved, you may secure the tree and plant
it. Please call the Parks and Recreation 0ffice at 883-7085 if you have questions
concerning the permit or street tree planting.
Always
check for underground utilities before digging a hole to plant a tree. For free assistance, phone: 1-800-342-1585
24
1
INTRODUCTION
The Community Forestry Program was established to enhance the quality of life in
Moscow by promoting the planting, protection, and care of Moscow’s trees. Street
trees are a major focus of the program since they contribute to energy conservation,
beauty, air quality, soil stabilization, and t he enhancement of property values which
benefit all Moscow residents.
This guide provides recommendations on the selection of trees to be planted along
the street rights-of-way. The list is not all-inclusive, yet offers many choices in terms of
species and their cultivars. The trees were selected based on their adaptability to our
climate, attractiveness, range of sizes, and suitability to growing along streets.
The importance of planting the right tree in the right location is key to the tree’s
survival and to sound community forestry practices. We encourage you to use this
guide in your future street tree planting efforts. Please keep this as a resource and
share it with friends and neighbors. If we act collectively, we can make our community
a pleasant and inviting place to live and work. Thank you for being an important part
of keeping our city beautiful.
THINK BIG!
When planning what tree to plant, please consider using large-maturing species when
space allows. There is an unfortunate trend toward planting only small trees in Moscow
and other cities, leading to what some call “the dwarfing of the urban forest.” This is a
good thing to do near overhead lines because it reduces the need for line clearance and the
disfigurement of street trees, increases safety, and prevents power outages. However, where
we have large spaces, we need large trees to perpetuate benefits for the future, especially the
cooling effects of summer shade and providing homes and cover for wildlife.
Moscow’s goal is to maintain large trees to maximize benefits to our citizens.
Not only do large growing trees provide more benefits such as energy savings, rain runoff
retention, and air pollution control than small growing trees, their assessed values at maturity
are much higher than small growing trees. Below are values for two of Moscow’s street trees:
Small ornamental tree
Large shade tree
$ 2,500
$ 15,000
Moscow Tree Commission
WHERE TO PLANT LARGE-MATURING TREES
SPECIAL THANKS
The City of Moscow extends its appreciation to the City of Lewiston and the City of
Las Vegas for permission to adapt published material for use in this booklet. Funding
for this second edition was made possible by a grant from the Latah County Community
Forestry Program.
Here is a guide to appropriate spaces for large trees, when at least 50 feet from
overhead power lines.
On the lawn side
of curb-attached
sidewalks
Yards
Centered in planting
strips 6-8’ in width
Parking Lots
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information on tree planting and tree care, specific to
the City of Moscow or general in nature, can be found from the following sources:
Moscow Parks and Recreation Office
and Moscow Tree Commission, Moscow, ID
Phone: 208/883-7085.
Free copies of Moscow Tree Bulletins,
‘Pruning Shade Trees’ brochure, City of Moscow
Arboricultural Specifications and Standards Guide,
City of Moscow Community Forestry Ordinance,
and other informative tree care brochures are available.
Idaho Department of Lands
Community Forestry Program
Phone: 800/432-4648.
Free copies of Tree City USA Bulletins on a wide range
of topics are available.
University of Idaho Extension Office, Latah County
Courthouse, 5th & Van Buren, Moscow, ID
Phone: 208/882-8580.
Numerous extension publications are available.
A catalog listing of all of the publications is free.
Moscow has received
The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA Award
and Tree City USA Growth Award for
excellence in community forest management.
Tree Selection
Guide
For Street Tree Planting
City of Moscow
Parks and Recreation
Community Forestry Program