DIY Tree Planting Part 1: Recommended species

Tree diversity is important, and it has been discussed for many years, as in these articles from 2011 and 2016.

https://d2fxn1d7fsdeeo.cloudfront.net/kentuckyliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/15122222/10-Top-Trees.pdf

https://www.kentuckyliving.com/news/10742-2

Unfortunately, these recommendations have not changed the availability of nursery trees or the tree species that homeowners are planting. But there is hope! Last year, Ohio law banned the sale of Callery pear trees and I am hopeful that Kentucky will soon follow their lead.

I have the following trees as substitutes for the overplanted red maple and ornamental pear trees.

• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
  • gorgeous yellow fall color
  • very hardy
• Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
  • tolerates adverse soil conditions
  • moderate growth rate
  • drought tolerant
• Yellowwood (Cladastris kentukea)
  • medium size, rounded canopy
  • summer white pendulous blooms
• Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
  • wonderful fall red color
  • winter fruit for birds
  • glossy dark green summer foliage

– posted 1/10/2025