Best native yard trees for our changing climate

Minnesota's climate is changing. Average temperatures have risen across the state by 2°F since the early 20th century, Since 2000, Minnesota has seen a significant increase in extreme rainstorms where rain amounts exceed 3 inches in 24 hours—increasing flooding. These changes affect where trees will thrive.

Adding a mix of tree species that are expected to thrive in our changing climate will increase diversity in your yard, making it more resilient to climate change.

  • Select your region on the map for a listing of the right native tree species for the area.
  • Contact a local tree nursery for help selecting a good tree for your yard.
  • Check your local tree ordinance. Some cities ban planting species such as boxelder and cottonwood.

U.S. Forest Service climate change models predict these trees are likely to thrive in a changing climate.

Best Native Yard Trees For Our Changing Climate

Select a region for a list of native tree species recommended for the area.

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Native trees to consider planting in your yard.

Explore Minnesota native trees that will do well in our changing climate and make great additions to your yard. These brief videos, created by our forestry staff, highlight a few native trees to consider planting in your yard.

Hackberry

Shagbark hickory

Black walnut

White pine

Sugar maple

Bur oak

American elm

American basswood

North

  • American elm
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Cottonwood
  • Hackberry
  • Quaking aspen
  • Red maple
  • Silver maple
  • Sugar maple

North

  • American elm
  • Basswood
  • Black cherry
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Red oak
  • Quaking aspen
  • Red maple
  • Silver maple
  • Sugar maple
  • White oak
  • White pine

North

  • American elm
  • Basswood
  • Black cherry
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Cottonwood
  • Hackberry
  • Red oak
  • Quaking aspen
  • Red maple
  • Silver maple
  • Sugar maple
  • White pine

West Central

  • American elm
  • Black oak
  • Black walnut
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Cottonwood
  • Hackberry
  • Jack pine
  • Shagbark hickory
  • Silver maple

East Central

  • American elm
  • Basswood
  • Black cherry
  • Black oak
  • Black walnut
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Hackberry
  • Red maple
  • Silver maple
  • Sugar maple
  • White oak

Metro

  • American elm
  • Basswood
  • Black oak
  • Black walnut
  • Bur oak
  • Cottonwood
  • Hackberry
  • Shagbark hickory
  • Silver maple
  • White oak

Southeast

  • American elm
  • Basswood
  • Black oak
  • Black walnut
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Hackberry
  • Shagbark hickory
  • Silver maple
  • Swamp white oak
  • White oak

West

  • American elm
  • Basswood
  • Boxelder
  • Bur oak
  • Cottonwood
  • Hackberry

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