Planting for the future

When you’re choosing a new tree or shrub for your property, does climate change factor into your decision? With rising average temperatures and significant increases in rainstorms over the last century, the climate in Minnesota is changing. The selections that made sense 20 years ago might not be the best ones moving forward, so when purchasing new trees and shrubs, it is wise to consider their resiliency.

Trees and shrubs help offset some of the negative effects of our changing climate by providing habitat for wildlife and absorbing carbon dioxide. In fact, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a single hackberry tree can reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by 1,056 pounds! In addition, a few large trees planted on the east and west sides of your house can decrease your cooling costs by 10%, and trees and shrubs help protect your property from erosion. A thoughtfully-landscaped yard can also increase the resale value of your home. These are all great reasons to plant more trees and shrubs!

Selecting a tree or shrub that is compatible with your site is always important, so it’s a good idea to get your soil tested to determine if you need to make amendments. The University of Minnesota performs soil tests for 19 dollars, and the results provide valuable information about your soil’s pH and the percentages of organic matter, potassium and phosphorus it contains. The test also assesses your soil texture, which refers to whether you have clay, sandy, or silt soil, and it informs you of how much water your soil can hold. For example, conifers prefer drier soil and do not thrive in clay.

Once you understand your soil and site, you can focus on finding trees and shrubs that fit both your landscape goals and our changing climate. Diversity will make your yard more resilient, so it’s advantageous to add a variety of species that are expected to do well in a warmer and wetter climate. Following are some options recommended by the Minnesota DNR and the University of Minnesota for the state’s east central and Metro areas.

Trees:

• American elm, basswood, black oak, black walnut, cottonwood (check your local city ordinances), hackberry, shagbark hickory, white oak, heritage river birch, sugar maple

• Drought-tolerant selections include gingko, honeylocust, bur oak, Kentucky coffeetree

• Evergreens include eastern red cedar, eastern arborvitae

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(white cedar), Norway Black Hills spruce (also shade-tolerant)

Shrubs:

• Chinese juniper cypress, hairy-stem gooseberry, mock orange, currants (red imperial, consort black, red lake, titania black), orange rocket barberry, hydrangeas, magnolias, honeysuckle bush (avoid Tatarian, Morrow’s, Bell’s, and Amur as they are invasive varieties)

• Drought-tolerant selections include sumac, alpine currant, buffaloberry, spirea, ninebark, smoke bush, and gray dogwood

Planting trees and shrubs that are resilient for our changing climate can make the difference in how long they live and whether they thrive. Making smart choices now will help your landscape stay healthy and beautiful well into the future. For more information about climate-resilient trees visit: https://files.dnr.state. mn.us/assistance/backyard/ treecare/best-yard-trees-changing-climate.pdf .

Meet with an Anoka County Extension Master Gardener volunteer about your yard and garden question! Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics: In person at Bunker Hills Activities Center on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. through Aug. 16. Visit anokmastergardeners.org for more details.

Nanette Morgan is an Anoka County Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension.

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