North Dakota’s extreme temperature swings and short growing season leave little room for error when choosing a hardy tree. Finding the best trees to plant in north dakota means picking species that can handle -40°F winters, drying winds, and sudden spring floods. You need trees that survive, not just survive but thrive.
Most trees from warmer climates die within two years here. The secret is selecting native or cold-hardy adapted varieties. These trees have evolved to handle the state’s unique challenges.
This guide walks you through the top performers. We cover shade trees, ornamental options, and fruit trees that actually produce. You’ll also learn planting tips specific to North Dakota soil and climate.
Best Trees To Plant In North Dakota
Let’s get straight to the winners. These trees have been tested through harsh winters and dry summers. They consistently perform well across the state.
American Elm (Ulmus Americana)
The American elm is a classic choice for North Dakota. It grows fast, provides dense shade, and tolerates urban conditions. New disease-resistant cultivars like ‘Valley Forge’ and ‘Princeton’ resist Dutch elm disease.
These trees reach 60-80 feet tall. They have a vase-shaped canopy that spreads 40-60 feet wide. Plant them in full sun and well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone: 2-9
- Growth rate: Fast (2-3 feet per year)
- Soil needs: Adaptable to clay, loam, or sandy soil
- Water needs: Moderate once established
Bur Oak (Quercus Macrocarpa)
Bur oak is one of the most drought-tolerant oaks. It’s native to the Great Plains and handles North Dakota’s extremes well. The tree has thick, corky bark that protects it from fire and cold.
Mature height is 60-80 feet with a spread of 40-60 feet. Acorns provide food for wildlife. The leaves turn yellow-brown in fall.
Plant bur oak in full sun. It tolerates alkaline soil, which is common in western North Dakota. Young trees need regular watering for the first two years.
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa Speciosa)
Northern catalpa is a unique choice with large, heart-shaped leaves. It produces showy white flowers in late spring. The flowers are followed by long, bean-like seed pods.
This tree grows 40-60 feet tall. It has a broad, irregular canopy. Catalpa is one of the last trees to leaf out in spring, which helps it avoid late frost damage.
It prefers moist, well-drained soil but adapts to dry conditions. The wood is soft and brittle, so avoid planting near structures.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens)
For evergreen options, Colorado blue spruce is a top pick. It has striking blue-gray needles that hold color year-round. The tree forms a dense, pyramidal shape.
Mature height is 50-75 feet with a spread of 10-20 feet. It’s slow-growing but very long-lived. Many specimens in North Dakota are over 100 years old.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid wet, heavy clay. Watch for spider mites in dry summers.
Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa Reticulata)
Japanese tree lilac is a small ornamental tree perfect for urban yards. It reaches 20-30 feet tall. In early summer, it produces large clusters of creamy white flowers.
The flowers have a strong, pleasant fragrance. The bark is cherry-like and attractive in winter. This tree is highly resistant to pests and diseases.
It tolerates alkaline soil and urban pollution. Plant in full sun for best flowering. Prune after blooming to maintain shape.
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus Glabra)
Ohio buckeye is a native tree that thrives in North Dakota. It has distinctive palmate leaves and produces yellow-green flowers in spring. The nuts are toxic to humans but loved by squirrels.
Mature height is 20-40 feet. It has a rounded canopy. The tree prefers moist, well-drained soil but handles clay well.
Ohio buckeye is one of the first trees to leaf out in spring. It also drops leaves early in fall. This makes it a good indicator of seasonal changes.
Best Shade Trees For North Dakota Yards
Shade trees reduce cooling costs and create comfortable outdoor spaces. Here are the best options for North Dakota’s climate.
Silver Maple (Acer Saccharinum)
Silver maple grows incredibly fast. It can add 3-5 feet per year. The leaves are silvery-green underneath, giving the tree a shimmering appearance.
Mature height is 50-70 feet. It has a broad, spreading canopy. Silver maple is very tolerant of wet soil and flooding.
However, the wood is brittle. Branches can break in ice storms or high winds. Plant it away from houses and driveways.
Green Ash (Fraxinus Pennsylvanica)
Green ash was once a top choice for North Dakota. The emerald ash borer has changed that. If you plant green ash, choose resistant cultivars like ‘Patmore’ or ‘Marshall Seedless’.
These trees grow 50-60 feet tall. They have a straight trunk and rounded canopy. Green ash tolerates drought, alkaline soil, and urban conditions.
Monitor for emerald ash borer regularly. Treatment is available but expensive. Consider other species if you want a low-maintenance tree.
Hackberry (Celtis Occidentalis)
Hackberry is a tough, adaptable tree. It handles wind, drought, and poor soil. The bark has distinctive corky ridges that add winter interest.
Mature height is 40-60 feet. It produces small, dark purple berries that birds love. Hackberry is resistant to most pests and diseases.
Plant in full sun. It grows well in clay soil. The tree has a moderate growth rate of 1-2 feet per year.
American Linden (Tilia Americana)
American linden, also called basswood, is a stately shade tree. It has large, heart-shaped leaves and fragrant yellow flowers in summer. Bees love the flowers.
Mature height is 60-80 feet. It has a pyramidal shape that becomes rounded with age. The tree prefers moist, fertile soil but adapts to clay.
American linden is very cold-hardy. It handles temperatures down to -40°F. Prune in late winter to remove dead or crossing branches.
Best Flowering Trees For North Dakota
Flowering trees add color and beauty to any landscape. These varieties bloom reliably despite cold springs.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
Eastern redbud is a small tree with stunning pink flowers. The flowers appear before the leaves in early spring. It reaches 20-30 feet tall.
Choose cold-hardy cultivars like ‘Forest Pansy’ or ‘Appalachian Red’. These handle zone 3 winters. Plant in protected areas to avoid wind damage.
Redbud prefers well-drained soil. It does not tolerate wet feet. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier Canadensis)
Serviceberry is a native shrub-like tree. It produces white flowers in early spring. The flowers are followed by edible berries that taste like blueberries.
Mature height is 15-25 feet. It has multiple stems and a rounded shape. Serviceberry is very cold-hardy and handles zone 2.
Plant in full sun to partial shade. The berries attract birds. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
Flowering Crabapple (Malus Spp.)
Flowering crabapples are reliable bloomers in North Dakota. They come in many varieties with white, pink, or red flowers. Some have ornamental fruit that lasts into winter.
Choose disease-resistant cultivars like ‘Prairiefire’ or ‘Spring Snow’. These resist apple scab and fire blight. Mature height is 15-25 feet.
Plant in full sun for best flowering. Crabapples tolerate clay soil. Prune after blooming to remove dead wood.
Lilac (Syringa Vulgaris)
Lilac is a classic flowering shrub that can be trained as a small tree. It produces intensely fragrant purple, pink, or white flowers in late spring.
Mature height is 8-15 feet. It has a rounded, multi-stemmed form. Lilac is very cold-hardy and handles zone 2.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming. Prune after flowering to control size.
Best Fruit Trees For North Dakota
Growing fruit in North Dakota is challenging but possible. These trees produce reliable harvests with proper care.
Haralson Apple (Malus Domestica)
Haralson apple is the most popular apple variety for North Dakota. It was developed in Minnesota for cold climates. The apples are tart and excellent for pies.
Mature height is 15-20 feet. It blooms late to avoid frost damage. Haralson is self-fertile but produces better with a pollinator like ‘Honeycrisp’.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune in late winter to open the canopy. Harvest in late September.
Pembina Plum (Prunus Domestica)
Pembina plum is a hardy European plum. It produces large, sweet, purple fruits. The tree is very cold-hardy and handles zone 3.
Mature height is 12-18 feet. It has a spreading canopy. Pembina is self-fertile, so you only need one tree.
Plant in full sun. It tolerates clay soil. Prune in early spring to remove dead wood. Harvest in August.
Evans Cherry (Prunus Cerasus)
Evans cherry is a tart cherry variety bred for cold climates. It produces bright red cherries perfect for pies and jams. The tree is very productive.
Mature height is 10-15 feet. It has a rounded shape. Evans cherry is self-fertile and blooms late to avoid frost.
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Protect from birds with netting. Prune in late winter to maintain shape.
Northline Hazelnut (Corylus Americana)
Northline hazelnut is a shrub-like tree that produces edible nuts. It was developed in North Dakota for extreme cold. The nuts are small but flavorful.
Mature height is 8-12 feet. It has multiple stems. Northline is very cold-hardy and handles zone 2.
Plant in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil. Harvest nuts in September after they fall from the tree.
How To Plant Trees In North Dakota
Proper planting is critical for tree survival. Follow these steps for the best results.
- Choose the right location. Consider mature size, sun exposure, and soil drainage.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. The hole should be as deep as the root ball.
- Remove the tree from its container. Loosen any circling roots.
- Place the tree in the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground.
- Backfill with native soil. Do not add amendments like compost.
- Water thoroughly. Create a watering basin around the tree.
- Mulch with 2-3 inches of wood chips. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
- Stake only if necessary. Remove stakes after one year.
Water new trees deeply once a week during the first year. Reduce watering in fall to encourage dormancy. Protect young trees from deer and rodents with tree guards.
Common Tree Problems In North Dakota
Even hardy trees face challenges. Here are common issues and solutions.
Winter Damage
Winter sun can cause bark splitting on the south side of trees. Wrap young trees with white tree wrap in November. Remove the wrap in April.
Snow and ice can break branches. Prune trees to have a strong central leader. Remove weak or narrow-angled branches.
Pests
Emerald ash borer is a serious threat to ash trees. Treat with systemic insecticides if you have valuable ash trees. Consider removing infested trees.
Spider mites attack spruce and other evergreens. Hose off trees with water during dry spells. Use miticides if infestations are severe.
Diseases
Apple scab affects crabapples and apple trees. Choose resistant varieties. Remove fallen leaves to reduce spores.
Fire blight attacks members of the rose family. Prune infected branches 12 inches below the visible damage. Disinfect pruners between cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest growing tree in North Dakota?
Silver maple is the fastest growing tree in North Dakota. It can add 3-5 feet per year. However, its wood is brittle and prone to storm damage.
Can I grow a maple tree in North Dakota?
Yes, but choose cold-hardy varieties. Silver maple, sugar maple, and red maple all grow in North Dakota. Avoid Japanese maples, which are not hardy enough.
What fruit trees grow best in North Dakota?
Haralson apple, Pembina plum, and Evans cherry are the best fruit trees for North Dakota. These varieties were bred for cold climates and produce reliable harvests.
How do I protect trees from North Dakota winters?
Wrap young trees with white tree wrap to prevent sunscald. Water deeply in fall before the ground freezes. Mulch around the base to insulate roots.
What is the best evergreen tree for North Dakota?
Colorado blue spruce is the best evergreen tree for North Dakota. It is very cold-hardy and maintains its blue color year-round. Black hills spruce is another good option.
Final Thoughts On Choosing Trees
Selecting the best trees to plant in north dakota requires careful consideration. Focus on native and cold-hardy species. These trees have evolved to handle the state’s extreme conditions.
Start with American elm, bur oak, or Colorado blue spruce for reliable performance. Add flowering trees like serviceberry or crabapple for seasonal interest. If you want fruit, choose Haralson apple or Evans cherry.
Plant correctly and provide care during the first few years. Water deeply, mulch, and protect from winter damage. With the right choices, your trees will thrive for decades.
Remember that local nurseries are great resources. They carry varieties proven to grow in your specific area. Ask for recommendations based on your soil type and sun exposure.
Planting trees is an investment in your property and the environment. Trees provide shade, beauty, and habitat for wildlife. They also increase property values and reduce energy costs.
Take time to plan your landscape. Consider mature tree sizes and spacing. Avoid planting large trees under power lines or too close to buildings.
With patience and proper care, your North Dakota trees will become a lasting legacy. They will provide enjoyment for you and future generations.