Choose the Right Trees for Your Soil

Choose the Right Trees for Your Soil

Choosing the right trees for your landscape can be difficult process. There’s a lot that goes into it: what grows well in the Midwest , if they should be tall or short , how they’ll balance out your yard, and how much shade you’d like. But another factor should be taken into account, too: the soil type in your yard.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are at the confluence of three ecological regions: big woods, the Anoka sand plain, and the Twin Cities highlands. This means that depending on where you live in the metro area, your soil may be drastically different than that of the soil in the next town over. It also means that the Twin Cities has just about every soil type: clayey, sandy, and loamy, as well as wet and dry and everything in between.

Continue reading for a look at some of the best trees for your soil and drainage conditions. Remember to always do your own research to be sure you’re choosing trees that will last, but this will help you get started.

Clay Soil

Clay soil is made up of very fine particles, without a lot of organic matter in it. It doesn’t drain well, and so is not great for most gardens. However, plenty of trees and shrubs thrive in clay soil.

Wet clay: arborvitae, cottonwood, crabapple, northern catalpa, willow

Moist clay: arborvitae, crabapple, green ash, northern catalpa, paper birch, ponderosa pine, red oak, silver maple, white spruce

Moderately dry clay: cottonwood, crabapple, green ash, northern catalpa, silver maple

Dry clay: Eastern red cedar, green ash

Green ash trees are fairly versatile, surviving in moist, moderately dry, and dry clay, as well as moderately dry and dry loam.

Loamy Soil

Loamy soil is made up mostly of sand and silt, with a little bit of clay. This is considered the best for gardens as it retains water but also drains easily.

Wet loam: arborvitae, balsam fir, black ash, cottonwood, crabapple, northern catalpa, white cedar, willow

Moist loam: arborvitae, balsam fir, black walnut, crabapple, northern catalpa, paper birch, red oak, serviceberry, silver maple, white cedar, white oak, white spruce, yellow birch

Moderately dry loam: crabapple, green ash, northern catalpa, red oak, serviceberry, white spruce

Dry loam: Eastern red cedar, green ash

Cottonwoods prefer wet soil of all types.

Sandy Soil

Sandy soil contains the largest particles of the three soil types, making it quite grainy. Some vegetables grow very well in sandy soil, as it drains very well.

Wet sandy: arborvitae, cottonwood, crabapple, northern catalpa, tamarack, willow

Moist sandy: arborvitae, black spruce, crabapple, northern catalpa, Norway (red) pine, paper birch, ponderosa pine, red oak, white pine, white spruce,  yellow birch

Moderately dry sandy: bur oak, crabapple, jack pine, northern catalpa, Norway (red) pine, red oak, yellow birch

Dry sandy: bur oak, jack pine, juniper

Jack pines do well in sandy, moderately dry or dry soil.

For more information on the best trees for different soil types, check out the University of Minnesota’s Extension Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . Not sure what type of soil you have? There are a few tests you can do at home. Finally, for more information on particular types of trees, visit the Minnesota DNR or the Arbor Day Foundation .

When it’s time to revamp your landscaping (and add trees!), give us a call at 763-568-7251 or use our quick quote system to get in touch.

Ready to Start on Your Next Project?

Call us at (763) 568-7251 or visit our quick quote page.
Get a Quote
Minneapolis green roof top
By KG Landscape office team 26 Mar, 2024
Read our expert tips on maintaining green roofs in MN with KG Landscape. Ensure your green rooftop thrives with our Minnesota maintenance and care guide!
natural stone backyard firepit
By KG Landscape office team 20 Mar, 2024
Discover KG Landscape's top 10 backyard fire pit and fireplace ideas for a warm and inviting outdoor retreat. Get inspired now!
retaining wall installed
By KG Landscape office team 13 Mar, 2024
Explore various types of retaining walls and material options with KG Landscape. Enhance your outdoor space with expert advice and innovative solutions.
Retaining wall cap ideas
By KG Landscape office team 05 Mar, 2024
Check our 5 creative capstone ideas for exceptional retaining walls. Elevate your property's aesthetics with these inspiring designs.
By KG Landscape office team 29 Feb, 2024
Revamp your patio with our collection of stunning fire pit ideas. Turn your outdoor area into a stylish and inviting retreat today!
hillside groundcover
By KG Landscape office team 27 Feb, 2024
Discover 12 excellent groundcover plant options for sloped yards & hills. Transform your landscape with creative hillside landscaping solutions.
a large house with lots of windows is lit up at night
By KG Landscape office team 20 Feb, 2024
Enhance your property's charm with top-notch landscaping and lighting strategies. Boost curb appeal effortlessly!
 eco-friendly landscape
By KG Landscape office team 13 Feb, 2024
Get inspired with 7 eco-friendly landscaping ideas to beautify your outdoor space sustainably. Start creating a greener environment now!
natural blue stone patio
By KG Landscape office team 06 Feb, 2024
Transform your backyard with the best patio material - natural stone patios. Create a timeless and elegant outdoor living space.
More Posts
Share by: