The Best Trees to Plant in the Midwest (And Where to Put Them

June 5, 2025

Thriving in the Midwest

Planting a tree is a long-term investment—not just in your property, but in your environment, your home’s curb appeal, and even future shade and energy savings. But not all trees are equally suited for the Midwest’s unique climate, soil types, and seasonal swings. And even the right tree, if planted in the wrong spot, can become a problem rather than an asset.

At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we are committed to helping homeowners and property managers make smart choices that result in healthy, well-placed trees that thrive for decades. If you’re thinking about planting, here’s what to know about tree selection and placement in the Midwest.

A group of trees are standing in the water.

Climate Matters: Choosing Trees That Thrive Here

The Midwest is home to four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. That range means you need a native tree that can handle both heat and hard freezes, along with high winds, heavy rains, and occasional drought.

Some of the most reliable and resilient choices for Midwest planting include:

Red Maple (Acer rubrum) – Fast-growing and adaptable, red maples offer beautiful fall color and work well in both urban and rural environments.
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) – A slow grower, but extremely hardy. Great for long-term shade and drought resistance

A close up of a tree branch with white flowers.

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) – A small, native flowering tree that provides four-season interest and supports local wildlife.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – A mid-sized ornamental with striking spring blooms. Ideal for smaller yards.
American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) – A tough, low-maintenance tree that performs well in shaded areas.
Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) – An unusual, moisture-tolerant conifer that thrives in wet soil and brings year-round interest.

These trees are favored not just for their durability, but also for their resistance to common pests and diseases in the region.

Not All Spots Are Equal: Placement Is Key

Even the healthiest tree can become a problem if planted too close to structures, walkways, or utility lines. Before digging, consider the tree’s mature height and spread, and ask yourself these questions:

Will it interfere with power lines or gutters when fully grown?
Will the roots disrupt foundations, driveways, or underground pipes?
Will it cast unwanted shade on gardens or other trees?
Is there adequate space for air circulation and sunlight?

As a rule, large shade trees should be planted at least 20–30 feet away from buildings. Smaller ornamental trees can often be placed closer, but still require at least 10–15 feet of clearance depending on the species.

Proper placement also protects the tree’s health by ensuring it gets the right amount of sun and avoids competition from other trees or root systems.

Consider Purpose: What Do You Want the Tree to Do?

Trees can serve many purposes—shade, windbreaks, privacy, aesthetics, or supporting local pollinators. Choosing the right species starts with knowing your goal:

For shade, look at broad-canopy trees like Red Maple or Bur Oak.
For seasonal color, Serviceberry, Redbud, and Sugar Maple deliver strong spring and fall visuals.
For privacy, consider evergreen options like Arborvitae or hybrid spruces (planted in rows).
For wildlife support, native trees like Oak, Dogwood, and Hawthorn offer food and shelter.

Talk to a certified arborist if you are unsure—it’s easier to plant the right tree than to remove the wrong one later.

A close up of a dogwood tree with white flowers and green centers.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Here are a few mistakes we often see:

Planting fast-growing trees too close to homes
Using non-native species prone to disease (like Bradford Pears)
Ignoring soil conditions and drainage
Overcrowding young trees, not accounting for future growth

A proper site evaluation and species selection up front can prevent the need for pruning, root mitigation, or even removal years down the line.

Plan with the Future in Mind

Trees don’t just add beauty—they can increase property value, reduce energy costs, and benefit the environment. But planting should be strategic. A tree that’s healthy, well-suited to the region, and placed with care will offer rewards for generations.

If you’re planning to plant, or want professional guidance on what will thrive on your property, Midwest Tree Surgeons is here to help. Our certified arborists can recommend species, evaluate placement, and ensure your investment starts strong—and stays strong.

A person is holding a red maple leaf in their hand.

An orange bird perched on a tree branch with green leaves

A close up of red leaves on a tree branch

The sun is shining through the branches of a cherry blossom tree.

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What Root Flare Can Tell You About Planting Depth

September 10, 2026

A healthy tree should not look like a telephone pole entering the ground. Near the base of the trunk, the tree should widen where the major roots begin to spread outward. This area is known as the root flare, and it can reveal a great deal about whether a tree was planted at the correct depth. When the root flare is buried under soil, mulch, or landscaping material, the tree may face long-term problems that are easy to miss at first. Looking at the base of the trunk is one of the simplest ways to spot a planting issue before it becomes more serious.

What Sudden Branch Dieback Can Mean

September 2, 2026

A tree can appear healthy overall and still develop a section of dead or dying branches. When branch dieback appears suddenly, especially in one part of the canopy, it can be a sign that something is interfering with the tree’s ability to move water and nutrients where they are needed. For homeowners, the important question is not simply whether a branch is dead, but why it died. Midwest Tree Surgeons evaluates tree health, structure, pests , disease, and site conditions to help determine what may be causing the change.

Why Topping a Tree Can Create Long-Term Problems

August 25, 2026

When a tree grows too large for its surroundings, removing the upper portion of the canopy may seem like a quick solution. This practice, commonly called tree topping, involves cutting major branches or leaders back to stubs or lateral branches that are too small to assume the terminal role. Although topping can immediately reduce a tree’s height, it can also create lasting structural and health problems. For homeowners concerned about an oversized or potentially hazardous tree, professional pruning is generally a better approach.

Why Correct Pest Identification Matters Before Treatment

August 18, 2026

When insects begin damaging a tree, the first instinct may be to treat the problem as quickly as possible. But not every insect requires the same response, and some insects that look harmful may not be the actual cause of the decline. Applying the wrong treatment can waste time, money, and potentially put additional stress on the tree. Midwest Tree Surgeons takes a diagnosis-first approach to tree care. Correct pest identification helps determine whether treatment is needed, which method is appropriate, and whether the real problem may involve disease, environmental stress, or another underlying issue.

What Cankers Can Tell You About Tree Stress

August 11, 2026

Trees often show signs of trouble long before they experience major decline. One warning sign that deserves attention is the appearance of a canker—a localized area of dead or damaged bark that develops on a trunk, branch, or stem. Cankers can be caused by fungi, bacteria, environmental injury, or a combination of stress factors, and they often reveal that a tree is struggling to defend itself. While not every canker means a tree is doomed, these lesions can provide valuable clues about underlying health problems. Midwest Tree Surgeons helps property owners evaluate symptoms such as bark damage, dieback, discoloration, and structural weakness so that appropriate care can begin before problems become more severe.

Recognizing Pine Bark Beetle Activity Before Serious Tree Damage Occurs

August 6, 2026

Pine trees are valued throughout the Midwest for their year-round beauty, wind protection, and ecological importance. Although these evergreens are generally hardy, they can become vulnerable to insect pests when stressed by drought, storm damage, construction activity, or disease. One group of insects that deserves particular attention is the pine bark beetle . While these beetles are small, their activity can have significant consequences for individual trees and, in some situations, entire stands of pines. Recognizing the early signs of bark beetle activity allows property owners to respond before damage becomes more extensive. Professional evaluation is often the best way to determine whether a tree can be preserved or whether additional management measures are appropriate.

Why Some Trees Live for Hundreds of Years

July 28, 2026

Standing beneath a towering oak or sycamore, it is easy to appreciate a tree’s size. What is less obvious is its age. Many of the mature trees found throughout Missouri and the greater American Midwest have been growing for generations, quietly enduring changing weather, shifting landscapes, and the passage of time. While no tree lives forever, some species possess remarkable longevity, allowing them to become living landmarks that connect communities with their natural history. Understanding why certain trees live for centuries can help property owners appreciate the importance of proper tree care and preservation.

Understanding How Trees Heal After Pruning

July 21, 2026

Pruning is one of the most valuable services a professional arborist can provide, yet it is often misunderstood. Some homeowners worry that removing healthy branches may harm a tree, while others assume pruning is only necessary when limbs become hazardous. In reality, proper pruning is a proactive practice that supports tree health, improves structure, and helps trees adapt to changing environmental conditions. When performed correctly and at the appropriate time, pruning works with a tree’s natural biological processes, allowing it to continue growing safely and efficiently for years to come.

How Arborists Help Extend the Life of Valuable Trees

July 14, 2026

Trees are among the longest-living features on any property. A mature oak, maple, or other established tree may take decades to reach its full size, providing shade, beauty, wildlife habitat , and increased property value along the way. Because of the time and environmental benefits they represent, preserving healthy trees whenever possible is often a worthwhile investment. Professional arborists play an important role in helping trees remain healthy, structurally sound, and capable of thriving for many years. Through regular evaluations and proactive care, they can identify potential problems early and recommend treatments that support long-term tree health.

How Trees Support Wildlife Throughout the Year

July 8, 2026

Trees do much more than provide shade and enhance the beauty of a landscape. They are living ecosystems that support a remarkable variety of wildlife throughout every season. From nesting birds in the spring to sheltering mammals during the winter, healthy trees provide food, protection, and habitat for countless species. For homeowners and property managers , understanding the connection between trees and wildlife offers another reason to invest in professional tree care. Proper maintenance not only helps preserve the health and appearance of trees but also supports the many forms of life that depend on them.