Arbor Day Celebration – April 30

Mature Size: The bur oak grows to a height of 70-80 feet and a spread of 70-80 feet at maturity with some examples measuring over 100 feet in height or spread.Growth Rate: This tree grows at a slow rate up to 12 feet of additional height per year.

Sun Preference: Full sun is the ideal condition for this tree but will tolerate some shade.

Soil Preference: Grows well in a variety of soil conditions including upland ridges and prairie, but is most commonly associated with bottomland wet soils.

Wildlife Value: Bur oak acorns are food for many wildlife species, including squirrels, rabbits, mice, deer and birds.

Mature Size: The chestnut oak grows to a height of 60-70 feet and a spread of 60-70 feet, occasionally reaching 100 feet when grown in a wooded environment.

Growth Rate: Chestnut oak has a medium growth rate.

Sun Preference:  Full sun is the light preference for this tree.

Soil Preference:  Most commonly found in dry upland environments, ridges, slopes and tops of short mountains, it can also thrive in well drained bottomlands.

Wildlife Value: This tree’s acorns are prized by wildlife for their sweet taste.

Mature Size: The Northern red oak grows to a height of 60-75 feet and a spread of 60-75 feet, occasionally reaching over 100 feet on the right site.

Growth Rate: Red oak has a fast growth rate between 1 and 2 feet of growth potential per year.

Sun Preference: Full sun is the light preference for this tree.

Soil Preference: The red oak prefers acidic, well drained soils.

Wildlife Value: Since red oak acorns tend to mature very early in the fall, it is an important food source for many wildlife species before others becomes available.

Mature Size: The kousa dogwood grows to a height of 15-25 feet and a spread of around 25 feet at maturity.

Growth Rate: This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12 to 24 inches per year.

Sun Preference: Full sun and partial shade are best for this tree, meaning it prefers a minimum of four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight each day.

Soil Preference: The kousa dogwood grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils. It prefers average moisture but is somewhat drought-resistant.

Wildlife Value: Kousa dogwood seeds are eaten by birds and squirrels.

Mature Size: Hedge maple is a medium sized tree that can reach a height and width of 30-35 feet.

Growth Rate: This tree is a slow grower.

Sun Preference: Full sun to part shade

Soil Preference: This tree can grow in many soil types such as clay, sandy, loam and pH ranging from alkaline to acidic.

Wildlife Value: This tree is not a significantly beneficial tree to most wildlife.

Mature Size: Amur maackia is a smaller in stature, ranging from 15-25 feet in height and width.

Growth Rate: This is a slow growing tree.

Sun Preference: Amur maackia prefers to be open grown in full sun, but can withstand some shade.

Soil Preference: Although Amur maackia prefers well drained soils, it is very hardy and will grow in a wide variety of soil conditions.

Wildlife Value: The Amur maackia is a good pollinator tree and animals will eat the seed pods it produces.

Mature Size: Fully grown, the black tupelo grows between 30-50 feet tall and 20-30 feet wide.

Growth Rate: This tree is a medium to slow grower.

Sun Preference: Partly shady to full sun are this tree’s preferred conditions.

Soil Preference: Grows well in a variety of soil conditions from moist to well drained and loamy to sandy substrate typical of bottomlands.

Wildlife Value: The tupelo’s fruit are food for many birds in the fall.

Mature Size: London planetree is a very large tree reaching heights of 75-80 feet tall and 80 feet wide.

Growth Rate: London planetree grows at a moderate rate.

Sun Preference: Full sun to part shade

Soil Preference: This tree grows in a variety of soil conditions.

Wildlife Value: This tree’s small seeds are eaten by squirrels and finches.