Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). Photo: Scott Woodbury
Native Tree Resources
From Grow Native! and others
Tree Selection
- “Landscaping with Native Small Trees” by Alan Branhagen, Missouri Prairie Journal article
- Learn more about oak trees with Grow Native!’s “Plant an Oak, but not a Pin Oak” brochure
- Grow Native! Top 10 Lists: “Outstanding Native Small Flowering Trees for Small Landscapes” and “Small Native Flowering Trees to Plant under Utility Lines”
- Sort through 300+ native plants, including trees, in our searchable online native plant database
- Plant This, Not That: 10 Native Trees to Plant in Place of Callery Pear from Missouri Invasive Plant Council
- Tree Identificaion from Missouri Department of Conservation
Tree Care
- Scott Woodbury’s “Last Chance for Winter Pruning” blog post
- Tree pruning tutorial video
- Native Landscape Installation BMPs – includes info on planting trees
- How to Plant a Tree from Missouri Department of Conservation
- Mulch — Your Tree’s Best Friend from MDC
- Care of Newly Planted Trees from MDC
- Basic Pruning Guidelines from MDC
- How to Plant a Tree and Tree Care Guidelines from Forest ReLeaf of Missouri
Tree & Woodland/Forest Health Information:
Compiled by Robbie Doerhoff, Forest Entomologist, Missouri Department of Conservation
General Forest Health
- Sign up to receive tree and forest health news alerts through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website. Click on this link, enter your email address, and select “forest health” in the list of checkboxes.
- MDC has several Forest Health Alerts covering multiple topics available on MDC’s Forest Health News page.
- Find tree and forest health information on MDC’s diseases and pests page: Tree & Plant Diseases/Pests | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)
- The University of Missouri’s plant diagnostic clinic is open! Dr. Peng Tian, clinic director, is ready to diagnose your tree health issues (for a small fee): Plant Diagnostic Clinic – Programs | MU Extension (missouri.edu)
- Thomas Perry’s 1989 article titled “Tree Roots: Facts and Fallacies” is awesome for better understanding how tree roots function!
- Find your MDC private lands conservationists here: https://mdc.mo.gov/contact-engage/local-mdc-contacts
Invasive Species
- MDC’s guide to common tree pests
- MDC’s guide on emerald ash borer tree treatments discusses the most popular and effective options for protecting high-value ash.
- Suspect invasive pests can be reported to MDC by sending an email, including photos, to Forest.Health@mdc.mo.gov
Soil Health
- Dr. Nina Bassuk’s webinar on reducing tree and soil damage during construction. Don’t forget to download the slides, too.
- For more information on soil pH issues related to trees, download this bulletin called “Soil pH and Tree Species Suitability in the South”.
- Soil tests can be sent to the University of Missouri’s soil lab. Visit with a local MU extension agent or the soil lab in Columbia before submitting a sample.
- The University of Missouri has a publication that discusses the right and wrong ways to fertilize shade trees. Download it here.
Robbie’s Tips on Watering Trees
“I recommend watering most deciduous trees 10 gallons of water per diameter (not circumference) inch, 2-3 times per month during extended dry periods (check to see how dry your area is by visiting Drought Monitor). Be careful in heavy clay soils, and reduce that water to 5 gallons per diameter inch for evergreens. Provide water gradually to promote infiltration, so avoid using a sprinkler and instead opt for just a hose end with no attachment. To determine the total watering time needed using a hose set at medium pressure (2 gallons per minute), multiply the tree’s diameter (in inches) by 5 minutes. Once you know the total number of minutes, you can set an alarm to remind you to move the hose throughout the drip line every ~10-15 minutes (or so). You want the water to soak in—not run off.”
Videos
Find sources of the native trees and shrubs listed above from Grow Native! professional members through our online Resource Guide.