Summer storms have taken their toll on our trees. Across the metro area — and across the state — cottonwoods, maples, oaks and spruces have lost large branches or tumbled in the high winds.
Combine those losses with the advance of diseases and pests, such as emerald ash borer, and a lot of people are looking for replacement trees.
If you're one of them, consider this when you go tree shopping: You don't have to replant the same type of tree. In fact, it might be a good idea to try something new.
Some trees tend to be more popular than others. But if we all planted the same kind of tree, an insect infestation could eventually wipe most of them out. (Remember what happened to all those elms when Dutch elm disease was introduced.)
Lindens, crabapples and Freeman maples (including the popular Autumn Blaze maple) are popular trees. So popular, that they've been widely planted. While these are great trees, if we choose from a wider variety of trees, we'll get a more interesting, more diverse, more sustainable landscape.
Here are some trees to consider:
Elm
Elms were planted heavily in Minnesota because they are a statuesque tree with a wonderfully wide canopy. Because of Dutch elm disease, which is still a problem, elms weren't planted for years. However, certain types of elms are resistant to the widespread disease. The American elm cultivars Princeton and Valley Forge are both attractive, fast-growing and tolerant of many different soil types.
Aside from the American elms, Accolade and Triumph elms also are good choices.