Tree Species Suited for School Grounds

These trees were selected because they are readily available at local nurseries and big box stores while also being excellent native trees to our region. These are also extremely drought tolerant trees. Trees at schools don’t often get water over the summer when school is not in session so species that can handle bouts of dry conditions are more likely to survive.

Hover over or click the images for more information about the trees

Tall Trees for Dry Areas

American Linden

American Linden

Tilia Americana
Qualities: Yellow fall color
Good for: Fragrant flowers; pollinators

American Sycamore

American Sycamore

Platanus occidentalis
Qualities: Large leaves, Interesting bark
Good for: Wide open areas

Northern Red Oak

Northern Red Oak

Quercus rubra
Qualities: Red fall color
Good for: Wildlife and caterpillars

Shumard Oak

Shumard Oak

Quercus shumardii
Qualities: Red fall color
Good for: Wildlife and caterpillars

Small Trees for Dry Areas

American Hornbeam

American Hornbeam

Carpinus carolinia
Qualities: Fall color
Good for: Birds

Eastern Redbud

American Sycamore

Cercis canadensis
Qualities: Showy pink flowers; Yellow fall color
Good for: Pollinators; Early color

Serviceberry

Serviceberry

Amelanchier arborea
Qualities: Showy white flowers; Red/orange all color
Good for: Wildlife and Pollinators

Tall Trees for Soggy or Flooded Areas

Bald Cypress

Bald Cypress

Taxodium distichum
Qualities: Orange fall color
Good for: Areas you want low leaf litter

Hackberry

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis
Qualities: Yellow fall color
Good for: Wildlife and Butterflies

Red Maple

Red Maple

Acer rubrum
Qualities: Red fall color
Good for: Fast shade

River birch

Shumard Oak

Betula nigra
Qualities: Yellow fall color, peeling bark
Good for: Areas that flood

Willow Oak

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos
Qualities: Yellow fall color, small leaves
Good for: Areas you want low leaf litter

Small Trees for Soggy or Flooded Areas

Sweetbay Magnolia

Sweetbay Magnolia

Magnolia virginiana
Qualities: Showy fragrant flowers
Good for: Birds