Forestry Careers

Minnesota Trees: 12 Picks for Your Yard: Excellent Trees for Shade, Beauty, and Wildlife


Looking to add some greenery to your yard? Choosing the perfect tree for your Minnesota landscape is an investment in beauty, shade, and environmental benefits. Whether you’re searching for a towering shade tree, a smaller ornamental tree, or a hardy evergreen, these 12 beautiful trees provide excellent choices for the colder climates found in Minnesota yards. Our team of professional arborists has selected the following trees to consider planting. Every year one of our most common questions is what tree do you recommend?  This list of shade, ornamental and evergreens all thrive in our Minnesota climate and are great options to consider for yards large and small.

Shade Trees That Make a Statement: Big Canopies, Cool Summers, and Lasting Beauty

Minnesota Trees: Basswood

American Basswood (Tilia americana) Common Names: Linden
Mature Size: 45’ h x 35’ w
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (12-24 inches per year)
Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators and small mammals
Why Plant It? Large, heart-shaped leaves offer ample shade, and fragrant yellow flowers support pollinators. A great urban tree that tolerates pollution but is sensitive to road salt.

American Elm (Ulmus americana)
Mature Size: 60’ h x 40’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (up to 24 inches per year)
Wildlife Value: Supports pollinators and birds
Why Plant It? Classic vase-shaped structure makes it a standout shade tree. Modern cultivars are resistant to Dutch Elm Disease, helping to restore this beloved species.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Mature Size: 50’ h x 40’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Why Plant It? Unique fan-shaped leaves turn brilliant gold in fall. Highly tolerant of urban pollution and resilient to changing climate conditions.

Minnesota Trees: Hackberry

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Mature Size: 70’ h x 50’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate (12-24 inches per year)
Wildlife Value: Birds love the small, berry-like fruit
Why Plant It? Great for tough urban conditions, hackberry tolerates drought, flooding, and pollution while providing ample shade.

Northern Pin Oak (Quercus ellipsoidalis)
Mature Size: 60’ h x 45’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate
Wildlife Value: Supports birds and small mammals
Why Plant It? Stunning red fall foliage and small acorns make this a beautiful and beneficial shade tree. Avoid planting near roads with winter salt use.

Minnesota Trees: Kentucky Coffee Tree

River Birch (Betula nigra)
Mature Size: 60’ h x 45’ w
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1.5 – 3 feet per year)
Wildlife Value: Attracts birds and pollinators
Why Plant It? Its showy, peeling bark adds winter interest, and it thrives in moist or wet soils. High salt tolerance makes it a good choice for urban areas.

Espresso Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus ‘Espresso’)
Mature Size: 50’ h x 30’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Why Plant It? A unique, low-maintenance shade tree with large compound leaves and a strong tolerance for urban environments. The ‘Espresso’ variety is seedless.

Ornamental & Understory Trees for Year-Round Appeal: Small Trees, Big Impact

Minnesota Trees: Nannyberry

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
Mature Size: 25’ h x 25’ w
Sunlight: Full sun to full shade
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Wildlife Value: Birds love the edible berries
Why Plant It? This multi-season tree features white spring flowers, summer berries, and stunning fall color.

Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago)
Mature Size: 25’ h x 15’ w
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
Wildlife Value: Pollinators and birds enjoy the flowers and berries
Why Plant It? Can be grown as a large shrub or small tree, making it a versatile choice for hedges or natural fencing.

American Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)
Mature Size: 45’ h x 45’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate
Wildlife Value: Attracts bees and birds
Why Plant It? Showy white flowers in late spring and vibrant yellow fall foliage make this a striking addition to any yard.

Evergreens for Year-Round Greenery: Privacy, Wind Protection, and Classic Charm

Minnesota Trees: Eastern White Pine

Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus)
Mature Size: 60’ h x 35’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (12-36 inches per year)
Wildlife Value: Provides habitat for birds and small mammals
Why Plant It? Soft needles and a pyramidal form make this a beautiful choice. It’s great as a windbreak but not ideal for urban areas with heavy pollution.

Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca ‘Densata’)
Mature Size: 40’ h x 20’ w
Sunlight: Full sun
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Why Plant It? Dense foliage provides year-round privacy and wind protection. More compact than other spruces, making it suitable for smaller yards.

Planting for the Future

Planting a tree is an investment in the future. By selecting an attractive tree of the right species for your yard’s conditions, you can enjoy shade, wildlife benefits, and seasonal beauty for years to come. Whether you choose a stately oak, a showy serviceberry, or a durable evergreen, these 12 trees are excellent picks for your Minnesota landscape, and should thrive despite the cold temperatures in the winter months. To learn even more about Minnesota trees, please visit the University of Minnesota’s tree care resources, here.

Looking for more tips? Follow Tree Trust Landscape Services for expert advice on planting and maintaining your trees, from planting to proper pruning! Our professional arborists offer FREE tree consultations in the Twin Cities area. Reach out today to schedule an appointment.