Tree Planning Guide

Tree Planning Guide

Choosing the right tree starts with your site conditions (sun, soil, moisture, salt exposure, and available space). Use the sections below to quickly find trees that match your needs—then click into each tree’s product page for size, availability, and care tips.

Legend: N = Native to North America (great for habitat + local resilience)

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Best for Tough Urban Sites (Compacted Soil + Stress)

These trees are strong candidates for high-traffic areas, parking lots, streetscapes, and tough fill soils.

• Acer campestre (Hedge Maple)

• Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

• Acer miyabei (Miyabe Maple)

• Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

• Acer tataricum (Tatarian Maple)

• Aesculus × (Hybrid Horse Chestnut)

• Betula nigra (River Birch) N

• Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam)

• Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) N

• Catalpa × erubescens ‘Purpurea’ (Purple Catalpa)

• Cercis canadensis (Redbud) N

• Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Weeping Alaska Cypress)

• Cladrastis lutea (Yellowwood) N

• Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

• Crataegus viridis (Hawthorn) N

• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)

• Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) N

• Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree) N

• Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) N

• Malus spp. (Crabapple)

• Maclura pomifera (Fruitless Osage Orange) N

• Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

• Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) N

• Parrotia persica (Persian Parrotia)

• Picea abies (Norway Spruce)

• Platanus × acerifolia (London Planetree)

• Populus tremuloides (Aspen) N

• Quercus × (Hybrid Oak)

• Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)

• Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) N

• Quercus coccinea (Scarlet Oak) N

• Quercus imbricaria (Shingle Oak) N

• Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak) N

• Quercus muehlenbergii (Chinkapin Oak) N

• Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) N

• Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)

• Quercus rubra (Red Oak) N

• Quercus shumardii (Shumard Oak) N

• Robinia pseudoacacia (Black Locust) N

• Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)

• Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

• Tilia americana (American Basswood) N

• Tilia cordata (Littleleaf Linden)

• Tilia tomentosa (Silver Linden)

• Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

• Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova)

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Salt Tolerant Trees

Great picks for roadside exposure, de-icing salts, coastal winds, and splash zones (still water during establishment).

• Acer campestre (Hedge Maple)

• Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

• Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

• Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa)

• Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier laevis (Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier × (Hybrid Serviceberry) N

• Betula nigra (River Birch) N

• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo)

• Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) N

• Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree) N

• Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) N

• Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) N

• Maclura pomifera (Fruitless Osage Orange) N

• Magnolia soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia)

• Malus spp. (Crabapple)

• Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) N

• Picea abies (Norway Spruce)

• Populus tremuloides (Aspen) N

• Quercus acutissima (Sawtooth Oak)

• Quercus alba (White Oak) N

• Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) N

• Quercus macrocarpa (Bur Oak) N

• Quercus × (Hybrid Oak)

• Quercus rubra (Red Oak) N

• Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)

• Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

• Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae) N

• Thuja plicata (Western Arborvitae)

• Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

• Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova)

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Trees with Outstanding Fruit Color

For seasonal berries, fruits, and decorative pods that add late-summer through winter interest.

• Acer miyabei (Miyabe Maple)

• Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

• Acer rubrum (Red Maple) N

• Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) N

• Acer tataricum (Tatarian Maple)

• Amelanchier canadensis (Shadblow Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier laevis (Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier × (Hybrid Serviceberry) N

• Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree) N

• Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

• Cornus florida (Dogwood) N

• Cornus kousa (Asian Dogwood)

• Crataegus viridis (Hawthorn) N

• Juniperus chinensis (Chinese Juniper)

• Juniperus scopulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper)

• Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) N

• Magnolia soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia)

• Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) N

• Magnolia × (Hybrid Magnolia)

• Malus spp. (Crabapple)

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Colored Summer Foliage: Red or Purple

For bold, dramatic foliage that holds color through the growing season.

• Acer circinnatum (Vine Maple varieties)

• Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple varieties)

• Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ (Cutleaf Japanese Maple)

• Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

• Catalpa × erubescens ‘Purpurea’ (Purple Catalpa)

• Cercis canadensis (Redbud varieties) N

• Cornus kousa (Asian Dogwood varieties)

• Fagus sylvatica (Purple European Beech)

• Malus spp. (Crabapple varieties)

• Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum varieties) N

• Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark — tree form) N

• Prunus cerasifera (Cherry Plum)

• Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry varieties)

• Styrax japonicus (Japanese Snowbell varieties)

See the Collection!

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Colored Summer Foliage: Yellow or Variegated

Bright accents and patterned leaves that pop in mixed plantings.

• Cercis canadensis (Redbud varieties) N

• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo varieties)

• Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood varieties)

• Salix integra (Dappled Willow)

• Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae varieties)

• Thuja plicata (Western Arborvitae varieties)

See the Collection!

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Winter Bark Interest

For off-season color, exfoliating bark, and winter texture.

• Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

• Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

• Acer rubrum (Red Maple) N

• Amelanchier canadensis (Shadblow Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier laevis (Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier × (Hybrid Serviceberry) N

• Betula nigra (River Birch) N

• Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam)

• Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) N

• Cercis canadensis (Redbud) N

• Crataegus viridis (Hawthorn) N

• Fagus sylvatica (European Beech)

• Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree) N

• Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) N

• Magnolia soulangeana (Saucer Magnolia)

• Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)

• Magnolia × (Hybrid Magnolia)

• Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

• Physocarpus opulifolius (Ninebark — tree form) N

• Platanus × acerifolia (London Planetree)

• Prunus cerasifera (Cherry Plum)

• Prunus serrulata (Japanese Cherry)

• Prunus subhirtella (Higan Cherry)

• Prunus × (Hybrid Cherry)

• Salix alba (Golden Weeping Willow)

• Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)

• Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress)

• Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

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Weeping / Pendulous Habit

Perfect as focal points, near water features, or where you want a softer silhouette.

• Acer palmatum ‘Dissectum’ (Cutleaf Japanese Maple)

• Cercis canadensis (Weeping Redbud) N

• Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Weeping Alaska Cypress)

• Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ (Weeping European Beech)

• Malus spp. (Weeping Crabapple)

• Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’ (Weeping White Pine) N

• Prunus subhirtella ‘Pendula’ (Weeping Higan Cherry)

• Prunus × (Weeping Hybrid Cherry)

• Salix alba (Golden Weeping Willow)

• Styrax (Weeping Japanese Snowbell types)

See the Collection!

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Good Near Sidewalks & Streets

Stronger structure + more predictable form for tight urban corridors.

• Acer rubrum (upright form Red Maple) N

• Acer platanoides (upright Norway Maple)

• Amelanchier laevis (tree form Serviceberry) N

• Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Upright Hornbeam)

• Ginkgo biloba (upright Ginkgo)

• Liriodendron tulipifera (upright Tulip Tree) N

• Malus spp. (columnar Crabapple)

• Quercus × (hybrid upright Oak)

• Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)

• Taxodium distichum (columnar Bald Cypress)

• Ulmus × (hybrid Elm)

• Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova)

Learn More!

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Evergreen Trees

Year-round screening, winter color, and structure.

• Cedrus spp. (Atlas & Deodar Cedar)

• Chamaecyparis nootkatensis (Weeping Alaska Cypress)

• Juniperus chinensis (Chinese Juniper)

• Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) N

• Magnolia grandiflora (Southern Magnolia)

• Picea abies (Norway Spruce)

• Pinus flexilis (Limber Pine)

• Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) N

• Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae) N

• Thuja plicata (Western Arborvitae)

Learn More!

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Trees that Attract Pollinators

Support bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects—great for habitat landscapes.

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Trees with Showy Flowers

For drama, fragrance, and standout blooms.

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Shade Tolerant Trees

Best for north sides of buildings, woodland edges, or filtered light under high canopy.

• Acer miyabei (Miyabe Maple)

• Acer platanoides (Norway Maple)

• Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) N

• Acer tataricum (Tatarian Maple)

• Amelanchier canadensis (Shadblow Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier laevis (Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier × (Hybrid Serviceberry) N

• Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) N

• Betula nigra (River Birch) N

• Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) N

• Cercis canadensis (Redbud) N

• Chionanthus retusus (Fringe Tree)

• Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

• Cornus florida (Dogwood) N

• Cornus kousa (Asian Dogwood)

• Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) N

• Parrotia persica (Persian Parrotia)

• Salix integra (Dappled Willow)

• Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac)

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Moist Soil Tolerant Trees

For low spots, poor drainage areas, rain-garden edges, and consistently damp soils.

• Acer rubrum (Red Maple) N

• Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) N

• Amelanchier canadensis (Shadblow Serviceberry) N

• Amelanchier × (Hybrid Serviceberry) N

• Betula nigra (River Birch) N

• Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry) N

• Carpinus betulus (European Hornbeam)

• Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam) N

• Catalpa × erubescens ‘Purpurea’ (Purple Catalpa)

• Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey Locust) N

• Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree) N

• Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum) N

• Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia) N

• Metasequoia glyptostroboides (Dawn Redwood)

• Nyssa sylvatica (Black Gum) N

• Platanus × acerifolia (London Planetree)

• Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak) N

• Quercus palustris (Pin Oak) N

• Quercus phellos (Willow Oak)

• Salix alba (Golden Weeping Willow)

• Salix integra (Dappled Willow)

• Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress) N

• Thuja occidentalis (Arborvitae) N

• Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm)

• Zelkova serrata (Japanese Zelkova)

Learn More!

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Small / Confined Spaces

For courtyards, patios, tight front yards, and under utility lines (always confirm mature height).

• Acer circinnatum (Vine Maple)

• Acer ginnala (Amur Maple)

• Acer griseum (Paperbark Maple)

• Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

• Amelanchier canadensis (Serviceberry) N

• Asimina triloba (Pawpaw) N

• Cercis canadensis (Redbud) N

• Cornus florida (Dogwood) N

• Cornus kousa (Chinese/Asian Dogwood)

• Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

• Hibiscus syriacus (tree form Rose of Sharon)

• Hydrangea paniculata (tree form Hydrangea)

• Magnolia virginiana (Sweetbay Magnolia)

• Physocarpus opulifolius (tree form Ninebark)

• Syringa meyeri ‘Palibin’ (tree form Dwarf Korean Lilac)

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Upright / Narrow Habit

For privacy without width, tight lot lines, formal looks, and street corridors.

• Acer rubrum (Columnar Red Maple) N

• Acer saccharum (Columnar Sugar Maple) N

• Acer platanoides (Upright Norway Maple)

• Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ (Upright Hornbeam)

• Ginkgo biloba (Columnar Ginkgo)

• Juniperus virginiana (Columnar Juniper) N

• Juniperus chinensis (Chinese Juniper)

• Liquidambar styraciflua (Columnar Sweetgum)

• Malus spp. (Columnar Crabapple)

• Nyssa sylvatica (Upright Black Gum) N

• Quercus × (Hybrid Upright Oak)

• Taxodium distichum (Columnar Bald Cypress)

Learn More!

Find the Right Tree at Natorp’s

Natorp’s Nursery grows over 300 kinds of trees—so whether you’re looking for shade, privacy, seasonal color, native options, or a tough tree for challenging sites, you’ll find the right fit here.

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