North Dakota is known for its cold winters, but its summers can be surprisingly hot, dry, and windy. Choosing trees that can handle both high temperatures and periods of drought will help create a healthier, lower-maintenance landscape. Whether you're planting shade trees, windbreaks, or ornamental specimens, selecting heat-tolerant varieties ensures long-term success.

Here are 12 excellent trees that thrive in North Dakota's challenging climate.

1. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)

Bur Oak is one of the toughest native trees available. It easily tolerates scorching summer temperatures, drought, and strong prairie winds.

Highlights:

Native to the Great Plains
Excellent shade tree
Extremely long-lived
Highly drought tolerant once established

2. Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Hackberry adapts to nearly every soil type and performs well during hot, dry summers.

Highlights:

Fast-growing
Tolerates poor soils
Resistant to drought
Excellent wildlife tree

3. Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)

This unique tree features bold branching and large leaves while thriving in heat and drought.

Highlights:

Very heat resistant
Low maintenance
Attractive winter silhouette
Handles urban conditions

4. Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis)

Thornless Honey Locust is a favorite landscape tree thanks to its filtered shade and excellent heat tolerance.

Highlights:

Fast growth
Tolerates compacted soils
Drought resistant
Beautiful golden fall color

5. Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

Known for its huge heart-shaped leaves and spectacular white flowers, Northern Catalpa performs surprisingly well in hot climates.

Highlights:

Large fragrant blooms
Fast-growing
Heat tolerant
Provides excellent shade

6. American Linden (Tilia americana)

While it appreciates adequate moisture when young, mature American Linden tolerates summer heat well.

Highlights:

Fragrant flowers
Excellent shade tree
Valuable for pollinators
Attractive heart-shaped leaves

7. American Elm (Disease-Resistant Varieties)

Modern Dutch elm disease-resistant cultivars have brought back one of America's favorite shade trees.

Highlights:

Classic vase-shaped canopy
Excellent street tree
Heat and wind tolerant
Fast-growing

8. Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

Ohio Buckeye handles North Dakota's summer heat while providing unique foliage and decorative seed capsules.

Highlights:

Native tree
Interesting seasonal appearance
Moderate drought tolerance
Excellent landscape specimen

9. Black Hills Spruce (Picea glauca var. densata)

Although known for cold hardiness, Black Hills Spruce also tolerates summer heat better than many evergreen species.

Highlights:

Dense evergreen foliage
Excellent windbreak tree
Adaptable to North Dakota conditions
Attractive year-round

10. Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

One of the toughest evergreen trees for dry, sunny locations.

Highlights:

Exceptional drought tolerance
Heat resistant
Low maintenance
Great for windbreaks

11. Amur Cork Tree (Phellodendron amurense)

This durable ornamental tree withstands heat, drought, and urban stress with ease.

Highlights:

Unique cork-like bark
Broad spreading canopy
Excellent shade
Pest resistant

12. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Although planting is restricted or discouraged in many regions because it can become invasive, established specimens demonstrate exceptional heat and drought tolerance. Before planting, check local regulations and consider native alternatives such as Hackberry or Bur Oak.

Highlights:

Extremely drought tolerant
Silvery foliage
Handles poor soils
Wind resistant

Tips for Growing Trees in North Dakota

To give newly planted trees the best start:

Water deeply during the first two growing seasons.
Apply 2–4 inches of mulch around the base while keeping it away from the trunk.
Plant during spring or early fall for the best root establishment.
Choose locations with full sun whenever possible.
Protect young trees from deer, rabbits, and winter sunscald.

Final Thoughts

North Dakota's hot summers don't have to limit your landscaping choices. By selecting heat-tolerant trees that also withstand drought, wind, and harsh winters, you can enjoy a healthier, more resilient yard for decades. Whether you're looking for broad shade, year-round evergreen color, or wildlife-friendly native species, these twelve trees are among the best options for thriving across the Peace Garden State.