13 Native Trees to Plant in North Dakota This Fall

Fall is an excellent time to plant native trees in North Dakota. Cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly planted trees, while the soil often remains warm enough for roots to begin establishing before winter. Fall moisture and melting snow can then help support the trees as they enter their first growing season.

Native trees are especially valuable because they are adapted to the region’s climate, soils, wildlife, and seasonal changes. Once established, many native species require less maintenance than trees brought in from distant regions. They can also provide shade, privacy, wind protection, nesting sites, and food for local wildlife.

The following 13 native trees are worth considering for North Dakota landscapes. Because growing conditions vary across the state, always choose trees suited to your soil, moisture level, and available space.

1. Bur Oak

Bur oak is one of the most dependable native shade trees for North Dakota. It develops a broad, rounded crown and deeply lobed leaves that turn yellow-brown in fall.

This tree is known for its thick bark and ability to tolerate cold winters, drought, wind, and a variety of soils. Its large acorns provide food for squirrels, deer, turkeys, and other wildlife.

Bur oak grows slowly when young but can eventually become a large and impressive tree. Plant it in a sunny location where it will have plenty of room to spread.

2. Green Ash

Green ash has historically been one of the most widely planted native trees in the northern Great Plains. It tolerates cold temperatures, wind, seasonal flooding, and many different soil conditions.

The tree produces compound leaves and develops an attractive rounded crown. It can be used for shade, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and wildlife plantings.

However, emerald ash borer is a serious threat to ash trees. Green ash should not be the only species used in a landscape or windbreak. Increasing tree diversity helps prevent the loss of an entire planting to one pest or disease.

3. American Elm

American elm is a beautiful native tree with a tall trunk and graceful, vase-shaped canopy. It was once one of the most common street and shade trees in the country.

Dutch elm disease greatly reduced its population, but disease-tolerant selections are now available. When choosing an American elm, look for a tree from a reputable nursery that has been selected for improved disease resistance.

Give American elm an open, sunny planting site with enough room for its mature canopy. It can make an outstanding shade tree when properly placed and cared for.

4. Hackberry

Hackberry is a rugged native tree that performs well in difficult environments. It tolerates wind, drought, heat, cold, and a wide range of soil types once established.

Small purple fruits appear in late summer or fall and may remain on the branches into winter. These fruits are eaten by many birds and other animals.

Hackberry can develop into a medium or large shade tree. Its tough nature makes it a practical choice for farmsteads, large yards, wildlife areas, and locations where more sensitive trees may struggle.

5. Eastern Cottonwood

Eastern cottonwood is one of the fastest-growing native trees in North Dakota. It is commonly found along rivers, streams, floodplains, and other areas with dependable moisture.

Its triangular leaves flutter in the wind, creating constant movement in the canopy. Cottonwoods can provide shade quickly, but they eventually become extremely large.

Plant cottonwood far away from buildings, septic systems, sidewalks, and underground utilities. It is best suited to large rural properties, naturalized areas, and streamside restoration projects rather than small residential lots.

6. Quaking Aspen

Quaking aspen is easy to recognize by its pale bark and rounded leaves that tremble in even a light breeze. In autumn, the foliage often turns a brilliant golden yellow.

Aspens prefer sunny locations and perform best in moist, well-drained soil. They commonly spread through their root systems and may eventually form a small grove.

This tree can be a beautiful addition to a naturalized landscape, but homeowners should be prepared for its spreading habit. Plant it where new shoots can be allowed to grow or easily managed.

7. Boxelder

Boxelder is a fast-growing member of the maple family. It is highly adaptable and can survive cold temperatures, wind, drought, flooding, and poor soils.

The tree is useful for wildlife habitat and for quickly establishing cover in open areas. It is less appropriate for small, highly maintained yards because mature trees may develop weak branches and an irregular shape.

Boxelder works best in rural plantings, restoration projects, and natural areas where toughness is more important than a perfectly shaped canopy.

8. Paper Birch

Paper birch is admired for its attractive white bark, which becomes increasingly noticeable as the tree matures. Its leaves usually turn yellow in fall.

This tree prefers cooler sites with moist, well-drained soil. It can struggle in extremely hot, dry, or exposed locations, especially when the soil around its roots becomes overheated.

Plant paper birch where it receives adequate moisture and some protection from intense afternoon sun. A layer of mulch can help keep its shallow root system cool and moist.

9. Chokecherry

Chokecherry is a small native tree or large shrub with clusters of white spring flowers. Dark red to purple fruits follow later in the season and attract birds and other wildlife.

The fruit is naturally astringent when raw, but it has traditionally been used in cooked jellies, syrups, and sauces. The pits, leaves, and wilted plant material should not be eaten.

Chokecherry is useful in wildlife gardens, windbreaks, natural borders, and erosion-control plantings. It can form thickets by producing shoots from its roots, so allow it enough space to spread.

10. American Plum

American plum is another small native tree that works well along property edges and in wildlife plantings. It produces fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by small edible plums that ripen later in the year.

The dense branches provide excellent nesting and protective cover for birds. Its fruit is also eaten by people and wildlife.

American plum often forms colonies through root suckers. Plant it in full sun where its natural spreading habit will be an advantage rather than a problem.

11. Juneberry

Juneberry, also called serviceberry, is a small tree or multi-stemmed shrub with something to offer during several seasons. It produces white flowers in spring, edible purple fruits in early summer, and colorful foliage in fall.

The fruits are sweet and can be eaten fresh or used in baked goods, sauces, and preserves. Birds may harvest them quickly once they begin to ripen.

Juneberry is a good option for smaller yards, edible landscapes, pollinator gardens, and wildlife plantings. It grows best in full sun to partial shade with reasonably well-drained soil.

12. Rocky Mountain Juniper

Rocky Mountain juniper is a native evergreen that provides year-round color and protection from winter winds. Its dense branches offer shelter and nesting cover for birds.

Once established, this tree is highly tolerant of drought, cold, wind, and poor soils. It performs best in full sun and soil that drains well.

Rocky Mountain juniper can be planted as a specimen tree or included in a mixed windbreak. Avoid placing it in low areas where water remains around the roots.

13. Ponderosa Pine

Ponderosa pine is native to portions of the western Great Plains and is especially associated with the southwestern part of North Dakota. Mature trees develop long needles, large cones, and distinctive orange-brown bark.

This evergreen grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it has good drought tolerance and can withstand exposed conditions.

Ponderosa pine needs plenty of room to mature. It can be used in large landscapes, conservation plantings, and mixed shelterbelts, particularly in areas where local conditions resemble its native range.

Why Plant Native Trees in the Fall?

Fall planting gives a tree time to begin developing roots without the pressure of producing new leaves or coping with summer heat. The aboveground portion of the tree may be entering dormancy, but root growth can continue while the soil remains warm.

Early to mid-fall is generally preferable to planting immediately before the ground freezes. The tree needs enough time to settle into the soil and receive a thorough watering before winter arrives.

Evergreens may benefit from being planted earlier in fall than deciduous trees. Their needles continue losing moisture during winter, so they need time to establish roots and take up water before the soil freezes.

How to Plant a Native Tree Correctly

Choose a location based on the tree’s mature size rather than its size at planting time. Consider overhead power lines, buildings, driveways, property boundaries, underground utilities, and nearby trees.

Dig a planting hole approximately two to three times wider than the root ball, but no deeper than the root system. The point where the trunk begins to widen into the roots should remain visible at or slightly above the surrounding soil level.

Remove containers, wire, twine, and as much burlap as possible without damaging the root ball. Check container-grown trees for circling roots and gently straighten or cut those that could eventually restrict the trunk.

Refill the hole with the original soil. Heavy soil amendments are usually unnecessary and may discourage roots from spreading into the surrounding ground.

Water slowly and thoroughly after planting to remove large air pockets and settle the soil around the roots.

Add Mulch Without Piling It Against the Trunk

Apply a two- to four-inch layer of wood chips or other organic mulch around the tree. Mulch helps conserve moisture, reduce weeds, protect the soil from temperature changes, and prevent damage from lawn equipment.

Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk. Piling mulch against the bark can trap moisture and contribute to decay, disease, and rodent damage.

A wide, shallow mulch ring is much better for the tree than a tall mound around the trunk.

Keep Watering Until the Ground Freezes

Newly planted trees need consistent moisture, even when the weather becomes cool. Check the soil regularly and water when it begins to feel dry several inches below the surface.

A slow, deep watering is more helpful than frequent light sprinkling. The goal is to moisten the entire root area without leaving the soil constantly saturated.

Give evergreen trees a thorough watering before the ground freezes. This can help reduce winter drying and needle damage.

Protect Young Trees During Winter

North Dakota winters can be difficult for young trees. Deer, rabbits, voles, strong winds, temperature changes, and heavy snow can all cause damage.

Use suitable tree guards or wire protection around young trunks when animal damage is likely. Make sure protective materials are installed correctly and do not rub against or constrict the tree.

Young trees in exposed areas may need support, but staking should only be used when necessary. Ties should be flexible, and stakes should normally be removed after the tree becomes stable.

Continue checking the tree throughout winter and spring. Remove any protective wrap or material that is not intended for year-round use.

Match the Tree to the Location

A successful planting begins with the right species. Cottonwood and willow relatives generally prefer locations with more moisture, while bur oak, hackberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, and ponderosa pine can handle drier conditions after establishment.

Small trees such as juneberry, American plum, and chokecherry can fit into spaces where a mature cottonwood, elm, or bur oak would become too large.

It is also important to consider where the tree originated. Whenever possible, select locally adapted nursery stock or seeds collected from a climate similar to your part of North Dakota. Trees from distant, warmer regions may not have the same level of winter hardiness.

Create a More Resilient Landscape

Avoid planting an entire yard or windbreak with only one species. A mixture of native deciduous trees, evergreens, shrubs, and smaller understory trees creates greater diversity.

Diverse plantings provide different types of food and shelter for wildlife. They are also less likely to be completely destroyed by a single insect, disease, or extreme weather event.

For example, a larger planting might combine bur oak and hackberry with Rocky Mountain juniper, juneberry, chokecherry, and American plum. The exact mixture should be adjusted for the site’s moisture, soil, exposure, and available space.

Start Planting for the Future

Planting a native tree is an investment that can benefit a property for decades. The right tree can provide shade, reduce wind, support wildlife, improve soil stability, and add seasonal beauty to the landscape.

Fall’s cool weather offers an ideal opportunity to establish many native North Dakota trees. Choose healthy planting stock, match each species to the site, water carefully, and protect young trees through their first winter. With a little planning and patience, today’s small tree can become an important part of North Dakota’s landscape for future generations.