Best and worst trees for your Oklahoma landscaping project

Oklahoma’s climate can support a diverse range of trees, including species that are commonly used in landscaping and other decorative planning.

Some trees, however, aren’t recommended for planting in Oklahoma because they don’t fare well in either the hot or cold temperatures that swing through the state every year, or because they are considered invasive.

Whether you’re looking for trees to serve as a windbreak on your property or a few ornamental varieties to decorate your yard, here are some of the best (and worst) trees that you can plant in Oklahoma.

Best trees to plant in Oklahoma

This list of best trees to consider for your landscaping project is not an exhaustive list, so you should consult with an arborist to pick the best tree for the conditions where it will be planted. The following trees may also not fit your aesthetic plans, so double-check the requirements for whichever species you want to decorate your yard.

Junipers: Hardy trees that are popular in landscaping and come in several varieties.

Lacebark Pine: These trees are well known for their distinctive bark that peels away, revealing a variety of colors.

Live Oak: Common in the south, the live oak grows quickly and can live for centuries.

Southern Magnolia: This hardy tree can survive in most U.S. states, including Oklahoma. It’s known for its large, white flowers that bloom in late spring.

Dogwood: The dogwood is a popular ornamental tree that prefers semi-shaded areas and moist soils, so it’s best used in eastern Oklahoma. In the spring, its flowers are a distinctive white, but can also be pink or red.

Oklahoma Redbud: The state tree of Oklahoma grows to about 15 feet tall and is known for its vibrant magenta/pink color when in bloom.

More: Oklahoma City’s Survivor Tree saplings spread hope across the nation

Worst trees to plant in Oklahoma

Whether it’s an invasive pest tree or a species that can’t thrive in Oklahoma’s climate, there are many types that should be avoided when considering which trees to plant.

Bradford Pear: Nearly every list of the worst trees for Oklahoma will include this invasive tree that crowds natural plants, smells like rotten fish and breaks limbs easily from ice and high winds, both common issues faced annually in Oklahoma.

Pin Oak: This oak tree variant is known to grow poorly in Oklahoma, particularly in the central and western parts of the state. This is because the tree needs acidic soil to thrive, and without it will slow and eventually stop growing, leading to defoliation.

Weeping Willow: The beautiful weeping willow can grow well in Oklahoma if it has excellent access to water. That same requirement makes it less than ideal for a small residential plot or any location that’s near underground infrastructure, because its roots will search for water and can cause significant damage.

Lombardy Poplar: Known to be a quick-growing tree which has a narrow canopy, this tree can be popular for landscaping but there are major caveats. The tree is easily stunted by disease and can have a very short lifespan of just 10 to 15 years.

Silver Maple: The silver maple tree is native to parts of Oklahoma, but it’s not recommended for residential use because its limbs can break easily. It also has a very shallow root system that can spread into local underground infrastructure.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Best and worst trees to plant in Oklahoma