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Which tree for my yard?

By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we test tools

Pick your region, how tall a tree you have room for, how fast you want it to grow and how much storm risk you can live with. The list updates as you go. Each match links to a full guide with roots, pruning windows and common problems. Built for homeowners, and for tree crews who get asked "what should I plant instead?"

Next: all tree species, tree pests and diseases, tree care by state, canopy, short answers about trees.

Your yard

Your short list

120 of 120 species match

All filters set to Any.

Estimate only: a starting list from general species data, not advice for your exact yard. Check with a local nursery, your extension service or a certified arborist before you plant.

  • American Beech

    Fagus grandifolia

    Height
    50-70 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow, wide and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • American Chestnut

    Castanea dentata

    Height
    Historically 60-100 ft; most surviving trees are sprouts of 10-30 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft for a full-sized tree
    Growth
    Fast when young
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep, wide-spreading roots that can sprout new stems after the main stem dies.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • American Elm

    Ulmus americana

    Height
    60-80 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow, wide-spreading and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • American Holly

    Ilex opaca

    Height
    15-30 ft, sometimes taller in the wild
    Spread
    10-20 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • American Hornbeam

    Carpinus caroliniana

    Height
    20-35 ft
    Spread
    20-35 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Fibrous and fairly shallow.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • American Linden

    Tilia americana

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fibrous and fairly shallow, spreading wide.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • American sycamore

    Platanus occidentalis

    Height
    75-100 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    60-80 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Wide and shallow to moderately deep.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Arborvitae

    Thuja occidentalis

    Height
    20-40 ft; many garden varieties stay 10-20 ft
    Spread
    10-15 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous, and they like steady moisture.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Atlantic White Cedar

    Chamaecyparis thyoides

    Height
    40-80 ft
    Spread
    10-25 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Bald Cypress

    Taxodium distichum

    Height
    50-70 ft, taller in the wild
    Spread
    15-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-10
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Wide and strong.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Balsam Fir

    Abies balsamea

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-5
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Bigleaf Maple

    Acer macrophyllum

    Height
    50-100 ft
    Spread
    40-70 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading, with many roots near the surface.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Bigtooth Aspen

    Populus grandidentata

    Height
    40-60 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-6
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Bitternut Hickory

    Carya cordiformis

    Height
    50-75 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A deep taproot when young, with spreading side roots later.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Black Cherry

    Prunus serotina

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Moderately shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Black Locust

    Robinia pseudoacacia

    Height
    40-70 ft
    Spread
    20-35 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Black Oak

    Quercus velutina

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep taproot when young and a wide root system as the tree ages.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Black walnut

    Juglans nigra

    Height
    50-75 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    50-70 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: A deep taproot when young, with wide spreading side roots.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Black Willow

    Salix nigra

    Height
    30-60 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow, fibrous and water-seeking.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Blackgum

    Nyssa sylvatica

    Height
    30-60 ft
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A deep taproot when young, with spreading roots later.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Blue Palo Verde

    Parkinsonia florida

    Height
    15-30 ft
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    8-11
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide and fairly shallow when watered often.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Boxelder

    Acer negundo

    Height
    30-50 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    2-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Bradford Pear

    Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

    Height
    30-50 ft
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow to medium, fibrous and spreading.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Bur Oak

    Quercus macrocarpa

    Height
    60-80 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    60-80 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Develops a deep taproot when young, then a wide, deep root system.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Butternut

    Juglans cinerea

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Cabbage Palm

    Sabal palmetto

    Height
    40-65 ft
    Spread
    8-15 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    8-11
    Type
    Palm
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Fibrous roots that spread out from the base.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Canary Island Date Palm

    Phoenix canariensis

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    9-11
    Type
    Palm
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A thick, fibrous mass that spreads at the base of the trunk.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Chestnut Oak

    Quercus montana

    Height
    50-70 ft
    Spread
    50-70 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and wide-spreading, well suited to rocky slopes.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Chinese Pistache

    Pistacia chinensis

    Height
    30-50 ft
    Spread
    25-35 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and strong, with a main root system that is hard to move once the tree is large.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Chinkapin Oak

    Quercus muehlenbergii

    Height
    40-60 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    50-70 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and wide spreading, with a strong taproot when young.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Coast Live Oak

    Quercus agrifolia

    Height
    30-70 ft
    Spread
    40-80 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    8-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide spreading, with some deeper roots.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Coast Redwood

    Sequoia sempervirens

    Height
    60-100 ft in yards, 200-300+ ft in old groves
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    7-9
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Colorado Blue Spruce

    Picea pungens

    Height
    30-60 ft in yards; up to 80-100 ft in the wild
    Spread
    10-20 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    2-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Moderately shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Common Persimmon

    Diospyros virginiana

    Height
    35-60 ft
    Spread
    20-35 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A deep taproot with spreading roots.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Crape Myrtle

    Lagerstroemia indica

    Height
    15-25 ft (varies by variety)
    Spread
    10-20 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Fibrous and fairly shallow.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Douglas-fir

    Pseudotsuga menziesii

    Height
    40-80 ft in yards; 100-250 ft in old forests
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-6
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep and wide on good soil, but roots can be shallow where the soil is thin, wet or compacted.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Eastern cottonwood

    Populus deltoides

    Height
    70-100 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    50-75 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    2-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow, wide and aggressive.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Eastern Hemlock

    Tsuga canadensis

    Height
    40-70 ft
    Spread
    25-35 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Eastern Hophornbeam

    Ostrya virginiana

    Height
    25-40 ft
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Eastern Red Cedar

    Juniperus virginiana

    Height
    30-65 ft
    Spread
    8-25 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-9
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A fibrous, branching root system that reaches deep on dry sites.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Eastern Redbud

    Cercis canadensis

    Height
    20-30 ft
    Spread
    25-35 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Medium and fairly deep taproot when young.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Eastern White Pine

    Pinus strobus

    Height
    50-80 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide, fairly shallow side roots with a few deeper ones.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Engelmann Spruce

    Picea engelmannii

    Height
    50-100 ft in yards, taller in mountain forests
    Spread
    10-20 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    2-5
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Eucalyptus

    Eucalyptus spp.

    Height
    40-150+ ft, depending on species
    Spread
    20-60 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    8-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Wide-spreading and thirsty.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Flowering Dogwood

    Cornus florida

    Height
    15-30 ft
    Spread
    15-30 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Giant Sequoia

    Sequoiadendron giganteum

    Height
    150-250 ft in the wild, usually less in yards
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    6-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Very wide and mostly shallow, with no deep taproot.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Ginkgo

    Ginkgo biloba

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    30-40 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and strong, with a spreading root system once established.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Green Ash

    Fraxinus pennsylvanica

    Height
    50-70 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow to medium, spreading and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Hackberry

    Celtis occidentalis

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Honey Mesquite

    Prosopis glandulosa

    Height
    20-40 ft
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-10
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Very deep taproot that can reach many feet down, plus a wide shallow root system.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Honeylocust

    Gleditsia triacanthos

    Height
    30-70 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and wide-spreading, with good tolerance of drought, road salt, compacted soil and city conditions.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Horse Chestnut

    Aesculus hippocastanum

    Height
    50-75 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide and moderately shallow.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Incense Cedar

    Calocedrus decurrens

    Height
    50-100 ft, taller in forests
    Spread
    8-20 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    5-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Fairly deep and spreading when the soil allows.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Jack Pine

    Pinus banksiana

    Height
    30-70 ft, often 40-50 ft
    Spread
    15-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-6
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: A taproot when young with wide lateral roots, well suited to poor, sandy, dry ground.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Japanese Maple

    Acer palmatum

    Height
    15-25 ft, some types smaller
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    5-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous, with a gentle spread.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Japanese Zelkova

    Zelkova serrata

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    50-70 ft
    Growth
    Medium to fast
    Zones
    5-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Spreading and fairly shallow when young.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Kentucky Coffeetree

    Gymnocladus dioicus

    Height
    60-75 ft
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and spreading.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Lacebark Elm

    Ulmus parvifolia

    Height
    40-50 ft
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Medium depth, spreading and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Laurel Oak

    Quercus laurifolia

    Height
    60-80 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    7-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Spreading and moderately shallow.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Leyland Cypress

    x Cuprocyparis leylandii

    Height
    50-70 ft
    Spread
    10-25 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    6-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Loblolly Pine

    Pinus taeda

    Height
    60-90 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    6-9
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: A taproot when young, then mostly shallow lateral roots that spread wide.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Lodgepole Pine

    Pinus contorta

    Height
    40-80 ft inland, shorter on the coast
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow to moderate and spreading, often with a short taproot on deep soil.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • London Planetree

    Platanus x acerifolia

    Height
    70-100 ft
    Spread
    65-80 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    5-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide and strong, often lifting sidewalks and curbs.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Longleaf Pine

    Pinus palustris

    Height
    80-100 ft
    Spread
    30-40 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    7-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Young trees grow a deep taproot, and older trees add wide side roots.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Mexican Fan Palm

    Washingtonia robusta

    Height
    70-100 ft
    Spread
    10-15 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    9-11
    Type
    Palm
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: A mass of thin, fibrous roots that spreads from the base of the trunk.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Mimosa

    Albizia julibrissin

    Height
    20-40 ft
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    6-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and spreading, and the tree can sprout from roots.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Mockernut Hickory

    Carya tomentosa

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep taproot with spreading side roots.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Monterey Pine

    Pinus radiata

    Height
    60-100 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    8-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Fast growing and shallow to moderately deep.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Northern Catalpa

    Catalpa speciosa

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Moderately deep and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Northern Red Oak

    Quercus rubra

    Height
    60-80 ft
    Spread
    45-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fairly shallow and wide-spreading, with no strong long-lived taproot on mature trees.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Norway Maple

    Acer platanoides

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Dense, shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Norway Spruce

    Picea abies

    Height
    40-60 ft in yards; can exceed 100 ft
    Spread
    25-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Ohio Buckeye

    Aesculus glabra

    Height
    20-40 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    20-35 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fairly shallow and spreading, with a short taproot on young trees.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Osage Orange

    Maclura pomifera

    Height
    30-50 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium to fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and spreading, with tough, orange-tinted roots.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Overcup Oak

    Quercus lyrata

    Height
    40-70 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide and fairly shallow in wet soil.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Paper Birch

    Betula papyrifera

    Height
    50-70 ft
    Spread
    25-35 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-6
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Pecan

    Carya illinoinensis

    Height
    70-100 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    40-75 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: A deep taproot that makes the tree strong in wind and hard to transplant, with wide spreading side roots.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Pin Oak

    Quercus palustris

    Height
    60-70 ft
    Spread
    25-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous, with no deep taproot.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Pinyon Pine

    Pinus edulis

    Height
    10-35 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    10-25 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A deep taproot when young, then a wide and fairly shallow root system that reaches far for water.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Pitch Pine

    Pinus rigida

    Height
    40-60 ft, often shorter on poor sites
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep and wide on sandy ground, and tolerant of poor, dry or acidic soil.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Ponderosa Pine

    Pinus ponderosa

    Height
    60-100 ft, often taller in the wild
    Spread
    25-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: A deep taproot when young, with wide side roots later.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Post Oak

    Quercus stellata

    Height
    35-60 ft
    Spread
    30-45 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep and spreading, suited to dry, sandy or clay upland soils.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Quaking Aspen

    Populus tremuloides

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    20-30 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    1-6
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Queen Palm

    Syagrus romanzoffiana

    Height
    25-50 ft
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    9-11
    Type
    Palm
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fibrous roots in a shallow root ball.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Red Maple

    Acer rubrum

    Height
    40-70 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Red Mulberry

    Morus rubra

    Height
    35-50 ft
    Spread
    30-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow to medium, spreading and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Red Pine

    Pinus resinosa

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    20-35 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-5
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fairly deep for a pine, with a taproot when young and strong lateral roots on sandy ground.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • River Birch

    Betula nigra

    Height
    40-70 ft
    Spread
    30-60 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous, with good tolerance for wet and occasionally flooded soil.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Royal Paulownia

    Paulownia tomentosa

    Height
    30-60 ft
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Wide-spreading, with strong sprouting ability.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Sassafras

    Sassafras albidum

    Height
    30-60 ft
    Spread
    25-40 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading, with a deep taproot when young.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Scarlet Oak

    Quercus coccinea

    Height
    60-80 ft
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium to fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep taproot when young, then a wide, spreading root system.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Shagbark hickory

    Carya ovata

    Height
    70-90 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: A deep taproot with spreading side roots.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Shumard Oak

    Quercus shumardii

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep, spreading root system.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Siberian Elm

    Ulmus pumila

    Height
    50-70 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow, aggressive and widespread.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Silver Maple

    Acer saccharinum

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    35-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow, wide and aggressive.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Sitka Spruce

    Picea sitchensis

    Height
    70-120 ft in yards, much taller in coastal forests
    Spread
    20-40 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    6-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Slash Pine

    Pinus elliottii

    Height
    60-100 ft
    Spread
    20-35 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    7-11
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: A taproot when young, then a spread of lateral roots.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Sourwood

    Oxydendrum arboreum

    Height
    25-50 ft
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Moderately deep and fibrous.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Southern Live Oak

    Quercus virginiana

    Height
    40-80 ft
    Spread
    60-100 ft or more
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    7-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Wide and shallow, spreading far beyond the canopy.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Southern Magnolia

    Magnolia grandiflora

    Height
    60-80 ft
    Spread
    30-40 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-10
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow, wide and fleshy.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Southern Red Oak

    Quercus falcata

    Height
    60-80 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep taproot when young and a wide, strong root system later.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Sugar Maple

    Acer saccharum

    Height
    60-75 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Moderately deep but spreading, with many shallow feeder roots.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Sugar Pine

    Pinus lambertiana

    Height
    100-200 ft
    Spread
    25-40 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: A strong taproot early on, then deep, spreading roots on good soil.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Swamp White Oak

    Quercus bicolor

    Height
    50-60 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    50-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-8
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Deep taproot when young and a wide, fibrous root system later.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • Sweet Birch

    Betula lenta

    Height
    40-60 ft
    Spread
    30-45 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    3-7
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fairly shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Sweetgum

    Liquidambar styraciflua

    Height
    60-80 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Fairly shallow and spreading with a few deeper roots.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Tree of Heaven

    Ailanthus altissima

    Height
    40-70 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and spreading, with strong root suckering.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Tulip Poplar

    Liriodendron tulipifera

    Height
    70-90 ft
    Spread
    35-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep, fleshy roots that spread wide.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Valley Oak

    Quercus lobata

    Height
    40-70 ft, some old trees much taller
    Spread
    40-80 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    7-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep and wide.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Virginia Pine

    Pinus virginiana

    Height
    15-40 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    10-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    4-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Water Oak

    Quercus nigra

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    40-60 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    6-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Fairly shallow and spreading.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Weeping Willow

    Salix babylonica and hybrids (Salix x sepulcralis)

    Height
    30-50 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Fast
    Zones
    4-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    High

    Roots: Shallow, wide and thirsty.

    Full guide

    High storm risk

  • Western Hemlock

    Tsuga heterophylla

    Height
    70-150 ft, taller in old forests
    Spread
    15-30 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    6-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and spreading, with no deep taproot.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Western Red Cedar

    Thuja plicata

    Height
    50-70 ft in yards, 150-200 ft in old forest
    Spread
    15-25 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-8
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and fibrous, with a wide spread.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • White Ash

    Fraxinus americana

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    40-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Deep, branching root system on good soil, though roots stay shallow where soil is thin or wet.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • White Fir

    Abies concolor

    Height
    40-70 ft in yards, up to 100 ft or more in the wild
    Spread
    15-30 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    4-7
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Moderately deep, with a spreading system.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • White Oak

    Quercus alba

    Height
    50-80 ft
    Spread
    50-80 ft
    Growth
    Slow
    Zones
    3-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Low

    Roots: Young trees grow a deep taproot.

    Full guide

    Low storm risk

  • White Spruce

    Picea glauca

    Height
    40-60 ft, sometimes taller
    Spread
    10-20 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    2-6
    Type
    Evergreen
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Shallow and wide-spreading.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Willow Oak

    Quercus phellos

    Height
    40-75 ft
    Spread
    30-50 ft
    Growth
    Medium
    Zones
    5-9
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Mostly fibrous and fairly shallow, with a wide spread.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

  • Yellow Birch

    Betula alleghaniensis

    Height
    60-75 ft, sometimes taller in old forests
    Spread
    30-45 ft
    Growth
    Slow to medium
    Zones
    3-6
    Type
    Deciduous
    Storm risk
    Medium

    Roots: Wide and fairly shallow, with many fine roots.

    Full guide

    Medium storm risk

How the picker works

  1. Region: a species stays on the list if your region is one of the regions in its profile.
  2. Zone: it stays if your zone number is between the lowest and highest zone the species is rated for.
  3. Height: it stays if the top of its typical yard height (for example 70 in "40-70 ft") is at or below the height you have room for.
  4. Growth, storm risk and type: it stays if its rating is one you picked.
  5. Result: only species that pass every filter you set are shown. A filter on "Any" lets everything through. Nothing is scored or ranked.

Heights, zones and ratings come from our species library and are typical ranges, so treat the list as an estimate. Some species can grow much taller than the range shown (for example in old forests), so check the full guide. Your soil, sun, water and space all matter.

All 120 species at a glance

The same data as the picker, in one table. Tap a name for the full guide.

Tree species with height, growth rate, storm risk, type and USDA zones
Species Height Growth Storm risk Type Zones
American Beech 50-70 ft, sometimes taller Slow Medium Deciduous 3-9
American Chestnut Historically 60-100 ft; most surviving trees are sprouts of 10-30 ft Fast when young Medium Deciduous 4-8
American Elm 60-80 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 3-9
American Holly 15-30 ft, sometimes taller in the wild Slow Low Evergreen 5-9
American Hornbeam 20-35 ft Slow Low Deciduous 3-9
American Linden 50-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-8
American sycamore 75-100 ft, sometimes taller Fast High Deciduous 4-9
Arborvitae 20-40 ft; many garden varieties stay 10-20 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 2-7
Atlantic White Cedar 40-80 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 4-8
Bald Cypress 50-70 ft, taller in the wild Medium Low Deciduous 4-10
Balsam Fir 40-60 ft Slow Medium Evergreen 3-5
Bigleaf Maple 50-100 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 5-9
Bigtooth Aspen 40-60 ft, sometimes taller Fast High Deciduous 3-6
Bitternut Hickory 50-75 ft, sometimes taller Medium Low Deciduous 4-9
Black Cherry 50-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-9
Black Locust 40-70 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 3-8
Black Oak 50-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-9
Black walnut 50-75 ft, sometimes taller Medium Medium Deciduous 4-9
Black Willow 30-60 ft, sometimes taller Fast High Deciduous 3-9
Blackgum 30-60 ft Slow Low Deciduous 4-9
Blue Palo Verde 15-30 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 8-11
Boxelder 30-50 ft Fast High Deciduous 2-9
Bradford Pear 30-50 ft Fast High Deciduous 5-9
Bur Oak 60-80 ft, sometimes taller Slow Low Deciduous 3-8
Butternut 40-60 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-7
Cabbage Palm 40-65 ft Slow Low Palm 8-11
Canary Island Date Palm 40-60 ft Slow to medium Low Palm 9-11
Chestnut Oak 50-70 ft Slow to medium Low Deciduous 4-8
Chinese Pistache 30-50 ft Medium Low Deciduous 6-9
Chinkapin Oak 40-60 ft, sometimes taller Medium Low Deciduous 5-8
Coast Live Oak 30-70 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 8-10
Coast Redwood 60-100 ft in yards, 200-300+ ft in old groves Fast Medium Evergreen 7-9
Colorado Blue Spruce 30-60 ft in yards; up to 80-100 ft in the wild Slow Medium Evergreen 2-7
Common Persimmon 35-60 ft Slow Low Deciduous 4-9
Crape Myrtle 15-25 ft (varies by variety) Medium Low Deciduous 6-9
Douglas-fir 40-80 ft in yards; 100-250 ft in old forests Medium Medium Evergreen 4-6
Eastern cottonwood 70-100 ft, sometimes taller Fast High Deciduous 2-9
Eastern Hemlock 40-70 ft Slow Medium Evergreen 3-7
Eastern Hophornbeam 25-40 ft Slow Low Deciduous 3-9
Eastern Red Cedar 30-65 ft Medium Low Evergreen 2-9
Eastern Redbud 20-30 ft Medium Low Deciduous 4-9
Eastern White Pine 50-80 ft, sometimes taller Fast Medium Evergreen 3-8
Engelmann Spruce 50-100 ft in yards, taller in mountain forests Slow Medium Evergreen 2-5
Eucalyptus 40-150+ ft, depending on species Fast High Evergreen 8-10
Flowering Dogwood 15-30 ft Slow Low Deciduous 5-9
Giant Sequoia 150-250 ft in the wild, usually less in yards Fast Medium Evergreen 6-8
Ginkgo 50-80 ft Slow Low Deciduous 3-8
Green Ash 50-70 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 3-9
Hackberry 40-60 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 2-9
Honey Mesquite 20-40 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 6-10
Honeylocust 30-70 ft Medium Low Deciduous 3-9
Horse Chestnut 50-75 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-7
Incense Cedar 50-100 ft, taller in forests Slow Low Evergreen 5-8
Jack Pine 30-70 ft, often 40-50 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 2-6
Japanese Maple 15-25 ft, some types smaller Slow Low Deciduous 5-8
Japanese Zelkova 50-80 ft Medium to fast Medium Deciduous 5-8
Kentucky Coffeetree 60-75 ft Slow to medium Low Deciduous 3-8
Lacebark Elm 40-50 ft Medium Low Deciduous 5-9
Laurel Oak 60-80 ft Fast High Deciduous 7-9
Leyland Cypress 50-70 ft Fast High Evergreen 6-10
Loblolly Pine 60-90 ft, sometimes taller Fast High Evergreen 6-9
Lodgepole Pine 40-80 ft inland, shorter on the coast Medium Medium Evergreen 3-7
London Planetree 70-100 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 5-8
Longleaf Pine 80-100 ft Slow Low Evergreen 7-10
Mexican Fan Palm 70-100 ft Fast Medium Palm 9-11
Mimosa 20-40 ft Fast High Deciduous 6-9
Mockernut Hickory 50-80 ft Slow Low Deciduous 4-9
Monterey Pine 60-100 ft Fast High Evergreen 8-10
Northern Catalpa 40-60 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 4-8
Northern Red Oak 60-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-8
Norway Maple 40-60 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-7
Norway Spruce 40-60 ft in yards; can exceed 100 ft Medium High Evergreen 3-7
Ohio Buckeye 20-40 ft, sometimes taller Slow to medium Medium Deciduous 3-7
Osage Orange 30-50 ft Medium to fast Low Deciduous 4-9
Overcup Oak 40-70 ft Slow to medium Medium Deciduous 5-9
Paper Birch 50-70 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 2-6
Pecan 70-100 ft, sometimes taller Medium Medium Deciduous 5-9
Pin Oak 60-70 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 4-8
Pinyon Pine 10-35 ft, sometimes taller Slow Low Evergreen 4-8
Pitch Pine 40-60 ft, often shorter on poor sites Medium Medium Evergreen 4-7
Ponderosa Pine 60-100 ft, often taller in the wild Medium Medium Evergreen 3-7
Post Oak 35-60 ft Slow Low Deciduous 5-9
Quaking Aspen 40-60 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 1-6
Queen Palm 25-50 ft Medium Medium Palm 9-11
Red Maple 40-70 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-9
Red Mulberry 35-50 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 5-9
Red Pine 50-80 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 2-5
River Birch 40-70 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 4-9
Royal Paulownia 30-60 ft Fast High Deciduous 5-9
Sassafras 30-60 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 4-9
Scarlet Oak 60-80 ft Medium to fast Medium Deciduous 4-9
Shagbark hickory 70-90 ft Slow Low Deciduous 4-8
Shumard Oak 50-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 5-9
Siberian Elm 50-70 ft Fast High Deciduous 3-9
Silver Maple 50-80 ft Fast High Deciduous 3-9
Sitka Spruce 70-120 ft in yards, much taller in coastal forests Fast Medium Evergreen 6-8
Slash Pine 60-100 ft Fast High Evergreen 7-11
Sourwood 25-50 ft Slow Low Deciduous 5-9
Southern Live Oak 40-80 ft Medium Low Evergreen 7-10
Southern Magnolia 60-80 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 6-10
Southern Red Oak 60-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 6-9
Sugar Maple 60-75 ft, sometimes taller Slow Low Deciduous 3-8
Sugar Pine 100-200 ft Medium Medium Evergreen 6-8
Swamp White Oak 50-60 ft, sometimes taller Medium Low Deciduous 3-8
Sweet Birch 40-60 ft Slow to medium Medium Deciduous 3-7
Sweetgum 60-80 ft, sometimes taller Medium Medium Deciduous 5-9
Tree of Heaven 40-70 ft Fast High Deciduous 4-9
Tulip Poplar 70-90 ft Fast Medium Deciduous 4-9
Valley Oak 40-70 ft, some old trees much taller Medium Medium Deciduous 7-9
Virginia Pine 15-40 ft, sometimes taller Medium High Evergreen 4-8
Water Oak 50-80 ft Fast High Deciduous 6-9
Weeping Willow 30-50 ft Fast High Deciduous 4-9
Western Hemlock 70-150 ft, taller in old forests Medium Medium Evergreen 6-8
Western Red Cedar 50-70 ft in yards, 150-200 ft in old forest Medium Medium Evergreen 5-8
White Ash 50-80 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 3-9
White Fir 40-70 ft in yards, up to 100 ft or more in the wild Slow to medium Medium Evergreen 4-7
White Oak 50-80 ft Slow Low Deciduous 3-9
White Spruce 40-60 ft, sometimes taller Medium Medium Evergreen 2-6
Willow Oak 40-75 ft Medium Medium Deciduous 5-9
Yellow Birch 60-75 ft, sometimes taller in old forests Slow to medium Medium Deciduous 3-6

More: the full tree library · pests and diseases · guides for homeowners · when to prune

Questions about picking a tree

How does the tree picker choose trees?

It shows every species in our tree library that matches all the filters you set: region, the most height you have room for, growth rate, storm risk, tree type and, if you pick one, your USDA zone. A filter left on "Any" does not remove anything. It is a filter, not a ranking, and the results are a starting list, not advice for your exact yard.

How much space does a large shade tree need?

It depends on the species. Look at the mature height and spread on each result and plan for the full spread, not the trunk. As a rough rule, keep large trees well away from the house, the driveway and any overhead lines, and check the full species page for root notes.

What is my USDA hardiness zone?

Your zone comes from the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which you can look up by ZIP code on the USDA website. Zones run from 1 (coldest) to 13 (warmest). Pick yours in the zone filter to hide trees that are not rated for your winters.

Which trees are least likely to break in a storm?

Use the storm risk filter and choose "Low only". Species with dense wood and good branch structure usually rate lower, and the rating on each card shows which ones. A young tree pruned well while small also holds up better. No tree is storm-proof.

Should I avoid fast-growing trees?

Not always. Fast growers give shade sooner, but many have weaker wood, shorter lives and more storm breakage. If you want a fast grower, pick one rated low or medium storm risk and plant it away from the house.

Why are some trees missing for my region?

The region list on each species shows where it is commonly grown or native in our library. A tree may still grow in your area. Check the species page, your local extension service or a nursery near you.

Can a tree crew use this tool?

Yes. Crews and estimators can use it to answer a customer who asks "what should I plant instead?" after a removal. Filter by the space left, print the short list and leave it with the customer. Every result links to a species page with pruning windows and crew notes.

Is the storm risk rating a hazard assessment of my tree?

No. It is a general rating for the species. Whether your own tree is safe depends on its health, cracks, decay, lean and site. For a tree you are worried about, have a certified arborist or an insured local tree service look at it.

How far from my house should I plant a tree?

Plan by the mature spread of the species, not the size of the young tree. Our tree planting distance calculator gives rule-of-thumb distances for the house, driveway and power lines. Call 811 before you dig.

Is anything I choose sent to Lirevon?

No. The filtering runs in your browser. Your choices are only kept in this browser on this device so they are set next time. Clear your browser data to remove them.

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