North Dakota is known by many nicknames, including the Peace Garden State. Here in the Upper Midwest of the United States, the American Elm has been identified as the state tree. The American Elm is native to North American, frequently found throughout the eastern U.S. and Canada. Although Dutch Elm disease has done much to harm the species, the American Elm is hardy and tolerant, surviving well in places where the temperatures drop as low as -42°F. The American Elm is deciduous, hermaphroditic, and tall, reaching well over 100 feet. Although the American Elm grows well throughout North Dakota, the North Dakotan grower has several varieties of tree to choose from when considering planting.
Due to its Upper Midwest geography, distinct seasons, and large size, the smart North Dakotan grower will need to consider the following:
- Climate
- Soil Type
- Average Precipitation
- Irrigation
- Growing Zones
- Weather Damage
Best Trees for North Dakota
Read about the specifics for your state in the following sections. If you’re looking for some quick ideas on what to plant, consider the following trees as expert-tested and The Tree Center approved:
- Hybrid Poplar
Ideal for providing fast-growing shade, year-round beauty, and disease resistance.
- October Glory Maple
Ideal for continuous color, adaptable growing conditions, and landscaping designs.
- Everbearing Strawberry
Ideal for bearing fruit, providing color, and delicious, edible profits.
- Twilight Crape Myrtle
Ideal for providing stunning year-round color, ornamental qualities, drought tolerance.
Fast Growing Privacy Trees in North Dakota
As property in North Dakota continues to be developed, land owners are searching for trees that will provide privacy from prying neighborly eyes and loud, unwanted noise. There are many fast growing privacy trees in North Dakota, which will quickly grow after initial planting to offer your property and family long sought-after privacy.
The Thuja Green Giant, a staple of privacy trees throughout North Dakota, is a fast-growing pine that will quickly provide a barrier between you and your neighbors. Growing between 3-5 feet a year, the Thuja Green Giant will offer your yard classic French design with minimal hassle. Alternatively, the Leyland Cypress and American Holly will also add color and privacy to your yard’s perimeter.
Climate
North Dakota is the 19th largest state, and sits in the center of North America. North Dakota experiences some of the most diverse seasons in the United States, and it is general split into two climatic regions straight down the state. In the east, the state has a humid continental climate with hot, at times humid summers and cold, windy winters. In the west, the state has a semi-arid climate, and both summers and winters are drier, though temperatures remain consistent. Winters can be quite cold, and temperatures drop to as low as -60°F with frequent blizzards. On the other hand, summers remain hot and 120°F temperatures are rare, but possible.
Soil Type
Most trees require well-drained soil rich with minerals to grow. Williams soil covers over 2.2 million North Dakotan acres. Economically valuable, Williams soil is idea for growing all manner of crops, including wheat, barley, and oats. Since grass grows well, much of North Dakota is used as grazing pasture for cattle and livestock. Regardless of the property’s location in The Peace Garden State, a soon-to-be tree planter can perform a simple test to determine his/her soil type.
The test requires a handful of fresh soil from the layer just below the top. It should be damp but not wet. The tester should hold the soil in the palm of his/her hand and, not surprisingly, squeeze. The squeeze will produce one of three events.
1. The soil will hold its shape, likely forming a snake. If you touch the snake, the soil will maintain its original shape. You have CLAY.
2. The soil will hold its shape, likely forming a snake. If you touch the snake, the soil will collapse. You have LOAM.
3. The soil will fall apart as you open your hands. You have SAND.
Once you know what soil type you have, you can find trees best suited to the dirt’s properties. Loam is the best soil to have, as its unique qualities make it ideal for holding and transferring water to trees.
Average Precipitation
North Dakota is far from any source of moisture, the closest water body being Lake Superior. As such, precipitation in the form of rain is moderate to low. In the east, rainfall totals on average 22 inches annually. In the drier west, rainfall remains lower at 14 inches annually. Snowfall is heavier in the winter, and it has snowed in North Dakota in every month but July and August. Blizzards, hail, sleet, and snow have all been known to fall, though the totals are low due to low elevations. The northeast and southwest regions of the state see on average 38 inches of snowfall, while central regions of the state may only see 26 inches of snowfall.
Irrigation
In a state with minimal and inconsistent forms of precipitation, such as North Dakota, irrigation systems can be essential for successful tree growth. Newly planted trees require consistent and controlled access to water, as the stress of transplantation can cause damage to the root and transport systems of the tree. Use of a drip or sprinkler irrigation system can be effective at managing water availability for your new trees.
Growing Zones
North Dakota is home to four unique growing zones, due in large part to its size and lack of geographical anomalies. A growing zone simply refers to the USDA’s determination of areas where certain plants are most likely to thrive, preferring to focus on minimal temperature ranges in which a plant can survive. The southern and eastern areas of the state experience the higher temperature ranges, which can still drop to between -25°F and -30°F for extended periods. Most of the rest of the state falls into zone 3b, where low extended temperatures range from -30°F to -35°F. In the north central region, northwest of Rugby and northeast of Minot, temperatures drop to between -35°F and -40°F.
Weather Damage
Tornadoes and blizzards are the most common severe weather systems to affect the North Dakota region. The number of tornadoes varies widely from year to year; in 2013, North Dakota measured 16 tornadoes, in 2012 the state measured 9 tornadoes, and in 2011 the state measured 59 tornadoes. Blizzards are more common, occurring almost annually. Though snow totals can be minimal, heavy winds usually accompany most storms.
