What to Plant
Think about the kind of features you might like your tree to have. Do you want it to provide lots of shade? Great fall color? Edible fruit or fragrant flowers? Minimal maintenance? With these factors in mind, you'll be able to narrow down the perfect tree for your yard.
Native vs. Non-Native vs. Invasive
Why are these distinctions important? TreesLouisville will plant both native and non-native species at projects, but will never plant invasive species. While we would love to only plant native species, it is important to remember that urban planting sites like tree wells and asphalt parking lots are not 'native' environments, and can present challenging conditions (soil compaction and pollution, for example). In these scenarios, we select trees which will be most adaptable, which include some non-native species.
We also plan for future conditions. Climate change is already causing warmer than average temperatures and more significant drought and precipitation events. Some native trees may no longer thrive in these new conditions, so we must find more resilient species that typically grow in other climate zones.
Native
A species that has existed and adapted historically in that area
Non-Native
A species that has not historically existed in the area and has been introduced due to human activities.
Invasive
A species that is non-native to particular ecosystems and the introduction of them is likely to cause economic, environmental, or human health harm.
Recommended Trees for Kentucky
Large Canopy Trees
Large canopy trees can reach 50 feet to 100 feet tall at maturity, depending on the species. These trees are excellent for providing lots of shade and habitat for wildlife. Oaks, for example, are some of the most important native trees for our local ecosystem and can support thousands of different birds, mammals, and insects. The sprawling canopy of large trees also helps to slow the flow of rainwater and prevent flooding.
Medium Canopy Trees
Medium-size trees grow to be 30-50 feet in height at maturity. These trees are a great option if you are seeking shade for your property but don't have the space needed for a large canopy tree.
Small Canopy/Understory Tress
Small, understory trees typically do not exceed 30 feet at full size. Understory trees are excellent for planting in small yards or under powerlines, where space is a concern. Many understory trees also offer beautiful flowers or unique bark textures.
