I would like to plant two... - Ask Extension
I would like to plant two pine trees in the back of my small yard. I live in Duluth (on the hill). The trees will be exposed to high winds. I want ...
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I would like to plant two... #147884
Asked August 19, 2013, 8:33 AM EDT
I would like to plant two pine trees in the back of my small yard. I live in Duluth (on the hill). The trees will be exposed to high winds. I want the trees to be reasonably fast growing and not extremely tall. I also do not want to plant trees that are not suited to the climate here or that will easily fall prey to diseases. Would you be able to help me with selection and provide me with the name of a responsible nursery that could help me plant trees and would give me correct guidance on their care?
St. Louis County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for the question. I’m glad you are doing your research before selecting and planting trees for your landscape. While long-term success isn’t guaranteed, you will stack the odds in your favor by doing this. Selecting landscape trees is personal preference and each site is unique. Also, no tree is disease free but the proper selection and care will help ensure healthy trees that can resist disease and insect problems. I would recommend a soil test because certain trees like white pine do better in acid soils. Here is the link with the form on how to submit a soil sample: http://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/files/2012/06/Lawn-Garden-Soil-Sample-Information-Sheet-2013.pdfI’m not sure of your mature height requirements, so I’m including a link to our University of Minnesota Extension publication: Choosing landscape evergreens http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1430.html. This publication lists mugo pine and savin juniper as small tough evergreens that you might like. White pine (60 feet) and black hills spruce (40 feet) might also do well but may get too big for your site. Since you have the added challenge of high winds and hill side planting, I would suggest that you contact local nurseries to find out what does well in exposed areas like yours. As best I can tell, you are in planting zone 3a-3b so you have to be careful that whatever you select is hardy in your area. Again, a local nursery can provide much more exact information for you. I would also contact your St. Louis County Extension office for guidance on reputable nurseries that can plant and then help care for the trees. Here is the link to your local extension offices: http://www.extension.umn.edu/county/template/index.aspx?countyID=74 You should avoid Colorado Blue Spruce as they do not do well long term in our climate.
