Street Tree Selections and Biodiversity

Biological diversification is a major tool to employ in protecting your community's forest. Many cities rely heaviliy on a limited number of tree species when planning their urban forests. This site is intended to assist cities in zones 4-6 (primariliy in areas which exceed 20" annual rainfall) in selecting new trees to plant that will increase diversity in urban forests. To find out why Biodiversity is important, please read: Shade Trees and Biodiversity in the Urban Environment .

Zones 4-6 include the New England States, The Great Lakes States, The Ohio Valley States, As well as many of the central and Southern Plains States. To find out what zone your state is in, please click on: THE USDA PLANT HARDINESS ZONE MAP. Many of the trees discussed on this site should do well as far south as zone 7 or 8, however, planners are encouraged to research new trees to make sure they are not only compatible with the temperatures in your area, but with the sources of diseases and pests as well.

Red maples, sugar maples, silver maples, Norway maples, and Honey Locust are among the species most overplanted in urban areas in zones 4-6. This page will attempt to provide basic information about trees that your community can try. Remember, every site is different. The following is a general guide.