Best Trees to Plant in Chicago’s Climate: Insights from a Tree Care Contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois
Chicago weather can be hard on trees. It gets frigid in the winter and hot in the summer. Sometimes, we get heavy winds or strong storms too. All that can make it tough for some trees to survive or stay healthy.
If you want your trees to last for many years and still look good, you’ll need to plant ones that can handle our weather. With that in mind, this tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois is going to explain which trees are best for this region.
Tree selection is crucial.
You can’t just pick any tree you see at the store and expect it to do well. Some trees don’t like cold weather and might not survive the winter. Others grow too fast and end up weak or messy. Some are more likely to get sick, and a few spread too much and start pushing out other plants.
Experienced tree care contractors in Lake Forest, Illinois see these problems all the time. They understand which trees do well in this soil and the type of weather we experience every season.
The best trees for Chicago’s climate.
Oaks are a great choice if you want something strong. Two types that grow well here are White Oak and Bur Oak. These are native to Illinois, which means they have always grown here and know how to handle the local conditions. They can take dry weather, strong winds, and even city pollution. With good care, they can live for generations.
If you don’t have much space, you can still plant something beautiful. Redbud and Serviceberry are smaller trees that fit better in tighter yards. They both bloom nicely in the spring and bring some color early in the year.
Eastern Red-cedar is another good choice. It keeps its green color all winter, which is nice when everything else looks bare. It also grows well in rough soil, dry conditions, and strong winds. If you want something that gives you privacy or keeps your yard green year-round, get this one.
Trees that shine in the fall.
Fall is one of the prettiest times in Chicago. Some trees stand out during this season. Sugar Maple and Sassafras turn bright red and orange, which makes your yard look amazing when the leaves start to change. If you prefer yellow leaves, Tuliptree and American Hornbeam are both good options. Their golden tones shine in the fall light.
But a tree should not just look nice. It also needs to be strong and easy to maintain. That’s why talking to a local tree care contractor can help. They will make sure the tree looks good now and does not cause problems later.
Trees you should avoid.
Some trees look nice at first, but they end up being more trouble than they are worth. Bradford Pear is one of those. It looks pretty for a while, but the branches break easily, and it spreads too fast. Colorado Blue Spruce is another one that people often plant, but it does not do well here.
Silver Maple and Cottonwood grow quickly, which might sound good, but they come with problems. Their roots grow near the surface and can break sidewalks or get into pipes. They also drop a lot of leaves and branches, so they make a mess.
Some trees are just bad for the environment. Buckthorn and Tree of Heaven grow way too fast and crowd out other plants. They can take over a whole area if you are not careful. It is better to skip these altogether.
If you are still not sure what to plant, you can always reach out to a professional tree care contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois for advice.
Looking for a Tree Care Contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois?
Are you thinking about planting new trees this season? If so, and if you are ready to work with the best tree contractor in Lake Forest, Illinois, look no further than Brown Tree Service, Inc. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists will help you choose the right trees for your property and maintain them to ensure they stay healthy for years. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
