The following list of trees has been placed on file with the Village for use by developers, businesses and individuals seeking advice on the types of trees to use:
Some consider streets more attractive when they contain only one kind of tree species. However, the pest risk is multiplied in that situation; therefore, such plantings should be made with caution.
Tree selection is extremely important in ensuring survivability and long-term health of trees. The most important thing to remember when selecting trees is to match the tree to the site, not the site to the tree. Where you have space for a large species always plant a large species. It is the large tree species that will give the Village of Yellow Springs the most benefits in the long run. In addition, they tend to be longer lived than smaller species when planted in the right location.
Tree species diversity is important to a healthy, resilient community tree population, as well as age diversity. A good rule to follow for the community urban forest as a whole is the 10-20-30 Rule. The breakdown to shoot for is no more than 30% of a single family, 20% of a single genus (maple, oak, etc.), and no more than 10% of a single species. This can be accomplished by street or by the community as a whole.
The trees suggested in this list were selected because their characteristics make them suitable for urban and home use. The criteria used include: deep roots, minimal fruit or leaf litter, regular and predictable form, stress tolerance, disease and insect resistance, transplanting facility, availability and ornamental value.
Due to the culture and goals set forth by the Yellow Springs community, native tree species should be given preference where a native species will thrive within the constraints of diversity goals. All of the trees listed below are good for planting in both tree lawn areas and for landscape use in yards.
Small Trees with single-stem forms (under 25 feet at maturity) - If planting in the tree lawn, the width should be at least three feet.
Native
Serviceberry (Amelachier canadensis)
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)
American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana)
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
Sweet bay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Non-Native
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala)
Paperbark Maple (Acer griseum)
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)
Flowering Crabapple (Malus sp.) Selected cultivars with small or minimal fruit and disease resistance
Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
Medium Trees (under 40 feet at maturity) - If planting in the tree lawn, the width should be at least five feet.
Native
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)
Eastern hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Canada Red Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
Sassafras (Sassafras albidium)
Non-Native
State Street Maple (Acer miyabi)
Sargent Cherry (Prunus sargentii)
Japanese pagoda (Sophora japonica)
Littleleaf Linden (Tilia cordata)
Silver Linden (Tilia tormentosa)
Large Trees (no wires) - If planting in the tree lawn, the width should be at least seven feet.
Native
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)
Yellowwood (Cladrastis lutea)
Beech (Fagus grandifolia)
Thornless Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) such as 'Sunburst' or 'Imperial'
Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus)
Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) Seedless cultivars
Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera)
Cucumbertree (Magnolia acuminata)
Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica)
White Oak (Quercus alba)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea)
Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricarlia)
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinus)
Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii)
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
Basswood (Tilia americana)
Non-Native
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) male Cultivar tree species only! Cultivars such as 'Magyar' or 'Autumn Gold'
London Planetree (Platanus x acerfolia)
Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifolla)
Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata) such as 'Green Vase'
Trees Not Recommended for Tree Lawn Areas (can be planted for landscape use in yards).
Box Elder (Acer negundo)
Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)
Buckeye or Horsechestnut (Aesculus species)
Birch (Betula specles)
Northern Catalpa (Catalpa)
Ginkgo-female (Ginkgo biloba)
Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)
Common fruit trees
Mulberry (Morus)
Poplar (Populus species)
Willow (Salix species)
European Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia)
Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
Norway Maple
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Flowering Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Selected cultivars
Ash (Fraxinus sp.)
Program to Remove Invasive Species to Protect the Health of your Mature Trees:
Ailanthus (Ailanthus altissima)
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Bush Honeysuckle
Autumn Olive
Buckthorn
Flowering Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Selected cultivars
Do Not Use Trees (for tree lawn areas or new developments)
Osage Orange (Maclura pomifera)
Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila)
Flowering Pear (Pyrus calleryana) Selected cultivars
Ash (Fraxinus sp.)
(Ord. 2017-39. Passed 11-7-17.)