Know What’s Growing in Your Yard — and What It Needs Minnesota’s extreme climate shapes what grows here. Our trees survive scorching summers, brutal winters, and severe storms — but each species handles that stress differently. Here’s a quick guide to the trees you’re most likely to find on a southwest Twin Cities metro property, from the experts at Natures Touch Tree Care & Landscaping. Oaks: The Metro’s Long-Lived Giants Red oaks, white oaks, and bur oaks dominate many established neighborhoods. They’re strong, long-lived, and valuable — a mature oak can add real money to a property. The big threat is oak wilt, which kills red oaks especially fast. Avoid pruning oaks in spring and early summer, when sap beetles can carry the fungus to fresh cuts. Maples: Fall Color Champions Sugar maples deliver the brilliant fall color Minnesota is known for, while silver and red maples grow fast and shade yards quickly. Silver maples, however, are prone to weak branch unions and storm breakage. Mature silver maples benefit from regular structural pruning. Ash: A Species in Crisis Green and white ash were planted heavily across the metro for decades — which is exactly why emerald ash borer has been…

Common Minnesota Tree Species: A Homeowner’s Guide