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What tree to plant #926950

Asked March 28, 2026, 10:56 AM EDT

We are looking for recommendations on what tree to plant in our backyard. We live next to a wetland. Every time it rains or storms, or in the spring when the snow melts, we have a lot of standing water that extends about 20 ft from the white fence (photo). Throughout the summer the ground in half of our yard stays pretty wet. We are going to relocate the apple tree (the one with the white tree guard) because it's never been very happy in that spot, and we are wondering what we could plant there instead. Close by is a silver maple and a red maple tree planted in recent years that so far seem to be happy. Also considering planting some more willow trees on the other side of our fence (our property technically extends pretty far on that side). Thanks!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning, 

Thank you for reaching out to the U of M Extension Service. I can point you to several tree and shrub option that would be good for your yard. Attached to this email, is a document that includes tree and shrub recommendations for pollinators. This document will also tell you if the plant is tolerant to moist soils. You might consider planting some shrubs in front of your fence, along with some trees to create a pollinator habitat. Our pollinators are dying for lack of habitat and quality forage. 

Here is a link to the MN Dept of Natural Resources about river birch: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/river-birch.html

Here is another link to the MN Dept of Natural Resources about MN native trees: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/native-trees.html

Here is another link about tree care advocate: https://mntca.umn.edu/resources If you scroll down, there are sections about tree selection

Good Luck!

Maureen Graber Replied March 28, 2026, 11:15 AM EDT

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