Planting trees - Ask Extension
Hi,
We recently had to cut down all of our ash trees as they were dying due to the ash borer.
We need to plant new trees but having a hard time ...
Knowledgebase
Planting trees #928793
Asked April 18, 2026, 11:31 AM EDT
Hi,
We recently had to cut down all of our ash trees as they were dying due to the ash borer.
We need to plant new trees but having a hard time making a decision.
We live in Hastings MN.
We would like to plant multiple varieties to reduce the risk of loosing multiple trees, again.
The ideas we have so far are a Gingko, Pin Oak or Swamp white oak, Locust, Prince William Maple, and Accolade Elm.
If there are male and female species of these trees, which should we chose?
Others which are beautiful but not sure if they will do well in MN are the Tulip trees.
Thanks for any and all advice!
Katherine
Dakota County Minnesota
Expert Response
The trees you are considering are all suitable for growing in Minnesota. These and other possibilities are discussed in the following publication. Perhaps you have seen it:
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes
When considering dioecious species (having male reproductive organs in one individual and female in another), it's usually best to choose a male specimen. These are less likely to produce objectionable debris.
Tulip trees are considered marginally hardy in Zone 4. It might be ok to grow it on an "experimental" basis.
Learn more here:
https://trees.umn.edu/news/tulip-poplar-liriodendron-tulipifera
https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes
When considering dioecious species (having male reproductive organs in one individual and female in another), it's usually best to choose a male specimen. These are less likely to produce objectionable debris.
Tulip trees are considered marginally hardy in Zone 4. It might be ok to grow it on an "experimental" basis.
Learn more here:
https://trees.umn.edu/news/tulip-poplar-liriodendron-tulipifera
