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Everything You Need to Know About Street Trees!

Everything You Need to Know About Street Trees! - Nature Hills Nursery

Charlotte Weidner |

The Boulevard! Defined by its overlapping canopy of high-arching tree limbs that cool and shade your drive. Enveloping you in class as you drive down the shaded living tunnel they create. Once great street trees like Elms, Maples, Oaks, and Sycamores are the reason so many streets carry these names! The allure of the street tree sets entire neighborhoods apart from the rest! Whole communities can be associated with a prominent type of tree planted in their area!

But with the need for wider streets, more traffic, and on-street parking access, the room allotted for the once-mighty street tree has almost next to nothing! Now Maple Avenue, Elm Drive, and Linden Street carry those names long after their namesakes were lost to storms, insect infestation, or burgeoning population growth.

Bringing Back the Street Tree!

street trees

The late 1800s saw the rise of the street tree, the need for parks, tree installation, and urban beautification. Today, properties large and small benefit from streetside plantings, shade, aesthetic beauty, and all of the following benefits that a few trees can have on your entire neighborhood.

The key to all new street tree urban plantings is diversity! Gone are the days when we line a street with all the same trees. A nice, diverse, urban forest will better be able to withstand insect and disease pressure because it won't affect all of the same trees in a row.

Property Values

You’ll see a rise in your property value with each tree you and your neighbors install! Not just fantastic at reducing cooling costs, but also improving the resale value of your home too! Everyone in some way keeps up with the Joneses. While we don’t expect you to get all your neighbors together and plant the same tree to get the same effect, it’s amazing the domino effect planting one or two trees in your yard has on the entire neighborhood! Even if just your property has a tree or two, it will benefit everyone on the block!

dawn redwood

Physical, Emotional & Physical Health

These living air conditioners improve air quality, reduce pollution, dampen sound and calm the mind, body, and spirit! Lower pollution, and carbon dioxide and clean the air naturally with these living air filters! You’ll be more prone to slow down, take a deep breath and relax when surrounded by these big green limbs. Heart rate and blood pressure drop significantly. Check out the Many Health Benefits of Gardening in our Garden Blog.

Tree-lined streets are nicer to walk the dog and ride a bike along. People tend to be more active along cooler, more oxygen-rich spaces. Surrounding yourself with trees and plants reduces cortisol levels, reduces depression and anxiety! Helping with both mental, emotional, and physical health, trees are a fantastic way to help you and future generations feel better!

  • Golden Rain Tree
  • Dutch Elm Resistant Elm Trees - New Horizon Elm
  • Beech Trees

Slow Traffic & Calms Road Rage

Another direct effect a tree-lined street has is on traffic and drivers themselves! By not just cooling streets, the trees cool hotheads and slow down traffic. The calming effect can be seen in many traffic studies and in our mental health!

fall color trees

Try planting an outstanding blooming tree or unusual tree no one else has seen before in your area for a real traffic-slowing effect!

Slows Water Runoff & Filters Water

Slowing water as it pours over pavement and ground reduces flooding and erosion. All that water dumping into the sewers and drains carries rubbish, chemicals, and other things we don’t want in our groundwater. Clogging drains and utilities with debris. Trees slow the rain, slow water runoff, and help slow erosion while filtering and sequestering that water before it can end up in the ground or drain system. A few trees are a great method of natural water management.

  • Modesto Ash
  • Amur Chokecherry
  • Red Buckeye

Cools Temperature

Trees lower the temperature, offer shade, and also transpire water vapor into the air. Read in our Garden Blog about the cooling effect of trees here!

Urban areas are always hotter than rural areas because of fewer lawns and trees, and the prevalence of concrete, brick, and asphalt that absorbs sunlight and hold heat longer - releasing it long after the temps cool and the sun has gone down.

  • Single-Stem River Birch
  • Newport Plum
  • Burgundy Sweetgum

Most Commonly Used Street Trees & Their Modern Alternatives

Flowering Trees

Flowering Cherry Trees

Flowering Crabapple

Dogwood Trees

Large Hardwood Trees

  • Hickory
  • Sycamore
  • Walnut
  • Oak - Try a Nuttall Oak

Hornbeam

  • Columnar European or Frans Fontaine Hornbeam
  • Native Flame® American Hornbeam

Maples

Unique Street Trees

Other Flowering Trees

What to Consider When Selecting a Street Tree

Street trees need to have high drought tolerance, the ability to thrive in urban environments, very little soil, pollution, soil compaction, road salt, and utilities.

Take into account the mature height and width of your tree, and the expected canopy size at maturity. Find a tree for your growing zone, sun requirements (buildings and skyscrapers block a lot of the sun), water needs, soil type, and disease and pest resistance are all things to consider.

Also, urban trees also must contend with very narrow streets or sidewalks, fruit/nut dropping that can be messy, stain pavement, or are hazardous (slippery rotting fruit, rolled ankles on a walnut are not fun!), or even damage cars that must park beneath them.

plants along a street

Choose plants with a smaller footprint (rootprint?) and won’t mind hot ground and pavement nearby, won’t damage sidewalks and asphalt, and can tolerate the acidic conditions that concrete creates as it leaches into the surrounding soil.

Small Space Trees

Tree grates and tree cages may help make city tree plantings look nicer and protect tree roots, but they limit the size your tree can attain. Smaller areas for plant roots and poor soil can naturally stunt plant growth. Columnar Trees have become very popular because they require less pruning on both the sidewalk side and on the street side so the trucks do not tear off the branches.

So choose plants that remain smaller and fit the location, instead of paying hundreds on pruning to keep a large tree small. Instead, choose:

Urban Environments

One side effect of planting trees along the road is salt from winter ice and snow protection and exhaust from cars, let alone urban pollution in general, which means that trees that can tolerate this kind of environment effortlessly.

Shade trees along street

Pollution Resistant

  • Linden
  • Birch Tree
  • Decaf Kentucky Coffeetree

Salt Tolerant

Shallow vs Deep Roots/Tap Roots

Unless you have a wide area and need trees with wide shallow roots to hold soil, and stop erosion, on a slope or have very shallow ground, it’s best to avoid trees with this kind of roots that may break up pavement and sidewalks. Choosing deeply rooted trees that don’t spread out and break up surrounding ground is the best choice for tight spots between road, sidewalk, and driveway.

Power Lines/Underground Utilities

  • Redbud
  • Dwarf Crabapple
  • Smoke Tree

Insect Resistance

insect resistant street trees

The plight of the Elm tree is a testament to choosing a more biodiverse variety of species for street tree installation, as well as insect-resistant varieties. Once one of the most frequently used street trees was the fast-growing Elm. The entire native species was almost wiped out by Dutch Elm disease, leaving barren streets and stumps in its wake in just a few years!

Choosing disease and pest-resistant varieties will ensure that you and future generations will not have this heartbreak.

In addition to reducing the widespread extinction of an entire species, biodiversity and not planting masses of the same type of tree will increase food and shelter availability for wildlife, pollinators, and birds!

Trees to Avoid Along Streets

Avoid trees that can grow larger than 30 feet tall or wide especially if you have power lines above.

  • Catalpa - big roots
  • Silver Maples - large shallow root systems
  • Royal Empress - big root systems
  • Walnuts/Hickory/Chestnuts - hard-shelled fruit
  • Mulberries - messy fruit and stains pavement
  • Black Locust - messy seed pods
  • Invasive plants in your area - Check with your County Extension Office

Giving Trees What They Need

After checking all the boxes for your tree's sun, moisture, and size requirements, the next step to ensure survivability for your tree in these tough conditions is proper care and maintenance.

trees that give shade on the street

So important always to be sure you are not planting your new trees too deep in the ground.

Careful attention to watering the first entire season to get your newly planted trees established well, then continue to water in times of extreme heat and during drought. If staking was required to keep the plant straight when planting, be sure to remove that stake as soon as the plant has established or by the end of the first year as trees grow stronger when the stake comes off and they can move around in the wind.

  • Loosen compacted ground
  • Correct drainage issues
  • Fill with native topsoil
  • Water using the Finger Test Method
  • Mulch the site well - 3 to 4 inches of arborist bark chips
  • Prune to allow headroom for pedestrians & cars to park beneath

Rise of the Modern Street Tree

So plant a few trees and watch as your neighbors follow suit! Then in a few years, you’ll be able to get the dog leash, the baby stroller, and a parasol and feel like you’re promenading down your tree-lined boulevard, under the cooling shade of your own doing!

So start the trend on your block and generations to come will benefit from the fad you start among the neighbors! Nature Hills Nursery is happy to help you start with quality, resistant and hardy trees for you!

Happy Planting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I plant a tree in the strip between the sidewalk and the street?
Yes, you can plant a tree in that strip, commonly called a tree lawn or boulevard strip, but you should check with your local municipality first since many cities have specific rules about species selection, mature size, and required permits. Most cities prefer trees with a mature height of at least 25 feet and a canopy that clears power lines, while avoiding species with aggressive surface roots that can heave sidewalks and curbs. Contact your city's urban forestry or public works department to confirm approved species lists and any planting guidelines before you purchase, and visit naturehills.com to browse street-tough trees like Zelkovas, Oak varieties, and Dawn Redwoods that thrive in tough urban conditions.

How do I choose a street tree that will fit under power lines and overhead clearances?
When selecting a street tree near power lines or overhead infrastructure, focus on trees that naturally mature under 25 feet tall, such as compact ornamental varieties, smaller flowering trees, or columnar forms that grow upright without wide-spreading canopies. Avoid fast-growing large-canopy trees like Maples, Oaks, and Sycamores in these tight spots, as their eventual size will bring them into direct conflict with utilities and require costly pruning. Check with your local utility company for their approved tree list and minimum planting distance requirements before purchasing, as these vary by municipality. Browse Nature Hills' selection of small to medium trees and use the plant detail pages to confirm mature height and spread before making your final choice.

How do I know if a street tree's roots will lift or crack the sidewalk over time?
Root damage to sidewalks is largely determined by tree species selection and planting distance. Trees with aggressive, shallow root systems like Silver Maple, Willow, and Lombardy Poplar are the most common culprits and should be avoided near hardscaping entirely. Deep-rooted species like Oak, Zelkova, and Dawn Redwood are far better choices for parkways, and planting at least 3 to 4 feet from the sidewalk edge gives roots room to establish without causing upheaval. Choose a species suited to your site conditions and consult your local municipality for approved street tree lists, as many cities have already vetted low-risk options for exactly this reason.

Should I use mulch around a street tree, and how far should it be kept from the trunk?
Yes, mulch is highly beneficial for street trees, helping retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and reduce competition from grass and weeds. Apply a 2 to 4 inch layer of organic mulch in a ring extending at least 3 to 4 feet out from the trunk, which mimics the natural leaf litter trees enjoy in woodland settings. Keep mulch pulled back 2 to 3 inches from the base of the trunk to prevent moisture buildup, rot, and pest damage that can weaken or kill the tree. Refresh your mulch layer each spring to maintain proper depth and maximize the benefits throughout the growing season.

Can I plant flowers, groundcovers, or bulbs in a street tree pit without harming the tree?
Yes, you can underplant a street tree pit with compatible plants, but keep a few important guidelines in mind. Avoid disturbing the root zone within 12 to 18 inches of the trunk, and choose shallow-rooted companions like ajuga, sweet woodruff, hostas, or spring bulbs such as crocus and squill that won't compete aggressively for moisture or oxygen. Stick to low-growing plants that won't require heavy soil amendment or frequent digging, which can damage feeder roots close to the surface. Focus on natives or low-maintenance groundcovers suited to your USDA hardiness zone, plant them in fall or early spring, and water consistently until they establish so neither the tree nor its companions suffer from moisture stress.

How do I protect a young street tree from damage caused by mowing equipment, bikes, cars, and foot traffic?
Young street trees are vulnerable to mechanical damage, so install a physical barrier such as a tree guard or protective cage around the trunk immediately after planting. Keep a mulched ring at least 3 to 4 feet in diameter around the base to discourage mowing equipment from getting too close, and apply 2 to 3 inches of wood chip mulch while keeping it a few inches away from the actual trunk to prevent rot. Sturdy rubber or metal tree guards can protect bark from bike locks, car doors, and accidental bumps. Check your guards and mulch ring each spring and after any major weather event, adjusting as the tree grows to ensure the protection stays effective without constricting the trunk.

How do I get permission to plant a tree between the sidewalk and the street?
The strip of land between the sidewalk and street is typically owned by your municipality, so you'll need to check with your local city or county public works department before planting anything there. Many cities have specific street tree programs that may even provide free or subsidized trees along with planting guidelines covering species selection, minimum trunk setbacks, and mature canopy clearance requirements. Contact your local urban forestry office or city hall to request a street tree permit, and ask specifically about their approved species list to ensure your chosen tree meets local ordinance requirements.

What size tree works best when planting in a narrow parkway strip?
For narrow parkway strips, columnar or fastigiate tree forms work best since they grow tall without spreading wide, often staying within 8 to 15 feet in width at maturity. Look for varieties specifically bred for tight urban spaces, such as columnar oaks, fastigiate hornbeams, or narrow zelkovas. Always check the mature width of any variety before purchasing and confirm it meets your local municipality's clearance requirements for overhead utilities and sidewalks.

How do I keep a street tree healthy when it is surrounded by pavement and compacted soil?
Street trees struggle most from compacted soil that limits oxygen and water reaching the roots, so whenever possible, maintain a mulched tree ring at least 3 to 4 feet in diameter around the base, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk itself. Water deeply and infrequently, giving the tree a slow soak once a week during the first two to three years of establishment, especially during summer heat. If pavement is unavoidable, look into structural soil mixes or suspended pavement systems that allow root expansion beneath hardscape. Work with your municipality if the tree is in a public right-of-way, and supplement with a slow-release fertilizer each spring to keep nutrient levels strong despite the challenging conditions.

When is the best time of year to plant a street tree for the strongest establishment?
Fall planting is generally the best time to establish street trees across most of the country, particularly from September through November, as cooler temperatures and increased rainfall allow roots to develop without the stress of summer heat. In warmer zones 7 through 10, winter planting is also highly effective since mild temperatures support root growth even when the tree is dormant. Spring planting works well too, but requires more attentive watering through the first summer. Whichever season you choose, water your new tree deeply once or twice per week for the first two growing seasons to ensure strong establishment.
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