Tree Recommendations for the Tulsa Area
The following are some recommended trees for planting in the Tulsa area. When it comes time to plant or re-plant trees it is always a good idea to consider neighborhood “friendly” trees. Given the size of most city lots this should be a continuing concern. The following trees all have their individual, special qualities and are height and canopy friendly for use in the city.
FOR THE FRONT YARD
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Bald Cypress
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40′ – 50′
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Native tree. Tolerant of most soils, somewhat drought tolerant, tough tree. Bronze color in the fall.
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Bradford Pear
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30′ – 50′
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Soil tolerant, drought resistant. Minimal pruning required. Autumn color is red.
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Chinese Pistachio
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25′ – 40′
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Soil tolerant, drought resistant, pest and disease resistant. Deep rooted, minimal pruning, Tough, durable tree. Bright orange in the fall.
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Thornless Honey Locust
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40′ -50′
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Native tree. Soil tolerant, tough, durable tree, fast-growing. Grass grows well underneath.
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Kentucky Coffee Tree
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40′-60′
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Only the grafted male variety is recommended. Native tree. Soil tolerant, tough, durable.
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Marshall’s Seedless Green Ash
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40′-50′
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Fast-growing, very cold tolerant. Minimal pruning required. Bright gold color in the fall.
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October Glory Red Maple
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30′ – 40′
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Superior in every way to the silver maple. Red to orange color in the fall.
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Redbud
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20′ – 30′
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Native tree. Soil tolerant, minimal pruning. Pink to purple blossoms in spring, yellow color in the fall.
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Saw-tooth Oak
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40′ – 50′
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Highly recommended by Tulsa’s urban forester.
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Shumard Red Oak
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40′ – 50′
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Native tree. Soil tolerant. Red color in fall.
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Water Oak
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50′+
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Fast-growing, moisture loving, semi-evergreen.
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FOR THE BACK YARD
| Amur Maple | 20′ – 25′ | Fairly tolerant to dry and poor soil. Yellowish-white fragrant flowers in the Spring, brown to red in the fell. |
| Cherry Laurel | 25′-30′ | Tolerant of poor soils. Requires pruning to shape. Small white flowers. |
| Cherry • Oriental | 15′ -30′ | Requires rich, well-drained soil. Use only if shaded by larger trees. Very showy with white to pink flowers. |
| Dogwood | 20′-25′ | Native tree. Use only if shaded by other trees. |
| Flowering Crabapple | 10′-35′ | Soil and drought tolerant, fast-growing. Thrives in full sun. White, pink and red flowers. |
| Japanese Maple | 15′ -25′ | Fast-growing. Also effective in planters and tabs. Brilliant red to red-orange tall color. |
| Purpleleaf Plum | 20′ – 30′ | Same requirements as the Redbud. Rivals Redbud with flowers, foliage is purple the entire season. |
| Redbud | 20′ – 30′ | Native tree. Soil tolerant, minimal pruning. Pink to purple blossoms in spring, yellow color in fall. |
| Russian Olive | 15′ – 20′ | Durable, rugged, drought tolerant. Requires pruning to shape. |
| Soapberry | 30′ – 40′ | Drought tolerant, soil tolerant, pest free. |
This list was compiled for the Copperleaf Homeowners Association by a friend, James McElyea, using the following sources:.
- Guidebook for Oklahoma Landscaping:
Tom Clote, Jr., Outside Inc. 1987.- Plant Materials Guide: Barry L. Fugatt, OK State
Univ., Landscape Horticulturist- Tree Tips: A Planning Guide: Public Service Co. of OK,
1992
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