EDINA, Minn. — We’re in Belinda’s backyard for this segment. This back corner of her yard is consistently wet, and not just THIS year.
She had a Maple tree planted here, but it did not thrive in the wet conditions and eventually had to be removed. It’s a classic example of the wrong plant in the wrong place.
There are several trees that would love to grow in Bel's slightly soggy corner. And if you have a spot like this, here are our suggestions.
- Evergreens: Tamarack, black spruce, white cedar, balsam fir, and pines, can grow in wet, acidic, peat soil, as well as wet loamy or sandy soil.
- Willows: A fast-growing, moisture-loving trees and shrubs that can tolerate wet soils. Black Willow trees are a great native option.
- Cottonwood: A very tall tree that can thrive in wet areas with waxy leaves that give great sound throughout the growing season. But you will get the cotton fluffs that come with this tree.
- River Birch: You’ll love the beautiful bark and drooping branches, but this tree can be a bit messy with small twigs that frequently fall to the ground.
- Swamp White Oak: No family of trees supports pollinators better than oaks.
- Red Maple: Of course the main reason for planting a maple is the gorgeous fall color, but you will have to try and keep helicopters from sprouting in your garden beds.
- American Elm: A very tall tree that is Dutch elm disease-resistant!
So what did Belinda choose? Find out next time when we plant it in her yard.