Knowledgebase
Moisture Tolerant Trees #878407
Asked July 23, 2024, 11:40 AM EDT
Chippewa County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
Chippewa County is USDA Plant Hardiness zone 4b to 5a. So first, choose trees hardy to those zones or colder( ie 4a or 3b).
It would also be good to do a soil test for the location, so you know your soil type and pH. Some trees are sensitive to pH and soil type.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/21432/Soil_Test.pdf
Here is a list of wet soil tolerant trees and their Hardiness zones. Choose at least two or three different species so if a pest or disease wipes out one type, you are likely to have the others unaffected.
https://extension.psu.edu/trees-shrubs-and-groundcovers-tolerant-of-wet-sites
There are lists of trees starting on the following, PDF page 112, for soil moisture levels.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/uhi/outreach/recurbtree/pdfs/~recurbtrees.pdf
Planting the tree correctly, with the root collar exposed just above the soil line, is critical ot tree health and longevity. See the planting instructions and ongoing care here-
https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5368392.pdf
MSU Extension does not endorse retailers or brands, and so doesn’t keep lists of suppliers.
You can check the following for small trees-
Arbor Day Foundation- https://www.arborday.org/trees/
Your local nurseries may be willing to order trees for you in spring. Contact them now so you will know when to place an order.
Your local Conservancy group may have tree sales, usually in spring-
https://superiorconservancy.org
For services, including planting, search for professionals in your area. Here is one online resource- https://mnla.org
Spring is the best for planting in Michigan so that the plants have the maximum time to establish before winter.