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Bur Oak Savanna on a Town Lot #924110

Asked January 31, 2026, 3:51 PM EST

Hi, I want to make a bur oak savanna in my yard, but I don't have much, just a half acre in town, and most of that is our home. I could provide much more detail on my property, but I will wait to see what detail you request. I have one beautiful (I believe) white oak, two great maples, an 'ok' coniferous of some kind, and two less-than-desirable crabapple/cherry-type trees. Other than the bur oak, what other native plants should I look into? And their arrangement (i.e., close to the trees, farther from the trees, closer to the house, etc.), with also a desire to not aggravate my neighbors too much with spreading into their yards. Thank you!

Story County Iowa

Expert Response

It can be difficult to recommend specific trees, as the right tree depends on many factors, including site conditions, size constraints, maintenance concerns, and ornamental characteristics.

However, we have several resources that you can use to identify a native tree that is right for your landscape.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-are-some-good-native-shade-trees-my-landscape

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/shade-trees-iowa

https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/home-garden/lawn-and-garden/tree-care/for406.html

https://shop.iastate.edu/extension/home-garden/lawn-and-garden/tree-care/rg702.html

--Aaron

Aaron Steil Replied February 02, 2026, 4:16 PM EST

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