Note: Any species of Fraxinus (ash) are now considered unacceptable for planting. For alternatives, please consult the non-exhaustive list below.
As part of the Halifax Tree Project's ambition to help HRM citizens connect with their trees, they are featuring a tree species per week in this 2020 blog. Click HERE to check it out!
Urban forest diversity is crucial to its health. Diverse urban forests increase resilience to diseases, pests and help preserve our natural ecosystems. When planting more than one tree, it is important to keep diversity in mind. Take a look at our list of approved trees below for some ideas.
- Acer rubrum “Morgan” (Red maple)
- Tilia Americana “Redmond” (Basswood)
- Ulmus Americana “Princeton” (American elm)
- Quercus rubra (Red oak)
- Acer saccharum’ Green Mountain’ (Sugar maple)
- Robinia ‘PurpleRobe’ (Black locust)
- Juglans nigra (Black walnut)
- Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum)
- Fraxinus quadrangulata (Blue ash) - Although proven to be mildly resistant to emerald ash borer, blue ash is not considered a suitable street tree.
- Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
- Platanus x acerifolia (London plane tree)
- Liriodendron tulipifera (Tuliptree)
- Catalpa speciosa (Catalpa)
- Quercus palustris (Pin oak)
- Quercus macrocarpa (Burr oak)
- Quercus phellos (Willow oak)
- Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky coffeetree)
- Betula nigra (Black birch)
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia)
Under Three Phase Wires (Smaller & Understory Trees)
- Ostrya virginiana (Ironwood)
- Pyrus calleryana “Bradford”(Ornamental Pear)
- Pyrus calleryana Redspire” (Ornamental Pear)
- Corylus colurna (Turkish Filbert)
- Parrotia persica (Persian ironwood)
- Syringa reticulata “Ivory Silk” (Tree Lilac)
- Robinia “Bessonia” (Black Locust)
Related files
- Tree Planting Details (PDF)