Top 5 Native Trees to Plant in Joplin (And 3 to Avoid)

So, you had to remove a dying tree. The yard looks empty. You want to plant something new for shade and property value.

Don't just buy whatever is on sale at the big box store.

Joplin has rocky soil, hot summers, and ice storms. You need a tree that is "Missouri Tough."

The Winners (Plant These)

1. White Oak (The King)

• Why: Strong wood, resistant to ice, lives for 300 years.
• Bonus: Feeds local wildlife. Resistant to Oak Wilt (compared to Red Oaks).

2. Red Maple (The Color)

• Why: Incredible fall color (blazing red). Grows relatively fast for a hardwood.
• Warning: Buy "improved" cultivars like October Glory that are bred for structure.

3. Black Gum (The Underdog)

• Why: Beautiful glossy leaves, amazing fall color, very disease resistant.
• Soil: Tolerates our wet springs well.

4. Eastern Redbud (The Ornamental)

• Why: The first sign of spring in Joplin. Beautiful purple flowers. Small size (perfect for under power lines).

5. Bald Cypress (The Survivor)

• Why: Loves water but tolerates drought. Grows fast. Looks like an evergreen but drops needles in winter (deciduous conifer).

The Losers (Avoid These)

1. Bradford Pear

• Why: Smells bad. Splits in half in storms. Highly invasive. Just don't do it.

2. Silver Maple

• Why: Roots destroy sidewalks and sewer lines. Wood is brittle and breaks in ice.

3. Sweetgum (The Spiky Ball Factory)

• Why: Unless you buy a "fruitless" variety, you will spend the rest of your life stepping on spiky gumballs. They are a lawnmower's nightmare.

Need Planting Help? We can help you select the right tree for the right spot and plant it correctly (no mulch volcanoes!).

Consult with an Arborist