treeMunicipal “street tree”


There are some non-native trees that are particularly well suited to use as street trees. While not native (and therefore often less supportive of local biodiversity), they do not grow aggressively or invade our local ecosystems, and therefore are not considered invasive at this time. They can be a good choice for planting in Westchester in certain settings. For example, the London planetree (Platanus x acerifolia) and the gingko tree (Ginkgo biloba) are good choices for planting near streets, sidewalks and driveways with plenty of space for large mature trees. While they are non-native trees, they can tolerate harsh conditions and are not considered invasive at this time. Below is a selection from the list of “New York City Approved Street Trees” that are non-native and that are recommended for Westchester County:

 

Title: New York City Approved Street Tree List
Sponsor Organization: New York City Parks
Description: Database of approved street trees for planting in NYC.

A Selection of Non-Native New York City Approved Street Trees
Botanical NameCommon NameNotes
Small non-native trees (under 30 feet)    
Acer griseum Paperbark maple  
Acer truncatum Painted maple  
Chionanthus retusus Fringe tree  
Cornus mas Cornelian-cherry  
Malus ‘Cardinal’, ‘Prairiefire’, ‘Profusion’, ‘Spring Snow’, ‘Donald Wyman’, ‘Professor Sprenger’ Crabapple  
Prunus ‘Okame’ Okame cherry  
Prunus serrulata ‘Kwanzan’ Kwanzan cherry  
Prunus ‘Snow Goose’ Snow Goose cherry  
Large, non-native trees (over 30 feet)    
Aesculus hippocastanum Horse chestnut  
Aesculus octandra Yellow buckeye

Native to midwest and southeast US

Corylus colurna Turkish filbert  
Fagus sylvatica European beech  
Ginkgo biloba Ginkgo Plant males only
Metasequoia glyptostroboides Dawn redwood  
Platanus x acerifolia London planetree  
Quercus dentata Daimio oak  
Quercus frainetto Italian oak  
Quercus gambelii x macrocarpa   Hybrid oak developed by Dr. Nina Bassuk, Cornell University
Quercus robur English oak Var. fastigiata is preferred for street tree plantings
Quercus shumardii Shumard oak Native to midwestern US
Quercus shumardii Regal Prince oak Recommended by Dr. Nina Bassuk, Cornell University
Taxodium distichum Bald cypress Native to southeastern US
Tilia cordata Littleleaf linden  
Tilia tomentosa Silver linden  
Tilia x euchlora Crimean linden  
Aesculus x carnea ‘Fort Mcnair’ Red horse chestnut  
Carpinus betulus European hornbeam  
Magnolia ‘Butterflies’, ‘Elizabeth’ Yellow magnolias  
Parrotia persica Persian ironwood  
Stewartia koreana  Korean Stewartia  

To look up any of the trees on this list for photos and growing requirements, use the Woody Plant Database:

Title: Woody Plant Database
Sponsor Organization: Cornell University Urban Horticulture Institute
Description: Find the right tree for your site. Use this tool to help you choose the right tree, shrub or woody vine based on your site’s conditions. See photos and growing requirements of many trees using this tool.