Below is a message from the Tree Advisory Board with information about recommended and not recommended tree species for planting in Paducah, how to plant a tree, and when to plant a tree.
Approved Trees for Planting
Installing a tree is a big investment. You want it to take root and succeed. Paducah’s local nurseries stock trees that grow well in our region. Big box stores often sell popular plants that might do better in other areas than they would here. Don’t discount a native tree from a local nursery. Whether you’re looking for something ornamental or a large shade tree, you’ll have a few great options. Native trees support our local environment and wildlife and are easier to grow than trees not adapted to the area.
This comprehensive list of appropriate trees for Paducah, KY, and McCracken County was compiled by Paducah Tree Advisory Board chair and local arborist, Jonathan Perkins. The list indicates whether the recommended tree is or isn’t native to Western Kentucky along with the zones in which it thrives. We live in zone 7a.
Some of the recommended trees are as follows:
- Several varieties of maple
- Serviceberry
- Red Buckeye
- American Hornbeam
- Crape Myrtle
- Magnolia
- Crabapple
- Yellowwood
- American Holly
- Sassafras
- Black Cherry
- Hickory varieties
- Oak varieties
- Cypress
- Spruce
- Blackgum
- Sweetgum
- Dogwood
- Tulip poplar
- Hackberry
- Red Mulberry (please don’t plant on public properties)
Trees and Shrubs NOT Recommended for Paducah and McCracken County
The trees on this list fit one or more reasons why they aren’t the best choice to plant in our city or county. They may not be able to thrive here, are invasive, or are prone to disease or rot. For information about why a certain tree isn’t recommended, see the link to the full list above. You will find the reason at the far right of the spreadsheet.
- Silver/Water Maple
- Tree of Heaven
- Mimosa
- Ash
- Golden Rain Tree
- White Mulberry
- Princesstree (Paulownia)
- White Poplar
- Lombardy Poplar
- Poplar Hybrid
- Pear (Cleveland Select)
- Bradford Pear
- New Bradford Pear
- Callery Pear
- Cleveland Select Pear (Chanticleer)
- Autumn Blaze Pear
- Aristocrat Pear
- Capital Pear
- Redspire Pear
- Whitehouse Pear
- Siberian Elm
- Bush Honeysuckle
Narrowing it Down by Site Needs
Study your site to ensure that you pick the right tree. This will prevent problems down the road that could result in the tree having to be removed.
First, call 811. You need to know if wires, pipes, or lines under the ground will affect the tree's placement. Then, consider the pattern of root growth and corresponding width. Tree roots interfering with piping and cables can be costly.
Once you know what is underground, look above ground as well. You’ll need to determine how much room you have for canopy width and height. Are there electric or telephone lines nearby? How close will the canopy be to your roofline? A diagram of common utility placement can help you visualize what will work in your landscape.
Don’t plant trees too close to sidewalks or the easement. Tree roots can disturb sidewalks and may result in tree removal down the line. Plan to dig at least three feet from the sidewalk or easement.
When to Plant Trees in Paducah
The best time to plant trees in most climates, including ours, is during the dormant season.
- Deciduous trees – fall
- Conifers – early spring
- Bare root – between November and March
Planting the Tree
Once you’ve chosen an appropriate tree, determine if you will plant the tree yourself or have it installed by your nursery or arborist.
If you plan to plant the tree on your own, follow these steps.
- Water the area where you want to dig the day before to soften the earth.
- Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and make it as deep as the root ball.
- Gently remove the tree from its container (you may need to gently press the sides of the container to loosen it).
- Look under it and on the sides for any roots that may be circling it and loosen them lightly (you may need to clip one or two if the circling roots are large).
- Place it in the ground, making sure that the base is 1 to 2 inches above the level of the ground.
- Fill in the gaps with the native soil you removed, patting it down to make sure there are no pockets of air.
- Water the tree well and then pat it down again.
- Put mulch material around the tree but leave a 3 to 5-inch area around the trunk uncovered.
Throughout the first few months of the tree’s life, water it often and consistently. For the first week, water daily and then only every other day. It’s important to not overwater. If you have a lot of rainfall, adjust accordingly.
Don’t fertilize until the tree is established, and then only after researching to see if it is needed.
Taking the time to carefully select a native tree and plant it well in the best spot will be worth the extra effort. Native trees are important to our local ecosystems and help preserve the things we love most about Western Kentucky.
Learn more about trees and tree care at Trees are Good.
