The Most Popular Wisconsin Deciduous Trees

Deciduous trees are known for losing their leaves annually, thus resulting in a long growing season. During the growing season, these trees, are known for the moisture they exude. This moisture comes from the rich soil found in Wisconsin and various other Northern states.

The most common trees found in Northern states are Oaks, Maples, Elms, and Ashes. However, in Wisconsin, we are going to focus on the Sugar Maple, the Northern oak, and the Katsura trees.

Sugar Maple

This tree is a part of the deciduous family and is known for its ability to produce sap, one of the primary sources of maple syrup. They are also known for their brilliant fall colors. The sugar maple’s leaves during fall is a mix of burnt orange and piercing yellow.

Why are Sugar Maples good for landscaping purposes?

The sugar maple is an adaptable tree, meaning its ability to grow can be in either shade, heat, or drought. Sugar maples rarely bend or curve during their growing process, making them a hearty tree that provides the perfect amount of shade.

Northern Red Oak

Northern red oak trees are known for their shade and their native history to the United States. Northern red oak trees in landscapes provide an immense amount of shade and distinctive color change based on the season.

In the fall these oak trees will turn brilliant red/rust color as the season continues. The fall color change of these leaves has a higher lifespan than most trees, meaning they will remain on the tree, providing a unique characteristic until winter comes around.

Northern red oak trees can adapt to compacted soil which allows some versatility for difficult landscapes. The best way to incorporate these trees in your yard can be to add more than one. Northern red oak trees work well together, meaning they can coexist and grow steadily while being relatively close to one another.

Katsura Tree

The Katsura tree is known for its excellent shade. This tree would complement any sitting area for ample shade in the summertime. Deciduous trees mean it is important to note that it will lose their leaves relatively early during the fall season. During the fall, the Katsura can be expected to turn a piercing yellow, offering an immense amount of color to your yard.

How would I design my landscape around the Katsura tree?

The Katsura is a slow-growing tree that can grow anywhere from 40-60 feet at full maturity. Growing tall, this tree offers your yard room to play or sit below. It is important to note that the Katsura, at full maturity, can grow up to 20-30 feet in width.

Finally, the Katsura is a sun tree, meaning it requires anywhere from 10-12 hours of sunlight in a day. With the sensitive nature of this tree, comes the need for all vital nutrients – like the way other trees need these nutrients.

Ironwood Tree

The Ironwood is commonly compared to the birch family, due to its leaf structure, and flaky bark. However, the Ironwood’s branches tend to droop towards the ground and are accented with fruits. This tree is extremely resilient to diseases and insects, making it equipped for any landscape.

The Ironwood can tolerate different soils, but if it is planted in an area prone to flooding, it will have trouble tolerating these wet conditions, likely resulting in its death. This tree should be planted where it can receive sufficient sun, but can also provide residence to small mammals, and songbirds.

Wachtel Tree Sciences Certified Arborists are equipped with planting any species of deciduous trees, especially the sugar maple, northern red oak, and katsura trees. Consider planting one of these trees in your landscape this spring or summer. As always, if you have any questions about these deciduous trees, feel free to contact us.