Question
I live in Northern Minnesota (zone 3) and have a small city lot.  I would like to plant a small shade tree in the back yard, any suggestions?  My husband doesn't like to pick up berries.

Answer
Thee are many that would work but I would select one that is native to your area.
Some questions to consider in selecting a tree include:

- What purpose will this tree serve? Trees can serve numerous landscape functions including beautification, screening of sights and sounds, shade and energy conservation, and wildlife habitat.

- Is the species appropriate for your area? Reliable nurseries will not sell plant material that is not suitable for your area. However, some mass marketers have trees and shrubs that are not winter hardy in the area sold. Even if a tree is hardy, it may not flower consistently from year to year at the limits of its useful range due to late spring freezes. If you are buying a tree for the spring flowers and fall fruits, this may be a consideration
Select trees native to your area. They will be more tolerant of local weather and soil conditions, enhance natural biodiversity in your neighborhood, and be more beneficial to wildlife than many non-native trees. Avoid exotic trees that can invade other areas, crowd out native plants, and harm natural ecosystems.

- How big will it get? When planting a small tree, it is often difficult to imagine that in 20 years it could be shading your entire yard. Unfortunately, many trees are planted and later removed when the tree grows beyond the dimensions of the property.

Does it have any particular ornamental value such as leaf color or flowers and fruits? Some species provide beautiful displays of color for short periods in the spring or fall. Other species may have foliage that is reddish or variegated and can add color in your landscaping year round. Trees bearing fruits or nuts can provide an excellent source of food for many species of wildlife. However, some people consider some fruit and nut bearing trees to be "dirty.

Is the tree evergreen or deciduous? Evergreen trees will provide cover and shade year round. They may also be more effective as a barrier for wind and noise. Deciduous trees will give you summer shade but allow the winter sun to shine in. This may be a consideration for where to place the tree in your yard.

Before planting your tree, consider the tree's ultimate size. When the tree nears maturity, will it be too near your house or other structures? Be considerate of your neighbors. An evergreen tree planted on your north side may block the winter sun from your next door neighbor. Will it provide too much shade for your vegetable and flower gardens? Most vegetables and many flowers require considerable amounts of sun. If you intend to grow these plants, consider how the placement of trees will affect these gardens. Will it obstruct driveways or sidewalks? Will it cause problems for buried or overhead utilities?

Here are a few suggestions of native trees:
Mountain Ash, American (Sorbus americana) 15-30 ft.梥mall, fast growing tree or shrub梥eems to prefer moist, fertile soil梞any losses to fireblight in recent years梤ed fruits梖all color yellow to red.

Mountain Ash, Showy (Sorbus decora) 20-40 ft. See comments above.

Spruce, Black (Picea mariana) 25-35 ft.梕vergreen梞oist to upland soils梒olor green.

I would contact the Forestry Extension Service and they can give you a list of preferred trees for you location and space. Their contact information is:
Dept. of Forest Resources
College of Food, Agricultural
and Natural Resource
Sciences
116 Green Hall
1530 Cleveland Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: (612) 624-3020
Fax: (612) 625-5212
Email: [email protected]

Or their local contact should be in your local phone book.