Trees in Sioux Falls, SD

A guide to native trees, best species for planting, and what every Sioux Falls homeowner should know about their trees.

Quick Answer — Common Trees in South Dakota

The most common trees in Sioux Falls and South Dakota include green ash, cottonwood, silver maple, American elm, and various oak species. Green ash are under threat from EAB throughout the region.

Green ash — most common in Sioux Falls, severely threatened by EAB
Cottonwood — fast-growing, large, needs regular trimming
Silver maple — common in older neighborhoods, prone to split
American elm — making a comeback with disease-resistant varieties
Bur oak — hardy native, excellent long-term tree for SD climate

From our crew: We've worked on thousands of trees across Sioux Falls over 14 years. The species we see most are green ash and cottonwood, and both are high-maintenance. Ash because of EAB — we treat or remove dozens every season. Cottonwood because they grow fast, get large, and drop branches in wind events. If you're planting new trees, we'd steer you toward bur oak or hackberry — native species that handle South Dakota's climate far better.

Native Trees of South Dakota

South Dakota's native trees are well-adapted to our climate — tolerant of drought, cold, and the wide temperature swings that challenge imported species. Here are the most important native trees in the Sioux Falls area:

Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) — The king of native SD trees. Extremely long-lived, drought tolerant, and resistant to fire and disease. Can live 400+ years. Highly recommended for Sioux Falls yards.
Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) — Native and highly adaptable. Tolerates compacted soil, drought, flooding, and urban conditions better than almost any other tree.
Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) — Fast-growing native found along waterways. Beautiful but messy (cotton) and roots can be invasive near pipes. Best suited for large rural properties.
Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) — Once very common in Sioux Falls, but now devastated by Emerald Ash Borer. Existing ash trees can be protected; new ash should not be planted.
American Elm (Ulmus americana) — Beautiful native shade tree historically common in Sioux Falls. Susceptible to Dutch elm disease; disease-resistant cultivars are available.

Best Trees to Plant in Sioux Falls

When choosing a new tree, prioritize species adapted to South Dakota's climate: cold winters, hot dry summers, and occasional severe storms.

Bur Oak — Best long-term investment. Slow start, but extraordinary resilience and longevity.
Swamp White Oak — Excellent fall color, good disease resistance, adapts well to our area.
Kentucky Coffeetree — Native, tough, interesting texture, very drought tolerant once established.
Honeylocust (thornless) — Fast-growing, casts light dappled shade, handles heat and drought.
Freeman Maple (Autumn Blaze) — Popular for fast growth and spectacular fall color. Good choice for Sioux Falls.
Northern Catalpa — Large, interesting leaves and flowers. Very heat and drought tolerant.

What NOT to Plant in Sioux Falls

New ash trees — Do not plant any ash species. EAB is in South Dakota and will kill them.
Bradford/Callery Pear — Beautiful but structurally weak, invasive, and short-lived. Banned in many states.
Siberian Elm — Invasive, weak-wooded, and prone to storm damage.
Silver Maple — Very fast growing but has weak, brittle wood prone to storm damage.

The EAB Crisis in Sioux Falls

Emerald Ash Borer has been confirmed in South Dakota. Sioux Falls has a significant ash tree population — both in private yards and along city streets. Ash trees can be protected with trunk injection treatment if treated before significant canopy loss. Learn more about EAB treatment.

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Common Questions

South Dakota Trees FAQ

What trees are native to South Dakota?

Native trees in South Dakota include Bur Oak, Eastern Cottonwood, Green Ash, American Elm, Hackberry, Boxelder, Peachleaf Willow, and Quaking Aspen. Bur Oak and Hackberry are considered the most valuable native shade trees for Sioux Falls landscaping.

What is the best shade tree for Sioux Falls?

The best shade trees for Sioux Falls are Bur Oak (extremely drought tolerant and long-lived), Hackberry (very adaptable to urban conditions), Swamp White Oak (beautiful fall color), and Honeylocust (fast-growing, handles heat well). Avoid planting new ash trees due to EAB.

Why are so many ash trees dying in South Dakota?

Ash trees in South Dakota are being killed by the Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive beetle confirmed in the state. EAB larvae destroy the water and nutrient transport system under the bark, killing trees within 2-4 years of infestation. Trunk injection treatment is available and effective when trees are caught early.

What trees grow fastest in Sioux Falls?

Fast-growing trees for Sioux Falls include Honeylocust, Freeman Maple (Autumn Blaze), River Birch, and Quaking Aspen. Keep in mind that fast-growing trees often have shorter lifespans and weaker wood than slower-growing species like Bur Oak.

Questions About Your Trees?

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