Tree Species Common in Edmond, Oklahoma
Edmond sits in the Cross Timbers ecological region, a transition zone between the eastern forests and the Great Plains. This region supports a diverse mix of native and adapted tree species. Understanding what grows well here helps you make better planting and care decisions.
Oak Trees
Post oak (Quercus stellata) and blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) are the signature trees of the Cross Timbers. Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) grows throughout Edmond and handles clay soil and drought exceptionally well. Shumard oak is a popular landscape choice. It grows faster than post oak and provides strong fall color. Chinkapin oak handles Edmond’s alkaline soil better than most oaks and deserves wider use in local landscapes.
Maple Trees
Silver maple grows fast but develops brittle wood over time. Storm damage is common on mature silver maples throughout older Edmond neighborhoods near downtown and UCO. Red maple is a better choice for most Edmond landscapes. It tolerates clay soil and provides reliable fall color without the structural weakness problems of silver maple.
Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is the Oklahoma state tree. Redbuds bloom brilliantly along Danforth Road, Covell Road, and throughout Edmond neighborhoods every April. They are well adapted to Oklahoma’s climate and soil. Keep them out of constantly wet or poorly drained soil. Redbud is susceptible to trunk canker diseases on waterlogged sites.
Elm Trees
American elm was once the dominant street tree in Edmond before Dutch elm disease decimated populations across North America. Disease-resistant cultivars like Princeton and Valley Forge now offer options for restoring elm to urban streetscapes. Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia) is an excellent alternative, with good disease resistance and tolerance for Edmond’s heat and clay soil. Winged elm is a tough native that handles drought well.
Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is the most common native conifer in Edmond and across Oklahoma. It is highly drought-tolerant once established. However, its dense, heavy canopy catches wind and ice load efficiently. Cedars near structures need regular inspection, especially after ice events. Old, untended cedars in backyards across Edmond represent some of the most common storm hazards we encounter.
Recommended Species for Edmond Landscapes
| Tree | Rating | Soil Tolerance | Notes for Edmond |
| Bur Oak | Excellent | Clay, alkaline | Long-lived, drought-tolerant, native Cross Timbers species |
| Chinkapin Oak | Excellent | Alkaline clay | Best oak for high-pH Edmond soils |
| Eastern Redbud | Excellent | Well-drained | Oklahoma state tree, blooms brilliantly on Danforth and Covell |
| Pecan | Good | Deep, moist | State nut tree; needs zinc supplementation in clay soils |
| Lacebark Elm | Good | Adaptable | Disease-resistant elm, good street tree replacement |
| Shumard Oak | Good | Clay | Faster growth than post oak, good fall color |
| Bradford Pear | Avoid | N/A | Banned in Oklahoma 2024. Invasive, splits in storms |
| Silver Maple | Avoid | N/A | Fast-growing but brittle; severe storm damage risk |
| Siberian Elm | Avoid | N/A | Invasive; weak wood; prone to disease |
Avoid Bradford pear in any form. Oklahoma banned its sale in 2024 due to invasiveness and poor storm performance. Avoid silver maple, Siberian elm, and Arizona ash for the reasons listed above. Invest in trees that last. A quality tree planted well is a multi-decade asset.
