Trees planted in medians, parking lots, and other paved areas face tough growing conditions. The soil is often:
- Compacted and low in nutrients
- Too dry if the site is raised or mounded
- Poorly drained if the site is sunken or bowl-shaped
The best trees for these areas are ones that naturally grow in bottomlands, since they can survive in low-oxygen or compacted soils. One of the biggest challenges in urban settings is giving tree roots enough space to grow. Planning for this is critical.
Providing Root Space
Often, the most limiting factor for urban trees is root space. Root space can be improved by using:
- Underground grids or channels
- Rain gardens, buffers, or other nearby green areas
Each planting location should be assessed individually, and tree species should be chosen based on the site’s needs and the overall goals of the planting.
Space Considerations
When planting near streets, medians, shopping centers, or parking lots, both the top and bottom parts of the tree must be carefully planned:
- Choose trees with upright, oval, or vase-shaped crowns to prevent blocking views for drivers and pedestrians.
- Avoid species with wide, weeping, or pyramid-shaped canopies in tight areas.
- Ensure root systems don’t exceed the available underground space.
Proper tree selection and placement will reduce long-term costs for pruning, repairs, and tree removal.
Environmental Considerations
Trees in these medians, parking lots, and shopping centers must be tough. Look for species that are:
- Resistant to air pollution from cars and industry
- Drought- and wind-tolerant
- Pest- and disease-resistant
Planting a variety of tree species will increase diversity, attract wildlife, and help prevent widespread damage from pests or diseases.
Maintenance Matters
To promote the establishment and growth of trees on medians, maintenance should be an important consideration. Ongoing care is important to help trees grow and thrive:
- As trees mature, their shade will reduce the need for mowing under them.
- Hardwood trees can create challenges with leaf litter, especially if it blows into other areas.
- Leaf litter should be recycled back into the soil when possible to provide nutrients—just make sure it doesn’t interfere with regular maintenance.
Recommended Trees for Medians, Parking Lots, and Shopping Centers
| Common Name | Botanical Name | Upright Form | Road Salt Tolerance | Tolerates Harsh Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armstrong Red Maple | Acer rubrum ‘Armstrong’ | X | X | X |
| Goldspire Sugar Maple | Acer saccharum ‘Goldspire’ | X | X | |
| Cumulus Serviceberry | Amelanchier × grandiflora ‘Cumulus’ | X | X | |
| Fastiginate Hornbeam | Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’ | X | X | |
| Dawyck Purple Beech | Fagus sylvatica ‘Dawyck Purple’ | X | ||
| Sugar Hackberry | Celtis laevigata | X | X | |
| Fastigiata Beech | Fagus sylvatica ‘Fastigiata’ | X | X | |
| Green Ash | Fraxinus pennsylvanica | X | X | |
| Fastigiata Ginkgo | Ginkgo biloba ‘Fastigiata’ | X | X | |
| Lakeview Ginkgo | Ginkgo biloba ‘Lakeview’ | X | X | |
| Princeton Sentry Ginkgo | Ginkgo biloba ‘Princeton Sentry’ | X | X | |
| Thornless Honeylocust | Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis | X | X | |
| Hawthorns | Hawthorn spp. | X | X | |
| Eastern Redcedar | Juniperus virginiana | X | X | |
| Golden Raintree | Koelreuteria paniculata | X | X | |
| Sweetgum | Liquidambar styraciflua | X | ||
| Little Gem Magnolia | Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ | X | X | |
| Sycamore | Platanus occidentalis | X | ||
| Carolina Laurel Cherry | Prunus caroliniana | X | ||
| Purple‑Leaf Plum | Prunus cerasifera ‘Atropurpurea’ | X | ||
| Bradford / Flowering Pear | Pyrus calleryana ‘Capitol’ | X | ||
| Skyrocket English Oak | Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ | X | X | |
| Baldcypress | Taxodium distichum | X | X | |
| Littleleaf Linden | Tilia cordata | X | X | X |
| Lacebark Elm | Ulmus parvifolia | X |
