🌳 Top 5 Trees to Grow in Missouri
By Williams Family Ranch and Farms LLC
Posted in: Field Notes from the Ranch and Farm
Missouri’s diverse seasons and rich soil make it a great place to grow a wide variety of trees, whether you’re looking to add shade, boost your landscape, or start your own mini forest. Here at Williams Family Ranch and Farms, we’ve worked with countless trees and narrowed down our top 5 favorites that thrive right here in the Show-Me State.
1. Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus): This fast-growing evergreen is one of the best trees for privacy and windbreaks. Its soft needles and elegant shape make it a beautiful year-round addition to your property.
Why we love it: Low maintenance, provides quick coverage, and adds winter greenery.
Best for: Windbreaks, property borders, wildlife shelter.
2. Red Maple (Acer rubrum): A Missouri native known for its brilliant fall color. These trees grow quickly and adapt well to a variety of soils.
Why we love it: Stunning red foliage in autumn, fast growth, and strong roots.
Best for: Front yards, shade trees, colorful landscaping.
3. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Famous for its rich golden-orange fall leaves and syrup potential, sugar maples are a classic in the Midwest.
Why we love it: Iconic fall color, strong wood, and native resilience.
Best for: Shade, fall beauty, long-term growth.
4. Black Walnut (Juglans nigra): A valuable hardwood tree native to Missouri, prized for both its nuts and timber.
Why we love it: Native beauty with real agricultural value.
Best for: Homesteaders, timber growers, and those wanting long-term investment trees.
Note: Avoid planting near vegetable gardens or shallow-rooted plants—it releases juglone, which can affect other plant growth.
5. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum): This unique conifer grows beautifully even in wet or low-lying areas. It sheds its needles in fall and shows off striking reddish-orange color.
Why we love it: Perfect for soggy spots, very tolerant, and adds character to any landscape.
Best for: Water features, lowland planting, and unique landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing trees suited to Missouri’s climate ensures strong growth, low maintenance, and long-lasting beauty. Whether you’re starting a landscape project or building a tree farm, these five trees are tried-and-true favorites.
At Williams Family Ranch and Farms LLC, we proudly grow and sell these varieties. Come visit us to see which trees would be the best fit for your land—and your goals!