Trying to plant a tree, need help.

CHR1S

Hello,

My family and I are trying to plant a tree as a memorial for a loved one that has past away recently. We keep getting mixed messages about if the tree will survive in our area. The place that sold it to us says it will and others we ask say it won't.

The tree is a Tulip Poplar, we chose it because it looked beautiful and they told us it would grow in our zone. We keep getting mixed answers on what zone we are actually in also. Some say 3 and others say 4. We ordered the tree and took the advice of the seller but now we're wondering if it was the truth.

We don't know much about planting trees and taking care of them but wanted to do this for our loved one who appreciated trees and the outdoors.

Our location is Thief River Falls, Mn.

Any help we get is much appreciated, ThX

Brent Ferris

Referring to Michael Dirr, Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, a Tulip Poplar or Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is being grown at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and has withstood temperatures as low as -25 deg F without harm.
However, it normally grows in warmer temperatures, and if you are in zone 4, you are pushing the limits of the tree, and it may never achieve the height or spread or lifespan of trees grown further south.
People that want to plant species beyond their natural range need to put the tree in a sheltered spot - away from the prevailing wind (minimizes desiccation in the winter, early spring), mulch it well, and keep it as healthy as possible (organic fertilizers only), water during droughts - and baby it. In the winter, whenever possible add extra snow above the root zone to provide extra insulation.
You never really know when a really cold snap will come. For example, many trees can withstand -30 F for one night - because the surrounding ground has enough heat to protect the roots, but if it stays longer, like 3 nights or more tree roots die, and the tree dies. A thick layer of snow(1 1/2 to 3 feet thick) 30-40 feet out from the tree should help prevent damage for older trees, a smaller radius for younger trees. A rule of thumb is that roots extend outwards about 3 feet (radially)per inch diameter of trunk. To prevent cold damage, add another 10 feet to that radius.

Thief River is near the Canadian Border, well into zone 3 that receives minimal temperatures between -30 and -40 . In Ontario, Tulip trees will grow well enough in zone 5, colder than that is iffy. IF YOU EXPERIENCE NIGHTS AS COLD AS -40 IT IS HIGHLY LIKELY THE TULIP TREE WILL NOT SURVIVE. If you are in a warmer area, ie high -20's - maybe, but the growth will likely be stunted. If you can return the tree -- do so immediately, and choose a much cold-hardier species - and not a Carolinian species.

I hope this helps.

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CHR1S

Thank you for the straight answer and help. We were told by the seller it would grow up here in our zone. We've learned a lot. We managed to find a arborist in our area and we bought a couple apple trees from him. He also stated that the tree (tulip poplar) would not be able to survive in our area because it's just to cold in winter. Of course now the seller won't return any of our attempts to contact them, lucky we paid with it on our CC... disputes here we come.

ThX again.