European Birch / Weeping Birch (
Betula pendula): This species has attractive white bark and a beautiful weeping habit, but it is extremely vulnerable to
Bronze Birch Borer, and even in ideal conditions is likely to die. If you want to plant a birch tree, make sure you find a variety that is Bronze Birch Borer resistant.
Russian Olive (
Elaeagnus angustifolia): This species has interesting fine gray-green foliage and peeling bark, but it is extremely invasive and has crowded out many native species in local waterways. It has been deemed a noxious weed by the Wyoming Weed and Pest Council.
Ash (
Fraxinus species): This species is an attractive street tree, but it is extremely vulnerable to the Emerald Ash Borer, a deadly insect. It is only a matter of time until EAB arrives in Sheridan and devastates our Ash population. Ash are also overplanted, and make up a large percentage of our city’s canopy already. Try planting a maple, linden, or oak instead.
Scots Pine / Scotch Pine (
Pinus sylvestris): This tree has interesting orangeish bark, but is extremely vulnerable to
Pine Wilt Disease. Try planting a native pine or other evergreen instead.
Austrian Pine (
Pinus nigra): This tree has a nice, compact habit, but is extremely vulnerable to
Pine Wilt Disease. Try planting a fir, spruce, or Limber Pine instead.
Cottonwood (
Populus species): This tree is overplanted in Sheridan. It gets very large, suckers frequently, and has weak wood. Try planting an oak, State Street Maple, or elm instead.