A Guide to Trees You Should Preserve When Land Clearing in Wisconsin

When people think of land clearing, they usually picture bulldozers and chainsaws tearing through thick brush and overgrown trees. However, land improvement can also focus on what to preserve, not just what to remove.

At Midwest Land Solutions, we know that selective tree conservation can enhance property value, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Before you clear your land, consider keeping these types of trees.

1. Oaks: The Deer Magnet

Oaks, especially white and red varieties, are invaluable for wildlife. Their acorns provide a critical food source for deer, turkeys, and other game animals. Mature oaks can take decades to produce heavily, making them a treasure for many landowners.

Tip: Mark healthy oaks before clearing. They add significant value for hunting land and timber potential.

2. Hickory: Wildlife and Root Strength

Hickories, such as shagbark and bitternut, are native to Wisconsin. They produce nuts that attract squirrels, turkeys, and deer. Their deep roots help stabilize soil, making them beneficial near slopes or water features.

Tip: Mature hickories are ecologically valuable and offer quality timber down the road.

3. Black Walnut: Timber and Shade

Black walnut trees are prized for their durable hardwood. They thrive in southern Wisconsin and offer both economic potential and shade. While they release chemicals that can affect nearby plants, they're smart to keep in less crowded areas.

Tip: Protect black walnut saplings during land clearing to increase your land's value over time.

4. Maples: Shade and Sugar

Sugar and red maples are staples in Wisconsin. They provide vibrant fall colors, natural shade, and sap for syrup while holding long-term value. These trees make great natural buffers and are loved for their visual appeal and utility.

5. White Pines and Spruces: Windbreak & Wildlife

Eastern white pines and native spruces serve as effective windbreaks and winter cover for deer and birds. Keeping these evergreens near fields or property edges reduces snow drifting and offers thermal protection for wildlife.

6. Birches and Aspens: Quick Growers with Character

Paper birch and quaking aspen are native species that offer fast growth, visual variety, and habitat support. Though they have shorter lifespans than oaks or hickories, they help diversify your woods and soften meadow edges.

7. Native Trees for Erosion Control

If your land has hillsides or wetlands, keep trees with strong root systems like basswood, hickory, and oak. These native hardwoods help prevent soil erosion and slow down runoff, especially near creeks or drainage paths.

8. Aesthetic or Legacy Trees

Do you have a massive tree that has been growing longer than you've owned the land? This type of legacy tree can be the focal point of your landscape, whether it’s a towering oak or a stately maple. These trees provide deep shade, beauty, and a sense of history.

A Strategic Approach to Clearing

Clearing land doesn’t have to mean flattening it entirely. A strategic approach includes:

• Walking the property before clearing

• Identifying trees with wildlife, timber, or erosion control value

• Marking “keepers” with flagging tape

  
  

In Wisconsin, landowners often focus on what to remove: brush, invasives, and deadfall. However, the real magic happens when you choose what stays. Selective clearing not only saves time and money, but also improves the future potential of your property—whether for hunting, recreation, resale, or simply enjoying the view.

Contact Midwest Land Solutions

Let Midwest Land Solutions help you develop a smarter, more sustainable plan for your land. We’re here to assist you in making the best decisions for your property. Contact us today at (262) 470-7117 or email us at info@midwestlandsolutions.com. Your land deserves thoughtful care and consideration.