Click here to download an order form.

In an effort to continue to replant our streets effectively and preserve a distinctive trait of Heritage Hills, HPI sponsors an annual tree planting program in the fall. For $50 and a firm commitment to regularly water new trees for at least the first year, homeowners can have a tree professionally selected and professionally planted anywhere they choose between the street and their sidewalk.

Residents may select from five species of trees, selected for their proven success. Order forms usually go out by September 1st and must be received by September 15th. For an order form, click here. After review, approval and budgeting of the requested tree at the requested location, a professional arborist hired by HPI will deliver and plant the tree for each homeowner following January or February. Homeowners may pay $50 directly to the arborist when the tree is planted.

“The downtown streets of Heritage Hills are uniquely challenging for trees”, explains Chris Lawson, chair of the committee. “Between the hard red clay, the lack of water, the car exhaust, and the truck-pruning, our street trees are abused in almost every way. We hope to help neighbors recreate the tree-lined streets of 40 years ago with this program.

In its 100-year history, trees have become one of the most important and recognizable features of Heritage Hills. When Henry Overholser began work on his home in 1903, the neighborhood was the same grassy fields that can still be found at the undeveloped edges of Oklahoma City. But as G. A. Nichols and the other developers of Heritage Hills built houses, they also planted the streets, mostly with American Elms.

Dutch Elm disease moved into Oklahoma in the early 1970s and HPI established a series of “tree programs” to help save the elms, to encourage safety by removing large trees when they died, and replant the neighborhood to preserve its historic charm. Most of the large sweet gum, pin oaks, red oaks, and silver maples that we have today were planted by HPI in those early years. Despite the heroic efforts, sadly only a very few of those original American Elm trees have survived.

Following is a brief description of each tree and its suggested location. “These are not the only trees to plant in Heritage Hills,” Chris explains. “These species were chosen by the committee as street trees specifically for their hardiness, their shape, and demonstrated success. We hope there is enough variety in maintenance and characteristics to meet different needs.”

American Elm - Valley Forge and Princeton
This is a new species of elm that is resistant to Dutch Elm disease. It has the same characteristics as the original, growing very large faster than any other tree on the list. It has smaller leaves, a unique ridged bark, and requires very little cleanup. When most people think of trees in America, this is the one. The most attractive and healthiest elms are pruned every 3-5 years. Examples of the original American Elms can be found at 323 16th in the south yard, 529 14th in the south yard, and in the backyard of 319 19th. The Survivor Tree is an American Elm.

London Planetree (Sycamore)
This tree has become a new favorite in Heritage Hills. It grows very large very fast, with a distinctive white peeling bark and very large leaves. The Planetrees and Sycamores are almost indistinguishable, but Planetrees are resistant to Anthracnose fungus. Planetrees may go dormant and drop their leaves in very hot summers, bear golf ball-sized fruit, and require more cleanup than many trees. They need little pruning, and are the best choice in wet conditions. This is the easiest tree to grow, and an ideal tree for the most difficult areas. The 400 block of 14th Street is lined with Sycamores and Planetrees. Did you know they were only planted around 1970?

Southern Red Oak - Shumard
The red oaks have done exceptionally well in the neighborhood. They grow very large and very strong, and faster than you might expect. They don’t mind drought and will adapt to many soil conditions. Their large canopy is ideal for open areas and requires little pruning. Acorns drop in the fall. You can find red oaks lining the south side of the street at 400 16th, or at 400 19th.

Caddo Maple
This maple is an Oklahoma tradition, with it’s brilliant yellow and orange-red fall color. It won’t have surface roots like many maples. While it does require a minimial amount of regular watering for the first few years, it is incompatible with sprinkler systems and easily over-watered. It should not be planted in low areas that remain wet. This is also a very low maintenance tree with no pruning and little cleanup. You can find a Caddo Maple just south of the Overholser carriage house, directly east from 425 15th.

Japanese Zelkova
This is a new tree species for Heritage Hills, although cities from Dallas to Tokyo have streets lined with them. Their small delicate leaves and multiple small branches look much like the Lacebark Elms and Pistache trees, but their natural vase shape and 80’ height will help them survive street life. Fast growing, beautiful multiple fall colors, and little cleanup make these easy trees to live with. They need regular watering, but don’t mind the exhaust from busy streets. You can view this tree in the yard east of the house at 400 16th, in the east backyard of 400 20th, or new ones along Harvey at 230 NW 17th. Zelkovas are also planted outside the downtown OKC Museum of Art.