Removing a tree, whether because of storm damage, disease, pests or decay, is a loss — but it’s also an opportunity.

“When you replace a tree, you have a chance to choose a species that will diversify your neighborhood,” said Julie Janoski, Plant Clinic manager at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

In the past, communities and homeowners have planted too many of the same kinds of trees — especially elms, ashes and maples. “That made our elms and ashes sitting ducks for disease and pests,” she said. “Now we know that planting many different species can prevent one single problem from killing off so many of our trees.”

Janoski recommends that before selecting a new tree, homeowners take a walk and note the species that are already growing along nearby streets and in neighbors’ yards. “You’ll probably notice a high concentration of some kinds of trees, such as honey locusts and maples,” she said. “For your own yard, mix it up by choosing a kind of tree you don’t see growing nearby.”

Bear in mind the climate is changing, bringing more severe storms and flooding, as well as an increasing number of heat waves and periods of drought. “A tree will live a long time, so plant a species that will likely be able to handle conditions in future decades as well as today,” Janoski said.

She especially recommends tree species native to the Midwest, which are likely to handle the local weather and can feed the local wildlife. “There are so many wonderful native trees,” she said. “Just be sure you choose one that is suited to your conditions.” On the Arboretum’s website (mortonarb.org), you can search for trees by attributes and site conditions or consult the Plant Clinic for advice.

Here are a few of Janoski’s suggestions for native tree species suitable for Chicago-area yards:

American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). This small- to medium-sized tree, growing up to 25 feet tall, has orange and yellow fall color and develops interesting ropy bark as it ages (leading to another common name, musclewood). It can tolerate periods of wet soil and some shade.

Oaks (Quercus). Oaks are magnificent, long-living trees that support abundant wildlife. Of the oak species native to the Chicago region, some can tolerate conditions in developed areas such as suburbs and cities better than others. Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor), a tall, impressive shade tree; chinkapin oak (Quercus muehlenbergii), with glossy green leaves; and the stately, spreading bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) are all good choices for large yards.

Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia). This lovely small tree, up to 20 feet tall and 30 feet wide, is interesting all year long. It has white flowers in spring, green leaves in summer that turn burgundy-red in fall, and a horizontal branching habit that can catch snow attractively in winter.

Tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). The tupelo is most striking in the autumn, when its leaves turn bright scarlet. It is a medium to large tree, up to 50 feet tall, that can tolerate clay soil as well as intermittent wet soil and drought.

Ironwood (Ostrya virginiana). This medium to large tree grows up to 40 feet tall, with dark green leaves and interesting hop-like fruits. It is a tough tree, resistant to many disease and insect problems.

“Homeowners have many species to choose from, native and nonnative, so we can plant a wide variety of trees,” Janoski said. “They will bring richness and beauty to our yards and streets and help make our neighborhoods more resilient in the face of future storms and changes.”

For tree and plant advice, contact the Plant Clinic at The Morton Arboretum (630-719-2424, mortonarb.org/plant-clinic, or plantclinic@mortonarb.org). Beth Botts is a staff writer at the Arboretum.