Black Tupelo (Black Gum) in central Indiana

The headline is soil pH: Illinois Extension lists it as tolerating neither alkaline soil nor salt, and stripped, limestone-influenced subdivision clay is exactly that. The result is a tupelo that looks perfect for six or eight years and then yellows every summer — and because its scarlet fall color is the best of any native, homeowners pay to try to save it rather than remove it.

Medium tree · $250–$1,400 typical