Awesome list there, Brnchbkr! There are many trees on the list that should do well in Belgrade.
JD, I am in the Bitterroot Valley to your west. You do get much harsher weather than we do, so perhaps the Norway maple might not do well there. The Norway maple, Acer platanoides, is generally rated for a zone 4 to 7, so this is why your nurseries may be cautioning you away from them. However, the Schwedleri (on Brnchbkr's list) is more cold tolerant than some of the other cultivars and is a beautiful tree. Leaves out deep red with a burnt orange hue then turns a deep green during the summer.
A rather sure bet is the Acer negundo, 'Sensation'; however, a box elder is a box elder and they have their own set of problems. Can have a bit of an unkempt appearance, growth pattern that is free-spirited and can sucker. But they are tough as nails. If you do opt for one, ask the nusery if it is a male clone. The box elder bug is more attracted to the female tree.
On the Canadian chokecherry...yes they can look a bit unkempt, particularly if allowed to sucker unless you want the large shrub/multi-trunk look. However, the Prunus padus, 'Sharon' (or other cultivars), are closely related and sucker less. Make a lovely little round-crowned tree. Fragrant early blossoms, purple summer foliage with green tips. Quite attractive.
The Prunus maackii, Amur chokecherry or some call it the Maacki plum, is another small ornamental. Insignificant blooms and fruit that attract birds. The bark is stunningly beautiful...metalic bronze.
The Celtis occidentalis, Hackberry, is a strong-looking tree, but again doesn't have a real quality appearance for a specimen in the front yard (IMHO). I like them and their bark is interesting. But I prefer them in a naturalized setting, kind of "one among many" rather than the focal point of your landscape.
The crabapples and hawthornes both have many, many cultivars that are beautiful and suitable. Be cautious there in requesting ones that are fire blight resistant. The crabapples tend to bloom earlier than the hawthornes so perhaps might get nailed more often by late frosts.
Another beautiful, and later, blooming tree is the Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulata. Overlooked in my opinion.
For larger trees, the American linden or Basswood, Tilia Americana, is beautiful and hardy. A lovely, fragrant flower in the summer. Makes excellent honey.
And don't overlook the Bur Oak, Quercus macrocarpa. Probably its main draw back is the slower growth rate. But otherwise a beautiful, strong appearing tree with few problems (in our experience).
You don't say how much room your have for this planting so perhaps a bit more information would be helpful in order to give more relevant feedback. Also, will this be in a grass area, a tree lawn, do you use herbicides in your turf management program? These will affect what trees are suitable.
Sylvia
