{"product_id":"american-sentry-linden","title":"American Sentry Linden","description":"\u003ch1\u003eA Tidy Native Linden Built for Boulevards and Refined Landscapes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Sentry Linden (\u003cem\u003eTilia americana\u003c\/em\u003e 'American Sentry', also sold as McKSentry) is a symmetrical, pyramidal selection of our native basswood, chosen for its remarkably uniform branching, manageable 40–50 foot size, and outstanding ornamental form. It pairs the native linden's fragrant, pollinator-friendly early-summer flowers with a tidy, predictable habit — and it shows better resistance to Japanese beetle than many lindens. Hardy through USDA zone 3, it finishes the season in clean golden yellow. Whether you want a refined boulevard tree in St. Paul, a uniform shade tree in an Edina front yard, or a native pollinator anchor in Maple Grove, American Sentry is a polished, low-fuss choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAmerican Sentry Linden Plant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAttribute\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetail\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTilia americana\u003c\/em\u003e 'American Sentry' (McKSentry)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican Sentry Linden, American Linden, Basswood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e40–50 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature Width\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25–30 feet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate — about 1–2 feet per year in Minnesota\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to part shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate. Prefers consistent moisture; adapts to most soils with adequate water while establishing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–7 (Twin Cities is zone 4b–5a) — exceptionally cold-hardy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdaptable. Tolerates Minnesota clay-loam and urban soils; prefers moist, slightly alkaline loam. Handles a wide pH range.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFoliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeciduous — heart-shaped leaves on an exceptionally symmetrical pyramidal crown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBloom\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFragrant pale-yellow flowers in early summer — excellent pollinator forage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFall Color\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGolden yellow\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWinter Hardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReliable to USDA zone 3 — proven in Twin Cities winters\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDeer Resistance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow — deer browse young lindens; protect the trunk and lower branches the first few years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePollinator Value\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh — lindens are legendary nectar sources for honeybees and native bees\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNative Status\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmerican linden \/ basswood (\u003cem\u003eTilia americana\u003c\/em\u003e) is native to Minnesota and eastern North America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAmerican Sentry Linden Uses in Minnesota Landscapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRefined Boulevard and Street Tree\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Sentry's uniform, symmetrical crown and manageable size make it a standout boulevard tree — clean, predictable, and needing little corrective pruning. It's a polished native alternative to the European littleleaf lindens commonly used on Twin Cities streets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUniform Shade Specimen\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt a tidy 40–50 feet, it delivers dependable shade and a handsome, even form for mid-size yards. Its symmetry makes it especially effective in matched pairs flanking a drive or entry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eNative Pollinator Anchor\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a native basswood selection, American Sentry supports local wildlife, and its fragrant early-summer flowers draw honeybees and native bees — a strong fit for Minnesota gardeners working with the Lawns to Legumes program.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBest Time to Plant American Sentry Linden in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant in \u003cstrong\u003espring (late April–May, after the ground thaws)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a full growing season of root establishment, or in \u003cstrong\u003eearly fall (late August–early October)\u003c\/strong\u003e while the soil is still warm. Get it in the ground at least six weeks before the ground freezes — typically mid-November in the Twin Cities. Avoid mid-summer planting in heat and humidity, and never plant after mid-October or before spring thaw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Plant American Sentry Linden\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width but only as deep as the ball is tall, so the root flare sits at or slightly above grade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck for clay hardpan — if water pools and won't drain, break through the clay layer or mound-plant slightly to improve drainage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackfill with the native soil mixed with 20–30% compost; don't build a pure-compost \"container\" the roots won't grow beyond.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpacing — give a single specimen 25–30 feet of clearance; space a boulevard row or allee 30–35 feet apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuild a 3–4 inch watering ring to direct water to the roots, then flatten it before winter so it doesn't trap ice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulch with 2–3 inches of shredded bark or wood chips in a wide ring, kept 2 inches off the trunk. Never use gravel mulch in Minnesota — it doesn't insulate roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering American Sentry Linden in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFirst Year Watering Schedule\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeeks 1–2: water deeply and slowly every 1–2 days. Month 1–2: every 3–4 days. Month 3–6: every 5–7 days during active growth, easing off when rainfall is adequate (the Twin Cities average about 3 inches a month from June through August). \u003cstrong\u003eStop watering 2–3 weeks before the ground freezes\u003c\/strong\u003e — usually late October — so the tree doesn't push tender growth heading into winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAfter Year One\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn established American Sentry appreciates consistent moisture but largely cares for itself, needing supplemental water mainly during extended droughts (two-plus weeks with no rain and temps above 80°F). Soak deeply to 8–12 inches every 7–14 days during dry spells.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill American Sentry Linden survive a Minnesota winter?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — easily. It's rated to USDA zone 3 and is reliably hardy in Twin Cities winters. Wrap the young trunk the first winter to prevent sunscald and buck rub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it native to Minnesota?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. American linden (\u003cem\u003eTilia americana\u003c\/em\u003e), or basswood, is native to Minnesota. 'American Sentry' is a selection prized for its uniform form and good pest resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it good for pollinators?\u003c\/strong\u003e Outstanding. The fragrant early-summer flowers are a top nectar source for honeybees and native bees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does it compare to other lindens for pests?\u003c\/strong\u003e American Sentry was selected in part for better resistance to Japanese beetle than many lindens — a useful edge in areas where beetle pressure is high. Like all lindens it can still attract aphids, which may leave a little honeydew beneath the tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it tolerate clay soil?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. It handles Minnesota clay-loam and a wide pH range, including the slightly alkaline soils common in the metro, which makes it easy to place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYou May Also Like\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRedmond Linden\u003c\/strong\u003e — a larger native American linden with bold leaves and fragrant pollinator bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBoulevard Linden\u003c\/strong\u003e — a narrow, upright native linden for tighter boulevard spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreenspire Littleleaf Linden\u003c\/strong\u003e — a classic, smaller-leaved boulevard linden with a tidy pyramidal form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrinceton American Elm\u003c\/strong\u003e — a Dutch-elm-disease-resistant native elm with a classic vase shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eState Street Miyabe Maple\u003c\/strong\u003e — a tough, uniform boulevard maple for hard urban sites.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- tt-enriched --\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Many American Sentry Linden Do I Need?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Sentry is a uniform shade tree maturing 25–30 feet wide, planted as a single specimen or in a matched, formal allee. Give one tree 25–30 feet of clearance from buildings and other large trees. For a boulevard row or driveway allee, space trees 30–35 feet apart so the symmetrical crowns line up evenly. For a small grove, plant 3 spaced about 30 feet apart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAmerican Sentry Linden Season-by-Season in Minnesota\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heart-shaped leaves unfurl on a tidy, symmetrical pyramidal crown.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSummer:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fragrant pale-yellow flowers open in early summer, drawing honeybees and native bees, followed by dense, even shade.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFall:\u003c\/strong\u003e Foliage turns clean golden yellow.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bare, the uniform pyramidal branching shows a neat, predictable structure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Minnesota Native   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Shade-Tolerant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant It With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/redmond-linden\"\u003eRedmond Linden\u003c\/a\u003e — a larger native American linden with bold leaves and fragrant pollinator bloom.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/boulevard-linden\"\u003eBoulevard Linden\u003c\/a\u003e — a narrow, upright native linden for tighter boulevard spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/greenspire-littleleaf-linden\"\u003eGreenspire Littleleaf Linden\u003c\/a\u003e — a classic, smaller-leaved boulevard linden with a tidy pyramidal form.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/princeton-american-elm\"\u003ePrinceton American Elm\u003c\/a\u003e — a Dutch-elm-disease-resistant native elm with a classic vase shape.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs American Sentry Linden Right for Your Yard?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Sentry thrives in full sun to part shade on moist, adaptable soil and rewards you with a tidy, symmetrical crown, fragrant pollinator flowers, and golden fall color on a manageable 40–50 foot frame. Not a fit if you have heavy deer pressure without trunk protection, or want a mess-free tree directly over a patio — the flowers and occasional aphid honeydew are a small trade-off for the pollinator value.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Three Timbers Minnesota","offers":[{"title":"1.75\"BB","offer_id":54260804124977,"sku":"GT-T4071","price":397.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2\"BB","offer_id":54260804157745,"sku":"GT-T4072","price":439.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2.5\"BB","offer_id":54260804190513,"sku":"GT-T4073","price":535.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3\"BB","offer_id":54260804223281,"sku":"GT-T4074","price":576.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0986\/0694\/0465\/files\/american-sentry-linden.jpg?v=1779426691","url":"https:\/\/threetimbersmn.com\/products\/american-sentry-linden","provider":"Three Timbers Minnesota","version":"1.0","type":"link"}