I am working on a job in southern Illinois that requires lots of trees to be planted next to a creek. What trees would you recommend?

The answer to your question is, "It depends."

Listed below are several of the variables you need to know prior to making tree species selections:

Flood frequency? Soil type, pH, drainage, texture, etc.? Site / topography? How many trees per acre? How much money are you willing to spend? Fast growing trees? Hardmast species such as oak, hickory, walnut? What is your overall goal / objective?

Obviously, your question is much more complex than you let on. Therefore, you will need to work with a professional forester to help you navigate these questions / variables.

Please contact your local IDNR district forester to assist you with your reforestation project in southern Illinois:

http://web.extension.illinois.edu/forestry/pdf/tfb-nres-202-15.pdf