Landscape Trees: Choosing the Best Options for Your Yard
Landscape trees are an essential component of outdoor aesthetics, providing shade, color, and texture to any environment. They also offer a range of environmental benefits, such as reducing air pollution, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife.
Choosing the right landscape trees for a particular setting can be challenging, as it requires consideration of several factors, including the climate, soil type, and available space. However, with proper planning and maintenance, landscape trees can enhance the beauty and functionality of any outdoor space. In this article, we will explore different types of landscape trees, their benefits, and how to select and care for them.
Best Deciduous Landscape Trees for a Privacy Border
When it comes to creating a privacy border in a landscape, choosing the right deciduous trees is crucial. One excellent option is the columnar English oak (Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’). This tree features an upright branching habit, which reduces the need for horizontal growing space. Additionally, the faded brown foliage remains on the tree throughout the winter, providing a beautiful contrast to the snow.
According to Andy Schmitz, horticulture director at the Brenton Arboretum in central Iowa, the columnar English oak is a fast-growing tree that thrives in good soils. He planted one in his front yard in 2007, and by last year, it had grown to 55 ft. tall. At maturity, this tree only spreads 10 to 15 ft. and is hardy in USDA Zones 5-8.
Other great deciduous trees to consider for a privacy border include the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), the serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), and the American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana). These trees offer beautiful foliage, attractive bark, and a variety of colors throughout the year.
Best Evergreen Landscape Trees for a Privacy Border
When it comes to creating a privacy border, evergreen trees are a popular choice. They offer year-round coverage and can be pruned to the desired height and shape. Here are some of the best evergreen landscape trees for a privacy border:
Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana ‘Taylor’) is a popular choice for a privacy border due to its dense, conical shape that offers year-round privacy. This species is adaptable to various soils and weather conditions, including drought, and has a range from Maine to northern Florida and west to the Plains. ‘Taylor’ is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9 and is more compact, with a height of 20 to 25 ft. and spread of just 3 to 4 ft.
Arborvitae
Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is another popular choice for tall screening plants. Its columnar shape and dense foliage make it an ideal choice for a privacy border. It can reach 40 to 60 ft. tall and 10 to 15 ft. wide, but there are many cultivars maturing at under 10 ft. Arborvitae is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.
Live Oak
Live oak (Quercus virginiana) is a long-lived screen that’s well-suited to the Southern climate and habit. It usually matures at 40 to 80 ft. tall, 30 to 100 ft. wide. Live oak is hardy in USDA Zones 8-10 and requires more space than other species.
These evergreen landscape trees are low-maintenance and offer year-round coverage, making them an ideal choice for a privacy border. Choose the species that best suits your climate and space requirements and enjoy the privacy and beauty they provide.
Best Large Landscape Trees for Quick Shade
When it comes to choosing large landscape trees for quick shade, many people opt for oaks and maples. However, there are other trees that can provide shade just as effectively. One of these is the American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), which is a fast-growing, long-lived tree with excellent branching structure that requires minimal pruning. This native species is favored over its European relative, the London planetree, due to its superior cold hardiness and resistance to tip dieback. American sycamore has unique patchy “camouflage” bark that reveals large swatches of whitish bark as it matures. It can grow up to 75 to 100 ft. tall and 40 to 70 ft. wide and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Other large landscape trees that can provide quick shade include the following:
• Tulip-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera): This fast-growing tree prefers moist, well-drained sites. Its leaves are shaped like the silhouette of tulips, while the yellow and orange flowers look like open tulips. Tulip-poplar can grow up to 60 to 90 ft. tall and 30 to 50 ft. wide. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. Note that dropped flowers can be slippery, so avoid planting these trees near walkways, driveways, patios, and decks.
• American sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua): This tree has the best fall color of any southern native tree and grows straight with a pyramidal shape when young. The bristly star-shaped gumballs remain on the tree for winter interest but can create cleanup problems for patios and driveways, so avoid those areas when planting. It can grow up to 60 to 80 ft. tall and 40 to 60 ft. wide and is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
• Pecan (Carya illinoinensis): This hickory tree is one of the quicker-growing varieties and can reach a mature size of 75 to 100 ft. tall and 40 to 70 ft. wide. It makes a good shade tree and has the added benefit of dropping tasty nuts in the fall. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
When selecting a large landscape tree for quick shade, it is important to consider the size and shape of the tree as well as the planting site. By choosing one of these recommended trees, homeowners can enjoy the benefits of shade and beauty for years to come.
Best Medium-Size Landscape Trees for Quick Shade
For those who are looking for a shade tree with more modest proportions, Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a great alternative to the overplanted Red maple (Acer rubrum), according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Blackgum is a little slower growing than the Red maple, but it is worthwhile to wait for it to grow. The tree grows 30 to 50 ft. tall and 20 to 30 ft. wide, making it a perfect size for medium-sized landscapes. Its striking scarlet red fall foliage is a beautiful sight to behold. Blackgum is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, making it a great option for a wide range of climates.
Best Large Landscape Trees for Multiseason Interest
For a large tree that provides multiseason interest, the Northern catalpa (Catalpa speciosa) is an excellent choice. This fast-growing tree has large heart-shaped leaves and produces beautiful white flowers with yellow and purple markings that attract pollinators. When in bloom during early summer, the Northern catalpa is a sight to behold, as it is often the only tree in bloom in the area.
In the fall, the bright green leaves of the Northern catalpa turn yellow, but it is the long, cylindrical seedpods that give the tree its nickname “cigar tree.” These seedpods hang from the tree all winter, resembling long, slender cigars. The Northern catalpa can grow up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-8.
Another option for multiseason interest is the Southern catalpa (Catalpa bignoniodes). This tree has a similar range to the Northern catalpa, but grows further south. It produces large, heart-shaped leaves and white flowers with purple and yellow markings. The Southern catalpa can grow up to 60 feet tall and 40 feet wide, and is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9.
Both of these trees are excellent choices for those looking for a large landscape tree that provides multiseason interest.
Best Small Landscape Trees for Multiseason Interest
There are several small landscape trees that can provide multiseason interest. One of the best candidates is the Apple serviceberry (Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’), which is highly recommended by Brenton’s Andy Schmitz. This tree has white flowers in the spring, followed by colorful fruit that is loved by wildlife. The blue-green leaves persist through summer and turn red in the fall. In the winter, the multi-stem habit and silvery gray bark make it an attractive addition to any landscape. It can grow up to 15 to 25 ft. tall and 20 to 25 ft. wide and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
One of the reasons why Apple serviceberry is preferred over other serviceberries is that it can be trained as a 3- to 5-stemmed small tree, unlike most serviceberries that are more multistemmed suckering shrubs. Moreover, it has consistent fall color, making it an excellent wildlife tree that feeds birds and mammals.
Apart from Apple serviceberry, there are two other recommendations for small landscape trees that provide multiseason interest. The first is the Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) recommended by Arbor Day’s Pete Smith. It has white flowers in the early spring and deep reds and purples of fall foliage. The second recommendation is the Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), which is a small, muscular, multi-trunk tree that blooms in crape-like flowers of many colors in the hottest part of summer. Both of these trees can also be great additions to any landscape.
Best Landscape Trees for a Naturalistic Grove
For a naturalistic grove, Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) is a great choice. Aspens grow in groves and look stunning thanks to their creamy white bark and golden yellow fall foliage. A columnar Swedish aspen cultivar is also available for those who have limited space. It grows up to 10 ft. wide and looks great when planted together. Quaking aspen can grow up to 40 to 50 ft. tall and 20 to 30 ft. wide. It is hardy in USDA Zones 2-7.
Another great option for a naturalistic grove is the Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). It is recommended by experts for its early season flower display in early spring. Redbuds have orangish-reddish bark and ornamental seed pods that hang on through the winter. Pink Pom Poms is a new cultivar that has double pink flowers and no seedpods to litter the ground. Redbud can grow up to 20 to 30 ft. tall and 25 to 35 ft. wide. It is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
Table 1 below summarizes the features and hardiness zones of the two recommended landscape trees.
Table 1: Recommended Landscape Trees for a Naturalistic Grove
| Tree Name | Features | Hardy in USDA Zones |
|---|---|---|
| Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) | Creamy white bark and golden yellow fall foliage. Columnar Swedish aspen cultivar available. | 2-7 |
| Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) | Early season flower display in early spring. Orangish-reddish bark and ornamental seed pods that hang on through the winter. Pink Pom Poms is a new cultivar with double pink flowers and no seedpods. | 4-9 |
Best Landscape Trees for Front Entryway Stardom
When it comes to selecting trees for the front entryway, there are a variety of options to choose from. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a popular choice due to its small size and striking fall colors. However, there are many different cultivars available, each with their own unique size and leaf shape.
In addition to Japanese maple, there are several other trees that can make a great addition to the front entryway. Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) is a small evergreen with red berries that add a pop of color throughout the winter. Saucer magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) is another great option, with showy spring blossoms and attractive fall foliage. Mexican plum (Prunus mexicana) is a native tree that produces early spring flowers and edible fall fruits.
When selecting a tree for the front entryway, it’s important to consider the size of the space and the tree’s mature size. It’s also important to choose a tree that is hardy in your particular USDA zone. The table below provides a quick reference for the recommended trees and their hardiness zones.
| Tree Name | Mature Size | Hardiness Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) | Under 4 ft. tall and wide | Zones 5-8 |
| Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria) | 10-20 ft. tall and 8-12 ft. wide | Zones 7-9 |
| Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana) | 20-30 ft. tall and wide | Zones 4-9 |
| Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) | 15-25 ft. tall and wide | Zones 6-8 |
Overall, selecting the right tree for the front entryway can add a touch of beauty and elegance to any home. By considering factors such as size, hardiness, and visual appeal, homeowners can choose the perfect tree to make their entryway stand out.
Best Landscape Trees for Outdoor Decorating
When it comes to outdoor decorating, choosing the right trees can make all the difference. Two trees that are highly recommended for outdoor decorating are the Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra) and the Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum).
The Swiss stone pine is a slow-growing evergreen tree that retains its dark green color throughout the winter. Its narrow, pyramidal habit and dense, full foliage make it an excellent choice for outdoor decorating. It is also a tree that will stay smaller and in proportion to people viewing it as a decorated Christmas tree. The Swiss stone pine typically matures at 30 to 40 ft. tall and 15 to 25 ft. wide and is hardy in USDA Zones 3-7.
The Baldcypress, on the other hand, is a deciduous conifer that can grow in swamps or normal soil. It looks like an evergreen during the growing season but eventually turns to a rust color in fall and drops its needles. The Baldcypress is an excellent choice for outdoor decorating where space permits. It typically grows 50 to 70 ft. tall, 20 to 30 ft. wide and is hardy in USDA Zones 4-9.
For hotter, drier conditions, the Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica) is a fast-growing and drought-tolerant tree that can be used for outdoor decorating. This western native is another pyramidal evergreen that makes a good frame for holiday lights in the winter. The Arizona cypress typically grows 20 to 50 ft. tall, 16 to 20 ft. wide, and is hardy in USDA Zones 7-11.
Overall, the Swiss stone pine, Baldcypress, and Arizona cypress are all excellent choices for outdoor decorating. They offer unique characteristics that can enhance the beauty of any outdoor space.
Best Landscape Trees for Pollinators
When it comes to attracting pollinators, the Seven-son flower tree (Heptacodium miconiodes) is a top choice. This multi-stem tree or large shrub is known for its late-summer blooms, which are white in September and turn rosy red the following month. The tree’s peeling bark and unique habit add to its character, but it’s the pollinator-attracting blooms that make it a standout. Bees, bumblebees, moths, and butterflies are all drawn to the Seven-son flower tree, making it a magnet for these important insects. The tree is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9 and can grow up to 15 to 20 ft. tall and 8 to 10 ft. wide.
Another great option for attracting pollinators is the oak tree (Quercus spp.). Oaks are host plants for up to 300 different species of insect larvae, making them an essential addition to any pollinator-friendly landscape. While flowering trees only provide a short-term benefit to pollinators, the leaves of native trees like oaks are crucial to the lifecycle of many pollinators. Planting an oak tree is an excellent way to support pollinators and help ensure their survival.
In summary, the Seven-son flower tree and oak tree are two excellent choices for anyone looking to attract pollinators to their landscape. By planting these trees, gardeners can help support the important work of bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators.
For More Information
To find the perfect tree for your outdoor space, it is important to consider geographic factors such as your Hardiness Zone, local soil conditions and sunlight availability. The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Wizard feature on arborday.org can help you identify these factors. Once you have this information, you can narrow your search by tree variety and mature height to select the ideal tree species for your region. For more information on selecting the perfect tree, visit arborday.org.
About the Experts
Andy Schmitz, a horticulturist with 25 years of experience at the Brenton Arboretum in Dallas Center, Iowa, is an expert in growing, planting, and caring for trees. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University and an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture from Hawkeye Community College, he has extensive knowledge in the field.
Pete Smith, a Certified Forester and Certified Arborist, has been supporting community forestry and education programs at the Arbor Day Foundation since 2014. Prior to that, he spent 26 years with the Texas A&M Forest Service, where he served as the state coordinator for the Urban & Community Forestry program. His vast experience in the field makes him a valuable resource for the foundation and the community.
