Best trees for front yard


Best trees for front yards: 10 varieties to suit all gardens

By choosing the best trees for front yards, you can completely transform your front garden design. The right tree adds height to the garden landscape and creating a point of architectural interest around which the rest of the garden design can be orientated. 

However, with limited space available, selecting the right tree is key. It is important to look for a tree that can comfortably grow in a small garden – and one that will add year-round interest to your front yard landscaping ideas. 

'While really any tree can be grown in the front yard, the best varieties are those that offer some kind of ornamental value such as flower, leaf color, or general texture,' advises Blythe Yost, CEO of the online landscape design company Tilly , 'A few well placed shade trees will lend significance and grandeur to your property for years to come – they are a great investment and will do wonders for your curb appeal.'

Best trees for front yards

When choosing the best trees for front yards, it is important to first work out what you want from the tree. Do you want the tree to offer privacy or do you want it to be a stand out feature in your front yard? Are you looking for something to bring color to your outdoor space, or would you rather something low-maintenance that doesn't drop a lot of leaves come fall? Think size, too, since it's likely that you'll be looking for trees for small gardens, rather than ones suited to larger spaces.

It's also vital to factor in the conditions of your front yard – what sort of soil do you have, is it a north-facing garden or south-facing garden plot, do you have extreme summers and/or winters? All of these things will impact the long-term health and subsequent appearance of the tree – an unhealthy, drooping tree is never going to be one of the best trees for front yards.

‘Make sure the tree you select will thrive in the growing conditions. This includes the type of soil, wind, rainfall, winter cold and summer heat. Check the tag for this information as well as the mature height and spread,’ advises certified arborist and garden expert Melinda Myers . ‘Contact your University Extension service, local garden center, nature center, landscape professionals, certified arborists, or other more localized tree resources to find trees suited to their climate.’

1. Magnolia

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A herald of spring, magnolia is loved for its beautiful goblet flowers and sweet fragrance. There are lots of different varieties, from smaller varieties like Magnolia Black Tulip which reaches about 10 feet at maturity, through to evergreen cultivars such as Magnolia grandiflora that are fairly mess free and offer year-round privacy. 

Magnolia stellata is a popular choice for front yards as it has a small stature but still produces a stunning array of flowers. In fact, it can even be grown in a container so is ideal if you don't have the space to plant a tree in the ground. 

Magnolia trees are suited to USDA zones 7 to 9. One thing to note is that most magnolia trees prefer slightly acidic soil and full sun, though there are some varieties that can tolerate more neutral soil so be sure to do your research when looking for the best trees for front yards.  

2. Pink Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida rubra)

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'When I have a design request from a client that centers around planting trees, I always recommend going for species that attract pollinators and animals,' advises Jane Clarke, landscape expert from Fantastic Gardeners .

Native to Eastern US, Pink Flowering Dogwood is one of the best trees for front yards if you want to attract wildlife into your garden. In spring, its stunning pink blooms will last for up to 4 weeks. Your tree will be rich with bees and butterflies enjoying the nectar. Once its flowered, the bright green leaves of its summer foliage will turn a deep, eye-catching purple shade throughout fall. Tolerant between USDA zones 5 to 9, the berries that the Pink Flowering Dogwood produces in the cooler months will become a mainstay for feeding birds in winter.

3. Paper Bark Birch (Betula papyrifera)

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Named for its beautiful white bark, which curls and peels into layers when the tree is mature, the paper bark birch would make for a beautiful centerpiece in a front yard. Famed for being the state tree of New Hampshire, it is a popular nesting site for woodpeckers, blue jay, nuthatches, chickadees and swallows. Able to thrive in gardens in USDA zones 2 through to 7, the paper bark birch is one of the best trees for front yards in colder parts of the country. 

4. Wisteria

(Image credit: Bridget Pierson)

A staple of the cottage garden, wisteria is a romantic addition to any front yard. Whether you decide to grow wisteria up the wall of your house, on an archway over your front path, or over a garden fence, it adds color and character to your home.

Most varieties are tolerant from zones 5 to 9, though Kentucky wisteria – which is native to North America rather than Asia – can be grown even in zone 3. If growing wisteria, it is important to know how to prune wisteria as this will keep it in good condition and ensure an abundance of flowers.

5. Green giant arborvitae (Thuja x. ‘Green Giant’)

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If you're looking for an architectural, easy to care for, evergreen tree, then green giant arborvitae are one of the best trees for front yards. 'A moderately fast-growing evergreen conifer (3 feet per year), green giant arborvitae are easy to grow and low maintenance making them a great choice for front yards, especially in zones 5 to 9,' suggests Tammy Sons, CEO of TN Nurserys .

Their conical shape and their height – growing up to 60 feet tall – makes them a great focal point for year-round interest. Consider planting either side of a front porch to frame the house, then underplant with flowers and small shrubs for further interest. 

6. Redbud tree (Cercis canadensis)

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This beautiful tree is one of the prettiest trees to grow in the front yard and is suitable for planting from zones 4 through 8. Its bright pink blooms erupt at the start of spring, before the pretty heart-shaped leaves develop later in the season creating a colorful welcome to your home. Growing to 20 feet tall, and around 20 feet wide, this deciduous tree is also relatively small which makes it perfect for front yards.

7. Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia)

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If you are looking for a tree that produces plenty of flowers, then crape myrtle is one of the best trees for front yards. Exploding in a profusion of pink blooms in summer and retaining them well into the fall, they are popularly known as the lilac of the south. 

Tolerant in USDA zones 7 through to 10, the crape myrtle is a fairly small tree – only growing up to 15–25 feet tall – making it a great addition for small front yards. 'The Crape Myrtle trees bring a lot to the table in terms of augmenting your front yard with color that is year-round,' says Luke Kalawsky, manager of Central Phoenix Moon Valley Nurseries  . 'The Crape Myrtle is easy to care for and is moderately drought-resistant once established.

Crape myrtle needs full sun and thrive best in hot and dry conditions, so if you live in an area with high humidity, then they are best avoided as they are susceptible to mildew. 

8.

 Tibetan cherry tree (Prunus serrula)

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Tibetan cherry trees are one of the best trees for front yards due to its eye-catching color and interesting shape. Growing in zones 6 to 8, its beautiful, polished mahogany bark creates a stunning feature that adds color and interest all year around, especially come winter when the red bark pops against white snow. Then come spring, it erupts in a host of delicate white flowers, which contrast the deep red bark for a stunning display. 

9. Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana)

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If you're just going to have one tree in your front yard then you need to pick a hardworking variety that will make a statement. The Callery pear, also known as the flowering pear or Bradford pear starts the year with a profusion of late winter and early spring flowers, while its bright green leaves darken throughout the year, shifting to a deep orange-red hue in the fall – the quintessential fall tree.  

'The Flowering Pear is moderate to fast-growing and needs low to moderate watering once established. Flowering Pears love sun exposure and are highly resistant to fire-flight, making the tree a great choice for firescaping,' advises says Luke Kalawsky, manager of Central Phoenix Moon Valley Nursery . 

A large tree, growing up to 50 feet tall and tolerant through USDA zones 4 to 8, it is a great choice if you are also looking for a tree that will add shade and privacy to your front yard. 'Prune to maintain desired canopy shape and size, and fertilize monthly from early spring to fall to receive fullest flower potential,' continues Luke.

10. Bay tree in planter

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Even if you only have a small front yard, you can still grow trees in pots. When it comes to containers, the best trees for front yards differ slightly from the others on this list. Size becomes of vital importance, as the tree must be able to thrive with a constricted root area. Slow-growing trees are best for growing in pots as you won't have to constantly repot them.

There are lots of options for the best trees to grow in pots . Bay is a great choice for a classic, sophisticated look and fairs well in most areas. Olive trees are also popular for those looking to create a Mediterranean garden retreat, and as mentioned before, there are species of magnolia that can also thrive in pots.

What are the best trees to plant in your front yard?

Magnolia, crape myrtle and pink flowering dogwood are some of the best trees to plant in your front yard. ‘Look for trees that do not create a mess or create planting beds around them so the mess is masked by the surrounding plants,’ suggests certified arborist and garden expert Melinda Myers .

The best tree for your front yard will depend on the size of your yard, amount of growing space you have available as well as the climate and the severity of your summers and winters.

What is a good shade tree that is not messy?

Green giant arborvitae, silver dollar tree and southern magnolia are all good options that create garden shade – and are not messy. Since they are evergreen they do not loose their leaves in fall, meaning you don't have to clear up a host of fallen leaves, or worry about them creating an unattractive and slippery welcome to your home. 

The 15 Best Trees for Backyard Landscaping

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Well-tended, colorful trees can add much-needed shade, privacy, and value to your property. This list of different types of trees includes some of our longstanding favorites that can easily be incorporate into your lawn design—with stunning results.

1. Dogwood (Cornus)

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A dogwood tree brings beauty and interest to your backyard all year long. It flowers during spring in a profusion of white, pink, and red blossoms, and then features a lush and compact canopy of foliage in the summer. Most varieties display red foliage in the fall before dropping leaves to show off attractive branching in the winter. There’s a variety for most any zone in the United States, making it no surprise that dogwood is one of the most popular flowering trees in America.

2. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangeana)

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Emblazoned with pinkish-purple, saucer-shaped flowers in the early spring, saucer magnolia is a backyard showstopper. Growing 20 to 30 feet tall and thriving in Zones 4 through 9, it’s an ornamental that’s suitable for almost any yard.

RELATED: 45 Backyard Landscaping Ideas for Creating the Ideal Outdoor Living Space

3. Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

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If you’re looking for backyard landscaping ideas that will to add fall interest and color to your property, sugar maple is a great selection. Growing 60 to 75 feet tall, the sugar maple boasts a spreading canopy that puts on a vibrant show in autumn. Considered both a shade and an ornamental tree, it’s no wonder this is an American favorite for the yard.

4. Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum)

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In as little as five years, the silver maple tree will transform your backyard into a shady retreat. The silver undersides of its leaves not only give the silver maple its name, but also lend the tree a shimmering silver appearance in the breeze. It has a vast root system and large trunk, so be mindful to plant it away from sewer lines and walkways.

5. ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae (Thuja ‘Green Giant’)

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Backyard privacy is important in so many places, but it’s especially crucial between houses and yards in housing subdivisions. There are many reasons that ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae is known as one of the best trees for privacy: A fast-growing evergreen, it is exceptionally hardy, tolerates almost any soil, and has a beautiful conical shape. It’s great for a hedge, a screen, or as a single specimen in the backyard.

RELATED: The Dos and Don’ts of Landscaping Around Trees

6. Weeping Cherry (Prunus pendula)

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Few trees are as romantic and elegant as the weeping cherry. With cascading branches festooned with white or pink blossoms in spring, this graceful tree will quickly become the highlight of any backyard. Growing 20 to 30 feet tall, with a 20- to 25-foot spread, it’s small enough to fit almost anywhere.

7. Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

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The red oak gets its name from the brilliant leaf color it shows off in the fall. Popular for both its hardiness and beauty, it’s also one of our favorite fast growing trees. Reaching up to 75 feet tall in maturity, red oak has a rounded canopy that makes for excellent shade in larger backyards.

8. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

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Whether you’re looking for evergreen privacy trees for your yard you just want to enhance your property with a singular ornamental stunner, American holly delivers. Small, white springtime blooms give way to red berries (actually drupes) in the fall, which remain throughout winter. Holly offers both visual interest and food for wildlife, attracting birds and other small creatures to your yard.

9. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

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One of the first signs of spring is the brilliant purplish-pink flowering of the eastern redbud, but its branching pattern makes this tree just as beautiful in winter as it is the rest of the year. Growing 20 to 30 feet high, with a 30-foot spread, the eastern redbud will make a dramatic display in any backyard.

RELATED: 11 Flowering Trees Every DIY Landscaper Should Know

10. Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Liriodendron tulipifera – Tulip tree in autumn with golden leaves

The tulip tree, liriodendron tulipifera, does double duty as a shade tree and an ornamental. It is bursting with tulip-shaped flowers in springtime and flaunts brilliant yellow leaves in the fall. One of our favorite fast-growing shade trees, the hardwood tulip tree can grow more than 2 feet in a year. It is has few pest problems and can be grown in Zones 4 through 9, making it an ideal choice for backyards throughout the country—providing they can handle its height.

11. Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera)

Photo: istockphoto.com

If you are looking for a tree that will quickly make an impression, consider the paper birch. The tall and lean tree is a fast grower that can reach up to 60-feet tall. Its green leaves turn golden yellow in the fall, which creates a contrast with its white peeling bark. Native to northern North America, the paper birch can be grown in zones 2 through 7.

12. Crabapple (Malus)

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You can enjoy the colors of a crabapple tree practically year round. In spring, flowers bloom in shades of white, pink, or red depending on the variety. At the end of summer you will notice the small apples fruiting, which last into winter even after the vibrant red and orange leaves fall off the tree. Grow it in Zones 4 through 8 in full sun with well-drained soil for a dense tree.

13. Fringe Tree (Chionanthus virginicus)

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Suitable in hardiness zones 3 through 9, the fringe tree can grow in most of the United States. It makes a showy appearance in early spring with its feathery white flowers, hence its name. While delicate looking, the fringe tree is tolerant to pollution which makes it a great pick if you live in a city or high-traffic area. You can expect the tree to grow 12 to 20 feet tall and wide.

RELATED: 10 Trees That Spell Trouble for Your Yard

14. Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum)

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If you want to attract birds and butterflies to your yard, consider planting a Washington hawthorn. This smaller deciduous tree—it grows no taller or wider than 30 feet—has fragrant flowers in the spring and small red fruit from summer through winter that draw in the wildlife. It also offers gorgeous foliage in the fall.

15. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)

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Serviceberry, or shadbush, is a small native tree that looks great in a landscape for every season. Tolerant to most conditions, it can be grown in zones 2 through 9. This will be one of the first trees in your yard to flower in early spring, and then fruit berries in summer. In the fall, you’ll get to enjoy bright red and orange leaves.

Which trees can be planted 🏡 on the plot near the house, and which ones cannot

It is difficult to imagine a private house without a single tree on the plot. It is plants that create a sense of harmony in any space where people are going to live or already live. Usually, seedlings are selected and planted at the stage of building a house - this is done by a landscape designer, and sometimes by the owner of suburban housing.


For many years, green plantings delight the owners of the house with flowering, aroma and even delicious fruits. However, each plant requires a certain approach and affects everything that surrounds it. Some of them have even acquired superstitions, and the Internet is full of information about the energy properties of certain breeds. As for their location, distance from each other and from other objects, this is regulated by the requirements of SNiP.

Which tree species are best planted near the house and why?

The first thing you should pay attention to before planting seedlings is the climatic conditions in which you place the plant. They determine which tree is best planted in the garden. In the northern regions, it is rare to see fruit varieties that simply die in inappropriate conditions. In the south, acacias, yews, lindens and firs are common.


When choosing a garden plant, owners usually rely on its appearance. However, do not forget about the features of the root system and the structure of the trunk - they allow you to understand whether the plant is suitable for a residential area.

Based on the characteristics of the climate, it is better to choose a plant for your garden from the following unpretentious representatives.

We have sorted out suitable plants, but which trees should not be planted near the house? There are not so many of them, and the reasons for the negative impact have different grounds.

Tree species not best planted near the house

So, you have decided which tree to plant in your garden. In addition to your personal preferences and natural features of plants, there are a number of rules that determine their location. The distance between plantings and their distance from the neighboring allotment are indicated in special SNiP.

Green space requirements

SNiP 30-03-97 - a regulatory document containing the rules for the development of land plots. It is in it that the distance between plantings and their remoteness from construction sites and neighboring properties are indicated. The rules also take into account the distance between the plant and underground utilities.

In order to accurately calculate planting sites, topographic surveys are sometimes required. It takes into account all the objects on the territory, determines their exact coordinates and provides comprehensive information about the area. Based on its results, a topographic plan is drawn up, which is used by builders and landscape designers.

The trees planted near the house, whichever species you choose, determine the unique look of your garden. Country houses made of SIP panels are a place of rest for some, a permanent place of residence for others. In both cases, green spaces create coziness and enhance the feeling of peace and remoteness from the bustle of the city.

overview of species and root systems (100 photos)

No private house is complete without trees planted near the house. Important family events take place under their crown, and they become a kind of hallmark of the house, distinguishing it from others. When choosing a tree for the front garden and porch, you need to be guided by the size of the building, its location in relation to the sun, and the composition of the soil. Appearance - the silhouette of the crown and other botanical features of the trees allow you to make a choice for every taste.

Colorful photos of manicured yards once again show that most landscape design projects cannot do without trees near the house.

Brief content of the article:

Folk signs about trees near the house

It is believed that under the crown of each plant its own special aura is created and in ancient times people believed that the fate of the owners develops depending on which tree is planted near the house.

Cherry

Cherry symbolizes prosperity and good luck. During the flowering period, this tree is unusually beautiful. It is unpretentious to the composition of the soil and climatic conditions. Dry branches of this green talisman are suitable for a fire during family barbecues. The pleasant aroma of cherry logs will help increase wealth.


Juniper

Juniper plays the role of a guard that removes evil thoughts, curses, love spells and spoilage. It is planted in front of the house, preferably at the entrance. The rooms of the house can be fumigated by burning juniper needles. It will cleanse and remove negative energy.

Some peoples have a prejudice against this plant, because evergreen juniper branches mark the path of the deceased to the cemetery. But this once again confirms the saving and protective mission of the plant.

This and other beliefs associated with cemeteries are false prejudices, but if there is a personal rejection of any tree, then, of course, you need to refuse planting.

Rosehip

Rosehip is another plant with a protective function. It pleases the eye with roses and bright fruits, and the healing properties of this plant are known to all. According to signs, it protects the relationship of loving couples and strengthens family ties.

Larch

Larch is a coniferous tree that changes its cover every year. It is wonderful in all seasons: in spring and summer it pleases the eye with a juicy green cover and multi-colored cones, in autumn it acquires a bright yellow color that radiates warmth, and in winter beautiful branches with cones create a lacy silhouette.

Unlike spruce, fallen larch needles do not oxidize the soil, but nourish it. It is enough to be under her crown to calm the nerves, get rid of sadness and fears.

Acacia

Another garden pet - acacia, will help relieve stress and fatigue, encourage and set you up for positive. Throughout the year, this evergreen plant pleases the eye with delicate foliage, and with the onset of summer, envelops the house with a charming aroma. According to signs, it promotes childbearing and can miraculously get rid of infertility.


Pear

Pear with a beautiful pyramidal crown, rich green leaves, clusters of white flowers and tasty fruits, has more than 50 varieties. She personifies the strength and wisdom of motherhood, stimulates communication and mutual understanding. According to signs, it helps to establish friendships and partnerships.

Spruce

Contradictory beliefs are associated with spruce, a favorite of children. For example, it is believed that spruce is a vampire, but it absorbs energy in the warm season, then to generously share it in winter, when all nature is in deep hibernation. It can help those who feel unwell in winter.

It is also believed that spruce removes negativity in relationships, protects the family from conflicts.

On the other hand, there is a belief that she removes the masculinity from the house, leading to divorces, widowhood, preventing marriage. It is noteworthy that in the regions of natural distribution of spruce, there are no such negative beliefs about it.

Kalina

Kalina is rightfully one of the most popular companions of human habitation. It preserves health, stimulates protective functions and the body's ability to heal itself.

A red bunch of viburnum berries framed by wedge-shaped leaves symbolizes innocence and girlish beauty. It is used in the wedding symbolism of the Slavic peoples.

Maple

Maple - another well-known satellite of civilization, carries the energy of longevity, stability, material wealth and love. It relieves stress and promotes a calm measured rhythm of life.


Norway maple is the most common variety, but there are many other outwardly different varieties of this tree, unpretentious and exemplary for landscape design.

Rowan

Rowan is a low-growing tree with beautiful and healing fruits, which is planted near the windows of the house. It promotes erotic pleasures, rejuvenates and removes the effect of black magic.

Rowan also teaches to restrain feelings, to act with reason and for good.

Apple tree

The botanical relative of this tree, the apple tree, is also customarily planted near a window. It is especially suitable for girls' bedrooms, patronizing their beauty, charm and bringing good luck in love affairs.

Fern

Fern is a mysterious plant with an ambiguous effect on human relationships. It brings money and good luck, but is also believed to absorb energy and cause disease.

The harmful qualities of the plant are also confirmed at a rational level, it absorbs oxygen and is an allergen, therefore it is not suitable for growing in a room. Outdoor ferns are not as scary, but whether they will lead to wealth, there is no scientific data on this yet.

Which trees should not be planted?

There are also a number of recommendations about which trees should not be planted near the house. Popular beliefs and agrotechnical indicators partially coincide in this matter. But a number of prohibitions are explained by purely energy fields felt at the parapsychological level.

Oak

Oak can be detrimental to residents, it should not be kept on the site at all. At the same time, poplar has positive energy and can be cultivated in areas remote from buildings. Hazel can also grow on the edge of the land.

Willow

Aspen and willow can be considered outcasts of folk legends. They bring bad luck and death. Moreover, the negative impact is especially strong on those who planted them and on the children in whose honor the tree was planted.


Pine

Although popular rumor evaluates pine and thuja differently, giving the former positive qualities and associating the latter with death and evil, both of these coniferous trees are not suitable for planting near the house.

Birch

There is an interesting belief about birches. They have an important protection function, but at the same time they are a haven for evil spirits. Therefore, this plant outpost is transferred over the fence. A birch is usually planted at the gate, placing a bench under it. So she guards the entrance, and being at a distance does not harm the inhabitants of the house.

There are also signs in case a decision is made to cut down a tree growing near the house. You need to think seven times before uprooting a perennial giant with a crown hanging over the house.

When buying an old house, it doesn't hurt to know its history. A tree near the house can be a talisman, and it is better to leave it. Without consequences, you can remove all the trees only if the house itself is intended for demolition.

Regardless of the degree of belief in signs and superstitions, when planning a planting near the house, one should also take into account the agrotechnical properties of plants.


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