Pretty tree for front yard


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

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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. 

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

Best trees for front yards: 11 top picks for stunning curb appeal

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The best trees for front yards and gardens can transform a house into a welcoming home. Providing a burst of spring blossom, a vivid crop of fruit or berries, or stunning fall leaf colors, they make an ever-changing living feature which boosts curb appeal. Additionally, a tree in the front yard can provide privacy, absorb noise pollution and encourage useful wildlife to visit the garden. 

When selecting the best trees for front yards, there are some important rules to consider. Depending on the size of your home and its proximity to the neighbors’, it’s important not to go too large. A tree that looks the right size and shape now might quadruple in size over the next decade, spreading roots which could cause problems with building foundations – either yours or someone else’s. 

As a major investment, it’s crucial to buy the right tree for the right place. Like all plants, different species of tree have different demands. Before you buy, work out which way your front yard faces, what kind of soil you have – and the climate conditions. Harsh winters could kill some tender trees, for example. 

Including a tree in your front garden ideas will provide a strong focal point, so ensure that it is going to give the best possible value by working hard in more than one season. Evergreens are reliable in that they will give year-round color and won’t shed their leaves, but deciduous trees are good value if you pick a species which has stunning spring blossom, blazing fall color and interesting bark after the leaves fall. 

Once the correct decision has been made, a happy tree can be surprisingly low maintenance, providing years of uninterrupted interest. 

Add interest to your plot with the best trees for front yards

Whether you're looking to create privacy at the front of your home or want to inject height and color for added curb appeal, the best trees for front yards will help you achieve the right look for your plot. 

1. Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ 

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Also known as Persian Ironwood, this is a spreading specimen tree, which can be multi-stemmed, with textured, peeling bark. It flowers in the winter, but really comes into its own in the fall, when the large oval leaves turn to glowing red, intense purple and amber.  

'This can be a huge tree which is not suitable for a smaller plot, but P.persica ‘Vanessa’ is a slender, upright tree which spreads up to 8ft (2.5m) wide at its ultimate height of 26ft (8m),' reports tree expert Michael Buck Nursery Manager at Form Plants , which provides trees and shrubs for RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It’s hardy from zones 5-8. 

2. Cornus Kousa

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Smothered in creamy flowers in early summer, the dogwood or Cornus kousa adds interest through the rest of the year, with purple/red fall foliage and clusters of pink fruit. 

If you're looking for the best plants for small gardens, a dwarf dogwood, such as Cornus kousa ‘Angyo Dwarf’ will only reach 4-5ft (1.2-1.5m) tall, but other varieties can top 23-26ft (7-8m). ‘China Girl,’ a larger one, has an attractive dome shape and reaches 13-26ft (4-8m) in 20 years. ‘Milky Way’ is another top choice. These trees need full sun or partial shade, and they prefer a moist (but not soggy) neutral to acid soil.

3. Amelanchier lamarkii

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Upright trees will not overwhelm small gardens, and this one, also called a serviceberry or June Berry, has clusters of pretty white star-shaped flowers on coppery colored young leaves in spring. 

Amelanchier lamarckii will not top 16.5ft (5m) tall. If you have more space, try Amelanchier laevis. It will grow to 26ft (8m) high, with lots of spring blossom followed by purple fruits and then burnished orange autumn foliage. 

These are one of the best trees for front yards because they are hardy and can cope with damp conditions and most soil types, although they prefer clay or sandy soil.  

4. Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) 

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If you're searching for an evergreen option for the best trees for front yards, this is a good choice. It has large, leathery leaves, clusters of white flowers in late summer and fall, and then charming red textured fruits which give it the common name of the Strawberry Tree.  

If you are looking for garden screening ideas to hide an unsightly view from your front windows, this is a great choice, but it’s equally striking as a standalone feature tree. It likes well drained soil, and it is best suited to zones 8b-11. 

5. Saucer Magnolia

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One of the most popular flowering trees in the US, this small deciduous low-branched tree has large, goblet-shaped flowers in blushed pink, white or soft purple from late February to early April. Plant in moist, acid soil, in full sun.

Avoid very exposed areas, as a frost can ruin the display of blossom, turning the petals brown. The tree is hardy for zones 4-9, but seasonal protection is advisable in areas with cold winters for the first few years. There are plenty of tips on how to protect plants from frost in our dedicated guide, too. 

6. Colorado Blue Spruce

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For a no-nonsense, all year-round tree, this one, also known as picea pungens is a great choice. With a beautiful soft blue silvery foliage, it has spiky leaves and light brown winter buds. It’s native to Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming and Idaho, and can cope with high elevations. 

For a large yard, try ‘Fat Albert’ which has a symmetrical pyramid shape, growing as big as 10ft (3m). For a little yard, go for ‘Globosa’ or ‘Montgomery.’ Or try ‘Iseli Fastigiate’ which grows in a tall but narrow column. Grow in full sun. 

7. Crab Apple

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With a froth of blossom in spring, and the cutest autumn fruits in ruby red, blush orange and gold, crab apples are highly covetable as one of the best flowering trees. With so many different varieties, check the ultimate height carefully before buying. 

Small ones include malus ‘Butterball’ and malus ‘Wisley Crab’ which can reach about 13ft (4m). But it’s malus ‘Evereste’ which is the choice of top tree expert Michael Buck of Form Plants. 'It has amazing prolific blooms in spring that produce shiny red crabs. This tree will work hard year-round,' he says. 'My favorite form is the multi stem, with its gnarly look.'

8. Acer griseum 

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If you're learning how to grow acers, this variety is always a favorite with garden designers, partly for its wonderfully tactile bronze-colored peeling bark (giving rise to the common name of Paper-Bark Maple). 

It is deciduous, and it has a lovely spreading shape. Once the treat of the fiery fall foliage has passed, you will be left with a fascinating feature tree. 'If you can fit one of these in, you won’t regret it,' says Michael Buck of Form Plants. 

Acers are also one of the best trees to grow in pots, making them a practical option for less-than-large front yards. 

9. Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’

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A deciduous tree which provides reliable year-round interest. Pretty catkins, then fluttery soft spring green leaves, some intense fall colors and then glowing white bark in winter. 

A top option if you're searching for the best low maintenance trees, these are easy to care for and withstand harsh winters. They grow in hardiness zones 2-7 in the USA, and heat zones 1-7. For smaller gardens, try a single stem variety. 

10. Crepe/Crape Myrtle

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A tree that flowers on and on is a perfect option if you're searching for the best trees for front yards. The Crepe (or Crape) Myrtle, or lagerstroemia, is called ‘100 Days Red’ in China, because it keeps producing crinkly, paper-like flowers in vivid hues of purple, violet and pink over the summer. 

Plant in a sheltered spot, preferably south or west facing. It will not require pruning, and it’s a slow grower, which could reach 26ft (8m) tall in 20 years. If a cold snap is forecast, protect with horticultural fleece. Suitable for US plant hardiness zones 7 and above.  

11. Weeping cherry 

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A confetti of pink or white petals characterises the cherry tree, and there’s one for every sized garden. For a truly compact tree, try Prunus yedoensis. It has weeping branches and white almond-scented blossom. It will reach only 10ft (3m) tall in 10 years.

What tree looks good in front of house? 

This depends on a number of factors. Michael Buck of Form Plants: 'Ask yourself some key questions. Will the tree provide shade in a particular area where shade is welcome? Will the tree screen from a neighbor? Will the tree provide structure? All of these questions along with the shape and size of the front garden will create a strong starting point for making this decision.'

Don't forget about the space at the base of your tree too. Adding the best plants under trees to your plot will ensure you create plenty of interest at ground level as well as up high. 

Crepe myrtle in full flower 

(Image credit: Martin Berry/Alamy Stock Photo)

How do I pick a tree for my front yard? 

The size of your space will have a major impact on your choice, says Michael Buck. 'Generally speaking, a tree root system grows up to three times the height of a tree at mature age. So, if your front yard is smaller than 16ft (5m), then look into large shrubs or shallow rooting trees like Heptacodium and Betula.' 

If the choice is just too bewildering, ask for help. 'When taking the decision to invest in a tree for a front garden, the process should not be impulsive but based on research,' adds Michael. 'Trees have varied growth habits both in the crown, but also in the root system.' 

He recommends asking a specialist nursery or garden centre staff for help. 'It allows you to dive deep into their wealth of knowledge. Showing images of your garden, or even better, allowing them to visit the planting site, enables them to fully understand your needs. They can offer advice based on this and also some options that you may not have even thought were possible.'

(Image credit: Blickwinkel/Alamy Stock Photo)

Is a deciduous or an evergreen tree best for my front yard?

Both types of tree can offer benefits for your landscaping ideas for front of house. For extra interest with evergreens, try Magnolia grandiflora for larger spaces and Osmanthus x burkwoodii as a smaller one. Both provide fragrant flowers, as well as year-round foliage. 

The right deciduous tree can also provide interest through the whole year, advises Michael Buck. He recommends Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ for its early catkins that lead into a soft leaf structure that provides dappled shade. 'Moving into the winter with the yellow leaves and vivid white bark means this option remains interesting throughout.'

Magnolia grandiflora in bloom

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An experienced freelance journalist, editor and columnist writing for national magazines and websites, Fiona now specialises in gardens. She enjoys finding and writing about all kinds, from the tiniest town plots to impressively designed ones in grand country houses. 

The most beautiful trees for the garden. Overview of the best garden trees.

Information building site |

Fruit trees and flowers in the modern garden are no longer so popular, as the landscaping of the territory has become of great importance. For the original design of the adjoining area, ornamental vegetation is increasingly being used, the variety of varieties of which is amazing. Among the existing types of trees and shrubs, you can choose exactly those that best fit into the concept of the garden, regardless of the size and type of terrain.

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