Trees for front gardens
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)
(Image credit: Marialuisa Wittlin/Getty Images)
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
(Image credit: Jacky Parker Photography/Getty Images)
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 (Image credit: Margaret Welby/Alamy Stock Photo)
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’
(Image credit: Peter Jordan/Alamy Stock Photo)
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
(Image credit: Chon Kit Leong/Alamy Stock Photo)
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
(Image credit: Werner Layer/Alamy Stock Photo)
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
(Image credit: Alamy)
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.
Front garden mini trees |
They give the dwelling a welcoming look, give a cool shade, and over time become the faithful guardians of the house.
Meet mini-trees, suitable even for a small front garden . A beautiful tree growing in a front garden sometimes becomes just as important a part of a small homeland as a street, courtyard, house familiar from childhood ...
expression "family tree". Now the presence of green spaces in the front garden is explained rather by the purely aesthetic preferences of the owners. Be that as it may, it is very important to choose the right “front-entrance” tree, especially when the land is small. We will tell you which trees with compact crowns will look great even in a small area. nine0009
The first thing to consider when choosing a place to plant a tree is the amount of sunlight. Most front gardens "look" to the north: such conditions are ideal for shade-tolerant holly, cherry laurel and sucker. In partial shade, they will feel like a king on a name day, globular maple and columnar mountain ash. But birch drooping and cherry serrated, on the contrary, need a bright sun.
Soil is also of great importance: for example, ash and marsh oak with a spherical crown prefer moist, while spherical Robinia and willow pear prefer dry. nine0009
Fast growing trees need constant monitoring. For example, the branches of the Spanish plane tree (Platanus x hispanica) are tied to horizontally arranged poles and the shoots growing upwards are regularly cut off - so even after many years it retains a compact crown.
Sakura (Prunus incisa) ‘Kojo-no-mai’ gives a firework of colors in autumn. In early spring, the tree is covered with soft pink flowers, and in winter it stands out due to zigzag branches. It grows only up to 2 m in height and up to 1.5 m in width. nine0009
All year round retains the decorative appearance of Ebbing's sucker (Elaeagnus x ebbingei). In some nurseries, this shrub is also grown in a standard form with a spherical crown. In cold regions, the sucker is covered for the winter.
Plant Holly Holly (Ilex aquifolium) ‘Silver Queen’ in a shaded, sheltered position and it will thank you with a lush evergreen crown and decorative red fruit.
Landings in the trunk circle: pros and cons
In the front garden, trees are usually surrounded by flower beds. Sometimes this leads to certain problems: the root systems of some trees and shrubs do not get along well with herbaceous perennials and grasses planted in the near-stem circle of a tree. As a rule, this does not apply to trees with a tap root system that goes deep into the ground: they are quite "hospitable" - in contrast to trees with a shallow root system.
For example, in Norway maple, in addition to the main root system that goes deep into the earth, many thin roots form in the upper soil layer. This will be a serious hindrance to neighboring plants, so it is better to leave his trunk circle free. Under good soil conditions, satellite plants can be planted around the following trees: bignoniform catalpa, liquidambar, ash, ginkgo (all with spherical crowns) and apple. nine0009
Catalpa bignonioides Nana looks like a huge umbrella.
The tree grows up to 4-6 m in height and the same width. It usually does not bloom, but it has light green leaves in the shape of hearts.
Another significant factor is the distance between the house and the street or neighboring plot. Check: will a crown with a diameter of 6 m fit here? Or is there enough space only for a columnar shape no wider than 2 m? Also remember that foliage should not obscure the windows through which light enters the house. You will not run into this problem if you plant dwarf trees, such as willow. nine0009
It is also important to consider how your green friends will look in autumn, and not just during the beautiful spring bloom. Do you want the trees to play with bright colors and attract the eye during the time of the general “wilting nature”? Take note that in the fall, liquidambar “dresses up” in a spectacular golden outfit, and apples hang on a decorative apple tree, like toys on a New Year tree.
And finally, pay attention to the crown .
Most of the trees we know from childhood drop their leaves in autumn, but this does not mean that everyone does this. If you don’t want to admire the bare branches in the autumn, choose representatives of the flora for the front garden that retain their outfit all year round (holly, laurel cherry on the trunk). Sakura leaves early, does not shed ginkgo leaves for a long time. But at the catalpa, green clothes appear only in late spring and disappear in early autumn. nine0084 does not bloom
Betula Pendula 'Youthiii'
to soil
in the upper soil, decorative
'Wredei'
soil: moderate
moist, loose, nutritious
0084 Winter-hardy, slowly growing
Quercus Palustris
`Green Dwarf
5-2m loose, dietary or wet
'EVERESTE'
humus, nutrient,
not too dry
winter-hardy winter-hardy , decorated with fruits
1.5-2 m
to the soil
w.m.p.s.
Family tree in front garden
Tree selection is one of the most important aspects of garden design. And when it comes to the front garden, the right choice of large plants plays a decisive role in creating a composition that successfully fits into the overall look of the garden.
When designing a front garden, one should take into account the size, shape, location of plants, including trees and shrubs. After all, the main thing is that the plants do not cover the facade of the house, but beautifully frame and complement it.
The choice of a front garden family tree that will be your partner for life must be chosen carefully to achieve maximum effect. Many trees are getting taller and more beautiful every year. There are suitable trees for every garden style and every location, and if you make the right choice, the result of your efforts will please you for years to come. So take your time and pick the perfect family tree for your front garden. Before buying, decide what criteria the tree should meet, and what criteria limit the choice. In addition, give yourself an answer to such questions: what role will the tree play in the front garden? To create a shadow? To protect privacy? For decorative purposes or to protect the yard from prying eyes of neighbors? That's why we decided to give you some interesting ideas to help you make the right choice.
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Fruit trees in the front garden
Fruit trees provide the same pleasant shade on hot sunny days as other ornamental trees. Their advantage is that in a couple of years you will be able to enjoy their unsurpassed edible fruits. This is a good and profitable investment, because in spring they give us memorable flowering and dense foliage, and in late summer and autumn they will delight us with wonderful fruits. The gnarled old apple tree impresses with its characteristic silhouette even in winter. nine0009
It should be noted that fruit trees require more attention and care than all other trees. Therefore, opt for a tree with real development opportunities in the climate of your region. So, citrus trees love warmth, plenty of sun and plenty of moisture, while apple trees prefer coolness. For your front garden, choose a family tree whose fruits you are going to use. There is no need to invest in quince or pear if you don't like these fruits. nine0009
Selection of unusual tree species
In Europe it is fashionable to plant oaks, pines or junipers in front gardens.
Designers advise using unusual and extraordinary types of trees for the same purpose, which will add zest to your front garden and arouse visual interest among passers-by. For example, gray maple (Acer griseum) with unusual bark and luxurious orange-red autumn foliage is very popular in European horticulture. The slow-growing spined pine (Pinus aristata) with bluish-green needles and a slightly white bloom strikes the eye with its beauty. nine0009
Foliage and flowering
Trees with colorful foliage and showy flowers are the key to successful front garden design. A real decoration will be a Japanese maple with a spectacular crown of thin twigs and leaves, which in autumn acquire a rich crimson and purple color. Flowering trees look spectacular during their flowering period - in spring and summer. Evergreen trees with bluish or yellow foliage are the best choice for adding color to the front garden in the winter season. nine0009
Correct dimensions
A small yard with a few large trees will look crowded, but a large front garden will look empty if it has small trees.
A few large trees can frame a house while smaller trees are a lifesaver for filling voids. Large trees are usually planted at the edge of a plot or in the middle of a large lawn.
Family tree crown size
One of the main criteria for choosing a family tree for a front garden is not so much the attractive appearance and height of an adult specimen, but the size of the crown, the degree of its spreading and density. What trees are appropriate in the front garden? From a dense and regular geometric shape of the crown or from an openwork and widely spreading one? So, for example, a tree with a spherical or columnar crown is well suited to a modern home, and a tree with a loose, wide crown fits perfectly into rural design. nine0009
Take, for example, the common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus). Its branches usually form a spreading, low, wide-cylindrical form. And at the same time, the common hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) of the Fastigiata variety has a regular narrow-conical crown.
Its geometric compact form fits well into the design of the front garden.
When choosing a family tree for your front garden, you must also consider its annual growth in both height and width.
So, the shape of the crown is extremely important for the design of the front garden. Trees with a columnar crown, creating clear verticals, take up very little space and do not block the view of the site. In addition to the conifers known to us (yew, cypress, juniper), this group also includes many deciduous trees with a columnar crown shape, including:
| tree | height (m) | Crown width (m) |
| Norway maple | 8-12 | nine0065 |
| hornbeam | 10-15 | 5-8 |
| hawthorn | 5-6 nine0068 | 1-2 |
| serrated cherry Amanogawa | 4-7 | 1-2 |
| golden columnar elm nine0068 | 8-10 | 3-4 |
| mountain ash | 6-9 | 2-4 |
Globular trees bring some peace to garden design.
Often we are talking about grafted standard trees, in which the crown grows very slowly, eventually reaching from 2 to 6 m in diameter. Low trees with a spherical crown create a small leafy tent that protects from the scorching sun. Rounded or spherical shapes always look unusual, which is why they are used mainly for decorating the front garden. Such a crown is typical for:
| tree | height (m) | Crown width (m) |
| Norway Maple | 4-6 | nine0065 |
| beautiful catalpa | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| hawthorn spherical | nine0002 6-8 | 4-6 |
| ash | 4-6 | 2-4 |
| shrub cherry nine0068 | 3-4 | 2-3 |
| locust bean | 5-6 | 4-5 |
Trees with a weeping crown do not grow strongly.
They look most impressive on lawns, near a bench or near a pond, both in a single planting and in a group of no more than three specimens. Their hanging shoots bring a certain calmness and serenity to the atmosphere of the garden. For front gardens, weeping crowns grafted on stems are usually used. Crowns of falling branches of a climbing rose, fuchsia or willow will decorate even the smallest front garden. nine0009
| tree | height (m) | Crown width (m) |
| drooping birch 'Youngii' | 4-6 (depending on trunk) nine0068 | 3-4 |
| serrated cherry | 3-5 depending on stem | 4-6 |
| loose leaf pear nine0068 | 4-6 | 4-6 |
| Japanese Sophora | 5-7 | 3-6 |
| nine0002 rough elm | 3-5 | 7-10 |
Planting time
The optimal time for planting a family tree is autumn, when new young roots quickly grow in relatively warm soil, thanks to which the tree grows and develops well.
In autumn, the dry period is not so terrible for young seedlings as in spring. nine0009
A slow growing tree takes several years to reach a significant size and maximum decorative effect. Therefore, landscape designers are advised not to opt for inexpensive small seedlings. The trunk diameter of a meter-long seedling should be at least 12 - 14 cm. Pay attention to the bark: it should have a uniform color, without obvious signs of damage. The stem of the seedling should be straight, and the crown should be uniform.
The hole should be prepared at least twice as wide and as deep as the root ball. To improve the soil, you can add compost or long-acting fertilizers. nine0009
Flowering wisteria - a real decoration of the front garden
Since ancient times, many have planted a family tree in front of the house on a certain occasion, for example, in honor of a wedding celebration, the birth of a child, or because they believe that the tree will protect the house from evil.
