You can transform your front yard by choosing suitable trees. The right tree can add height to your garden and create an architectural point around which you can orientate the rest of your garden design.
Choosing the right tree is essential, especially when there is limited space. Selecting a tree that will grow well in a small area is crucial.
Blythe Yost is the CEO of the online landscape design company Tilly. ‘While any tree can grow in your front yard, the best varieties will offer some ornamental value such as a flower, leaf color, or general texture.’
The Best Trees for Front Yards
Determining what you want from your tree before choosing suitable trees for your front yard is crucial. Are you looking for privacy or a focal point in your yard? Do you want to add color to your yard, or do you prefer something that is low-maintenance and doesn’t lose much of its leaves in the fall? You should also consider your space, as you will likely search for trees suitable for smaller gardens rather than those that can handle more significant areas.
It would help if you also considered the environment of your front yard. What kind of soil are you using? What is your south-facing garden plot? Are you experiencing extreme summers or winters? These factors will have an impact on the longevity and appearance of your tree. A drooping or unhealthy tree will look terrible in your front yard.
“Ensure that the tree you choose will thrive in the growing conditions. This information includes the type and frequency of wind, rain, winter cold, summer heat, and soil. This information and the mature height or spread can be found on the tag. Melinda Myers is a certified arborist and gardening expert (opens in new tab). For suitable trees for their climate, contact your University Extension service, local nature center, landscape professionals, or certified arborists.
Magnolia
Magnolia, a herald of spring, is beloved for its sweet scent and beautiful goblet flower. Wide varieties, including smaller ones like Magnolia Black Tulip, are available, which can reach about 10 feet at maturity. Evergreen cultivars like Magnolia Grandiflora are quite mess-free and provide year-round privacy.
Magnolia Stellata is an attractive choice for front yards. Despite its tiny stature, it produces stunning flowers. It can be grown in containers, so it is excellent if you need more space for a tree.
Magnolia trees can be grown in USDA zones 7 through 9. Magnolia trees are suitable for USDA zones 7 to 9.
Pink Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida Rubra).
Jane Clarke, the landscape expert at Fantastic Gardeners, advises that clients should consider planting trees that attract pollinators or animals if they request a design.
Pink Flowering Dogwood, a native to the Eastern US, is a perfect tree for your front yard if you want wildlife to visit your garden. Its stunning pink flowers can last up to four weeks in spring. The nectar from your tree will attract many butterflies and bees. The bright green summer leaves will become a vivid purple once they flow. The Pink Flowering Dogwood is tolerant to USDA zones 5-9 and will produce berries in cooler months that will be a staple for winter feeders.
Paper Bark Birch (Betula Papyrifera).
The paper bark birch is named for its white bark that curls and then peels off into layers as it matures. It would be an excellent centerpiece for any front yard. It is the state tree in New Hampshire and is a favorite nesting spot for woodpeckers and blue jays, nuthatches, chickadees, and swallows. The paper bark birch can thrive in USDA zones 2-7 and is an excellent tree for front yards in the colder regions of the country.
Wisteria
Wisteria is a classic of cottage gardening and a beautiful addition to any front garden. Wisteria can be grown outside your house, in an archway, or along your front path. It adds character and color to your home.
Most varieties can tolerate zones 5-9, though Kentucky wisteria, which is more native to North America than Asia, can be grown in zones 3 and 4. Understanding how to prune Wisteria is essential if you want to grow Wisteria. This will ensure it stays in good shape and produce plenty of flowers.
Green Giant Arborvitae, Thuja X. ‘Green Giant’)
Green giant arborvitae is an evergreen tree that’s architecturally pleasing and easy to maintain. “An evergreen conifer that grows moderately quickly (3 feet per year), huge green arborvitae is a great choice to plant in front yards, especially in zones 5, 9, and 10,’ says Tammy Sons (opens in new tab).
They are a focal point for year-round interest due to their conical shape and height of up to 60 feet. To frame your house, plant either side of a porch and add flowers and small shrubs to the underside.
Redbud Tree (Cercis Canadensis)
This tree is a beautiful addition to your front yard. It is suitable for planting in zones 4-8. Bright pink blossoms emerge at the beginning of spring before the beautiful heart-shaped leaves appear later in the season, creating a welcoming atmosphere in your home. This deciduous tree can grow to around 20 feet high and 20 feet wide. It is perfect for front yards.
Crape Myrtle, Langerstroemia
Crape Myrtle is an excellent tree for your front yard if you want a tree that produces many flowers. They are known for their profusion of pink flowers in summer, which they retain well into fall.
Crape myrtle can be grown in USDA zones 7-10. It is small and can grow to 15-25 feet high. Luke Kalawsky of Central Phoenix Moon Valley Nurseries says the Crape Myrtle trees can add color to your front yard all year. Once established, the Crape Myrtle can be easily maintained and is resistant to drought.
Crape Myrtle thrives in full sun.
Tibetan Cherry Tree (Prunus Serrula).
Because of their striking color and unique shape, Tibetan cherry trees make a great addition to front yards. It can be found in zones 6-8. The beautifully polished mahogany bark adds beauty and color to your yard. In winter, the red bark stands out against the white snow. It then explodes in delicate white flowers contrasting with the red bark to create a spectacular display.
Callery Pear (Pyrus calleryana).
You only need one tree to make a statement in your yard. The Callery pear is also known as the Bradford pear or flowering pear. The year starts with a profusion of late winter and early spring flowers. As the year progresses, its bright green leaves turn darker, becoming a dark orange-red color in the fall. This tree is the ultimate fall tree.
The Flowering Pear can grow moderately fast and requires low to moderate watering once established. The Flowering Pears are very fond of sun exposure and are resistant to fire-flight. According to Luke Kalawsky (opens in new tab), this makes them a great choice when fir-escaping.
This tree can grow up to 50 feet high and is suitable for USDA zones 4-8. It’s an excellent option for shade and privacy in your yard. Luke continues, “Prune to maintain desired canopies’ shape and size. Fertilize monthly from spring through fall to get the fullest flower potential.”
Bay Tree In Planter
Even if your front yard is small, pots can still be used to grow trees. The best trees for front yards are slightly different from the other options. Because the tree must be able to grow with a small root area, its size is crucial. Pots are best for slow-growing trees as they don’t need to be repotted constantly.
There are many options for the best trees you can grow in pots (opens in new window). Bay is a good choice for a sophisticated, classic look that can be grown in almost all areas. For those who want to create a Mediterranean-style garden retreat with olive trees, many species of magnolia can thrive in pots.