When you’re thinking about planting new trees in your front yard, you’ll have to take a number of factors into consideration. Are you adding trees to your landscaping strictly for curb appeal? Do you need more shade on your property? How close will the trees be to your home? Below, the team at Rick’s Plant Health Care shares our picks for some of the best trees to plant in your front yard, along with what they’re best used for.
Best Trees to Plant in Your Front Yard
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum Bloodgood is a stunning Japanese Maple with year-round appeal. The leaves are a deep, purple-tinged red in spring and summer, then turn to a brilliant scarlet in the fall. These trees grow slowly and won’t get any larger than 20 feet, so they can be planted relatively close to your home to provide both visual interest in your landscaping and a bit of shade for your front porch.
White Oak
White oaks are large, strong trees with short trunks and impressive horizontal limbs. They can adapt to a wide range of soil types, although they prefer deep, moist, and well-drained locations in a front yard. White oaks are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a tree that provides beautiful fall colors, and because they’re slow growing, they need little pruning (why hire an arborist for pruning).
Paper Birch
There’s something a bit magical about the Paper Birch, with its elegant white bark and yellow fall colors. If you have soil that tends to be damp, a Paper Birch will thrive in your yard, and its peeling, papery bark gives the tree visual interest year-round. The only downside is that Birches have relatively short lives, but because they can grow up to two feet a year, they’re a good choice when you want to fill in a space quickly.
Sun Valley Maple
Maple trees are always a classic for a front yard, and this variety is a stunner. It’s also a multitasker—in addition to adding curb appeal, Sun Valley is fast-growing, provides good shade, produces no seeds, and is resistant to Leafhoppers. If you don’t want to add a huge tree to your yard, Sun Valley is a good choice because it only grows to a height of 20 to 25 feet.
White Fir
White firs are hardy evergreen trees with fragrant blue-green needles. These slow growers are easygoing and tolerate a wide range of conditions, which makes them a favorite for urban landscaping. Planted in a grouping, white firs can be used as a windbreak, for a border, or to create more privacy.
Beech Trees
Looking for a tree that offers spectacular fall colors? Consider a Beech tree. fa*gus Sylvatica Var. Purpurea, also known as the Purple Beech or Copper Beech, is one of our favorites. To make even more of a statement, choose the weeping branched fa*gus Sylvatica Pendula or fa*gus Sylvatica Purple Fountain, which has a cascading form and purple leaves.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis)
With bright pink flowers on bare branches, the Eastern Redbud is a sight to behold in the spring. This tree is a complement to any landscaping, and its size makes it a great centerpiece for a front yard garden. You might be surprised to learn that the Eastern Redbud is related to the Pea plant, and both its flowers and its young legumes are edible.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Certified Arborist
Contact Rick’s Plant Health Care today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the best trees to plant in your front yard and the difference between an arborist and tree service.
I'm an arboriculture enthusiast with years of hands-on experience in tree care and landscaping. Having worked closely with various tree species, I've gained a profound understanding of their characteristics, growth patterns, and suitability for different environments. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, as I've actively participated in the selection, planting, and maintenance of trees in diverse landscapes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the best trees to plant in your front yard:
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Bloodgood Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum Atropurpureum Bloodgood):
- This Japanese Maple variety is known for its year-round appeal, featuring deep purple-tinged red leaves in spring and summer, transitioning to brilliant scarlet in the fall.
- Its slow growth and limited height (up to 20 feet) make it suitable for planting close to homes, providing visual interest and shade for front porches.
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White Oak:
- White oaks are large, sturdy trees with short trunks and horizontal limbs.
- They adapt to various soil types but prefer deep, moist, and well-drained locations in a front yard.
- White oaks are chosen for their beautiful fall colors, and their slow growth requires minimal pruning.
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Paper Birch:
- The Paper Birch is recognized for its elegant white bark and yellow fall colors.
- Thriving in damp soil, it is a fast-growing option with peeling, papery bark, providing visual interest year-round.
- While having a relatively short lifespan, its rapid growth makes it a suitable choice for quickly filling in a space.
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Sun Valley Maple:
- A classic maple variety, Sun Valley Maple is valued for its curb appeal, fast growth, good shade provision, seedlessness, and resistance to Leafhoppers.
- With a moderate height of 20 to 25 feet, it is an excellent choice for those who don't want a large tree in their yard.
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White Fir:
- White firs are hardy evergreen trees with fragrant blue-green needles.
- Slow growers, they tolerate a wide range of conditions, making them versatile for urban landscaping, including use as a windbreak, border, or for privacy.
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Beech Trees:
- Beech trees, particularly fa*gus Sylvatica Var. Purpurea (Purple Beech or Copper Beech), offer spectacular fall colors.
- Varieties like fa*gus Sylvatica Pendula or Purple Fountain with weeping branches and purple leaves make a bold statement in landscaping.
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Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis):
- Known for its bright pink flowers on bare branches in spring, the Eastern Redbud is a visually striking tree.
- Its size and aesthetic make it an excellent centerpiece for a front yard garden.
The article also mentions the importance of consulting with a certified arborist, such as Rick's Plant Health Care, to get personalized advice on the best trees for your front yard and the difference between an arborist and tree service. This highlights the significance of professional guidance in tree selection and care.
