Whether you're starting from scratch with your landscaping or just updating your yard, trees are a lovely addition. First, trees are pleasing to the eye, adding height and color to your yard. They are also practical: yard trees can provide privacy as well as shade during the warmer months.

The trees you choose for your front yard say a lot about you. After all, they're one of the first things that people see when coming to your home. So, how do you pick the right one?

Fortunately, today that's what we're here to help with you. We've curated a list of our favorite trees to up your curb appeal. While not every tree will be the best for your home, we're hoping you can find your perfect fit. 

 

The Top Ten Yard Trees

When picking out trees for your lawn, it's important to go in with a game plan. Trees are going to be much taller and wider than any shrubs or flowers you have. You have to consider how big they'll grow and whether they will interfere with any other large structures.

Additionally, not every tree will work for you. It's important that you consider how each one fits the climate you live in and the available space on your property.

 

Dogwood

The dogwood tree is one of the most popular yard trees in the United States, and there's a good reason for it.

From season to season, the dogwood displays a beautiful canopy.  In the spring, pink, red, or (most frequently) white flowers bloom, changing to a fiery deep red in the fall. 

Another plus to the dogwood is that it has varieties that can be grown in most climates of the United States, ranging from Hardiness Zones 5-9. On average, it is expected to grow up to 25 feet tall and has a canopy of 25 feet wide.

As for growing conditions, the dogwood is fairly adaptable. It prefers full sun or partial shade and moist soil. 

 

American Holly

The American holly tree is an excellent choice if you're looking for a classic look to provide privacy all year round. As an ornamental evergreen tree, the American holly keeps its green leaves into the winter.

The American holly is easily recognized for its pyramidal shape and pointy, leathery leaves. When cross-pollinated, it will grow lovely vibrant red berries in the fall.

At maturity, the American holly can stand anywhere from 40 to 50 feet tall. Keep in mind, it grows at a slower rate, so it will be some time before it gets to that height. 

The American holly thrives in Hardiness Zones 5-9. Full sun or partial shade are the optimal conditions for growth, as well as normal soil moisture. It does have some flood and drought resistance, meaning it can withstand various climates.  

 

Red Oak

The red oak, America's national tree, is an elegant addition to any yard. Before planting, be warry about how much space this tree can take up. It grows up to 60 to 75 feet tall and has a spread of 45 feet wide.

Grand and sturdy, it is the perfect choice for a larger lawn. In the fall, its pointed, bristle-like leaves turn from green to a gorgeous bright red. During the summer, its great canopy offers dense shade, making it the perfect tree to sit and read a book under.

The northern red oak grows best in Hardiness Zones 3-8. For the best results, place the tree in full sun. 

 

Saucer Magnolia

The saucer magnolia originated in France, formed by cross-breeding the Magnolia denudata and the Magnolia liliflora. Although it is a deciduous tree, it has early-blooming flowers, often appearing before its leaves.

One of the most striking parts of the saucer magnolia is its beautiful white-ish pink blossoms that welcome the spring. As you get into late spring, its vibrant green leaves will overtake its rounded crown. 

The saucer magnolia is a shorter tree. It grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet tall with a spread of 25 feet wide. These trees prefer full sun and will grow in most soils.

 

Eastern Redbud

If you're looking for a beautiful and eye-catching tree for your yard, opt for the eastern redbud. Known for its delicate purplish-pink flowers, the eastern redbud is one of the first plants to welcome the spring.

 It is the perfect tree to decorate your yard. The eastern redbud blooms in early April with an explosion of flowers, its leaves changing to dark green in the summer and yellow in the fall. And, in the spring, it is known to attract gorgeous butterflies with its flowers.

The eastern redbud is a medium-sized tree, growing to a height of around 20 to 30 feet with a widespread of 25 to 35 feet. It thrives in Hardiness Zones 4-9 and prefers full sun or partial sun.

 

Prairifire Flowering Crabapple

The prairifire flowering crabapple is another great choice to beautify your yard. It is most known for its beautiful colors year-round and its deep pinkish-red flowers in particular.

First, what sets the prairifire flowering crabapple apart is that long its spring blossoms last longer than most trees. And, once its flowers are gone, brilliant fall colors emerge in shades of bronze and yellow.

The prairifire flowering crabapple is a smaller tree, growing up to 20 feet tall. It prefers full sun and grows in Hardiness Zones 3-8.

 

Sugar Maple

Unlike most of the trees on this list, the sugar maple tree is not known for bright spring blooms. Instead, it's the tree's beautiful yellow, burnt orange, and red leaves in the fall that truly take the cake. 

In the early spring, the sugar maple has long yellow-ish green flowers. It extends in a gorgeous round oval shape. The tree can grow quite tall in maturity, known to get to heights of about 60 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 50 feet in width.

The sugar maple grows best in Hardiness Zones 3-8. It prefers acidic to slightly alkaline soil conditions and has moderate drought tolerance.

 

Silver Maple

The silver maple is a deciduous tree that is in the same family as the sugar maple. That means it's no surprise that the two have much in common.

First, the silver maple gets its name from the lovely silvery-white tinge on the underside of its green leaves. During the fall, its leaves turn a nice pale yellow color. The silver maple grows anywhere from 50 to 80 feet tall and grows at a rapid pace with a wide-spreading root system.

Because of its roots, make sure to plant your silver maple away from underground sewer lines, sidewalks, or foundations. The tree grows in Hardiness Zones 3-9 and prefers moist, acidic soil.

 

Weeping Cherry

The weeping cherry is a graceful and delicate beauty, named for its cascading flowers. It is an ornamental tree, with fragrant flowers that are perfect for enhancing any garden or yard.

In the late winter to early spring, the weeping cherry's umbrella-like canopy of pink or white blossoms appears. Then, in the summer deep green leaves emerge that turn a bright reddish-yellow in the fall.

The weeping cherry grows to heights of 20 to 30 feet tall. It grows well in Hardiness Zones 4-9 and withstands partial or fall sunlight.

 

'Green Giant' Arborvitae

The green giant arborvitae is a nice, practical tree for your yard, providing privacy and shade. Just its name will provide you with a good image of the tree's look.

The green giant is an evergreen tree that is distinctive for its pyramid-like conical shape. Its dense foliage lasts all year round, turning a darker shade of green in the winter. It can also withstand heavy wind or snow, making it perfect for the colder months.

In particular, the green giant arborvitae grows in Hardiness Zones 5-7. It can tolerate a wide variety of soil compositions and prefers full or partial sun.

 

Conclusion 

With the right guidance, picking a yard tree can be made simple and fun! And, to make sure your tree is as strong and healthy as it can be, make sure to use Shin Nong's Pro Organic Tree and Shrub Food.