Large trees around a home can create a sense of enclosure, privacy, and protection. Flowering ones also add drama and color.
Yet, there can be practical reasons for planting trees too. They can temper extreme weather conditions that might otherwise increase costly HVAC usage, for example. Plus, their large root systems can deter flooding and land erosion.
Trees can also increase property values. Improving your curb appeal with a few trees is the cheapest and fastest way to do that. After reading this article, you’ll undoubtedly have some fantastic tree ideas to incorporate into your front yard.
Best Evergreen Trees For Front Yards
When picking an evergreen, keep in mind planting space size, tree size in maturity, how far away from your home it needs to go, and if it’s right for your climate.
The following gorgeous and unique options thrive in a variety of hardiness zones.
Italian Cypress
(Cupressus sempervirens)
Tree Summary
This statuesque columnar tree grows 12-24” per year, reaching 60’ x 6’, in maturity. In zones 8-10, they thrive in full sun and are tolerant of most soil types that drain well.
Tree Appeal
Given its elegant silhouette, the Italian Cypress is one of the hotly recommended trees to increase property value and curb appeal. Giving height and contemporary elegance to your garden without taking up much room.
Tree Care
Deep, weekly watering will maintain adequate hydration. A yearly evergreen fertilizer application in late winter or early spring will provide sufficient nutrients. Just make sure you take care of any pruning needs in early spring, after the last frost to avoid damaging new growth.
Nellie Stevens Holly
(Ilex X ‘Nellie R. Stevens’)
Tree Summary
This hardy evergreen grows 24-36” per year, potentially reaching 25’, in maturity. In zones 6-9, they prefer full to partial sun and well-drained soil with a 5.0 to 7.0 pH.
Tree Appeal
As an English and Chinese holly hybrid, the Nellie Stevens has spiny, green leaves and red berries. Fairly low maintenance, they’re tolerant of most soil types.
Tree Care
Deep watering, in warm weather, will encourage lush growth. Fertilization isn’t necessary unless signs of nutrient distress are visible, and pruning can be done in late winter or early spring.
Monkey Puzzle Tree
(Araucaria araucana)
Tree Summary
This unusual tree can grow to a potential 150’ in height with a 7’ trunk diameter. In zones 7-10, it prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of most soil types that are slightly acidic and well-draining.
Tree Appeal
This ancient tree has spiky florets, each growing from the previous one. Creating long whorls of pattern and texture that extend out from the trunk.
Tree Care
Deep watering is required in the first year to ensure healthy root establishment. Fertilizer is only necessary if stunted growth is observed, and pruning is rarely needed.
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Small Trees for Front Yard
While perhaps not as big as a grand magnolia or oak, smaller trees can still pack a punch. Especially those that flower or have distinguishing colors and forms.
These three options provide all that and more, while still maintaining a more compact and manageable footprint.
Limelight Hydrangea Tree
(Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’)
Tree Summary
Limelight hydrangeas can reach 6’ tall, with a 7’ spread. Cold hardy, these will thrive in zones 3-8. They need a wind-protected location with full to partial sun, acidic soil, and sufficient drainage.
Tree Appeal
Low-maintenance Limelight hydrangea trees will illuminate your outdoor spaces with an abundant display of 10-inch, pale green flowers that fade to soft white, cream, and pink through fall.
Tree Care
Water weekly for consistent moisture levels. Feed Limelights every spring before new growth emerges with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. Then, prune back by 1/3rd to encourage new, healthy growth.
Knock Out Rose Tree
(Rosa)
Tree Summary
Named for its dazzling appearance, the Knock Out rose tree matures to 4-5’ tall and 3-4’ wide. In zones 5-9, these prolific bloomers thrive in partial sun and well-draining soil with a 5.5 – 6.5 pH.
Tree Appeal
Knock Out roses are covered in bright red, lightly scented flowers from late spring to early fall. They are low-maintenance, disease-free, and adaptable to most soil types.
Tree Care
Water weekly for consistently moist soil. Feed monthly with a slow-release, organic rose fertilizer. Pruning can be done in early spring before new growth appears.
Bottle Palm Tree
(Hyophorbe lagenicaulis)
Tree Summary
The Bottle palm is a balmy islander that flourished in zones 10a – 11. Maturing to a compact size of 10-12’ tall. These prefer well-draining, sandy soil with a 6.0–8.0 pH.
Tree Appeal
The sturdy base of this compact palm forms a “bottle” that supports fronds up to 12’ in length with 2’ long leaflets. Creating a tropical feel at the front of your home with very little maintenance.
Tree Care
Water well but infrequently and mist when humidity is low. Prune any discolored fronds and fertilize when needed, with a well-balanced palm tree fertilizer.
Avondale Redbud Tree
(Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’)
Tree Summary
The Avondale Redbud makes a colorful feature tree, growing up to 12’ tall. In zones 7-9, this will thrive in full sun/partial shade and moist, well-draining soil types.
Tree Appeal
Hot pink flowers run the length of each branch, in spring, followed by heart-shaped foliage which fades to a golden hue in autumn. Add eye-catching spring color to your outdoor spaces.
Tree Care
After the first year, Avondale Redbuds will perform on rainfall alone. Spring fertilization will ensure full flowering and in late winter, remove branches, as necessary, right at the trunk.
Decorative Trees for Front Yard
Decorative trees can impart prominent flair and drama to your curb appeal.
Smaller varieties bathed in blooms or colorful foliage will draw the eye and stir emotion. Large ones will invite admiration with stately character and elegance. Take a look at these six beautiful examples.
Flowering Trees
Available in various sizes, flowering trees introduce color, texture, form, and fragrance. Not only will they attract pollinators but praise from your neighbors, as well.
Whether you have a large or small outdoor space in which to plant, one of these is bound to be the perfect fit.
Royal Raindrops Crabapple Tree
(Malus ‘JFS-KW5’)
Tree Summary
This fruiting beauty appears as if showered with fragrant blossoms. Cold hardy in zones 4-8, this stunner can reach 20’. Blooming in full sun and moist, well-draining soil, with a pH of 5.0 to 6.5.
Tree Appeal
Rosy flowers and purple foliage make this long-season tree an eye-catcher. With blooms starting in mid-spring and finishing in fall when crab apples are abundant.
Tree Care
Watering only during extended dry periods and application of a single balanced fertilizer is all that’s needed in early spring. Then, prune away any winter-damaged branches or undesirable growth.
White Dogwood
(Cornus florida)
Tree Summary
This deciduous dogwood with its crisp, white flowers, thrives in partially sunny or shady spots and can grow to 25’ with an equal spread. Making this a welcoming site when planted in well-draining, loamy soil with a 5.5-7.0 pH.
Tree Appeal
Dark green foliage, on sturdy branches, supports masses of gleaming flower clusters. Foliage develops a scarlet hue as summer becomes autumn. Low-maintenance and tidy for the perfect, perennial tree.
Tree Care
Shallow root systems make frequent watering necessary, especially in times of drought. Yet, flowering dogwoods don’t require fertilizing or much pruning.
Columnar Goldenchain Tree
(Laburnum anagyroides ‘Fastigiata’)
Tree Summary
This tree simply drips with chains of yellow flowers, increasing in size by 2’ every year. Reaching 15’-20’ feet high, once mature, in zones 5-7. A sunny planting location and loamy, well-draining soil will encourage abundant blooms in spring.
Tree Appeal
Tendrils of bright yellow flowers and green leaves gracefully hang down the length of this grand specimen. Creating an outstanding display that goes beyond mere curb appeal.
Tree Care
Weekly watering will provide adequate moisture. Winter damage can be minimized by late summer pruning and spring fertilizing will increase blooming in nutrient-depleted soil.
Southern Magnolia
(Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’)
Tree Summary
This elegant, evergreen is a fast, densely growing tree that can mature to 50’ in height, in zones 7-10. It prefers a sunny location with well-drained, loamy soil that’s slightly acidic.
Tree Appeal
Known for displaying large, fragrant blooms in summer, the Bracken’s magnolia has a columnar growing habit with two-toned foliage in a rich green hue with a deep bronze underside.
Tree Care
Natural rainfall is typically sufficient for mature magnolias. Fertilizing isn’t necessary either unless stunted growth is noticeable. In late winter, prune any dead leaves and branches, as needed.
Ornamental Trees
The magic of ornamentals often comes not from flowers or fruit, but from the hypnotic effects of foliage.
With striking variations in color, shape, and texture in spring, summer, and fall. In winter, they create a veil of architectural interest through which warm, inviting homes can be seen.
Bloodgood Japanese Maple
(Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’)
Tree Summary
An unpruned Bloodgood Japanese Maple can mature to a height of 20 feet, with an equal width. In zones 5-8, partial shade and slightly acidic soil will encourage robust growth and vivid foliage color.
Tree Appeal
The low-maintenance Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ develops small purple flowers that evolve into red fruit by the season’s end. Yet, throughout the growing season, deep, rich foliage color is the main attraction.
Tree Care
Watering once or twice weekly will provide adequate moisture. Fertilizing and pruning are only required to resolve a nutrient deficiency or to remove damaged branches.
Thundercloud Plum Tree
(Prunus cerasifera ‘Thundercloud’)
Tree Summary
Perfect for suburban landscapes, the Thundercloud plum provides a beautiful contrast against lawns and other green foliage. Growing to 15-20’ in zones 5-8, this prefers full sun, loose, well-draining soil with a 6.0-6.8 pH.
Tree Appeal
Spring-scented white and pink flowers appear on this edible ornamental. Ruby, red leaves follow in summer and darken as autumn arrives. Along with juicy plums, ripe for harvesting.
Tree Care
One inch of water per week will provide sufficient irrigation. A well-balanced plum tree fertilizer in spring will increase performance and late-winter pruning will maintain an attractive shape.
Flame Thrower Redbud Tree
(Cercis canadensis)
Tree Summary
This stunning redbud variety can reach up to 20’, in maturity. In zones 5-9, partial sunlight and moist, well-draining soil will keep its foliage shining and changing, right up until the first frost.
Tree Appeal
The Flame Thrower® shows tiny, pink flowers in spring. Each new heart-shaped leaf changes in color as it ages. From burgundy to orange to yellow, then lime.
Tree Care
Natural rainfall is sufficient past the first year of planting. When needed, a phosphorus-rich fertilizer can be applied in early spring. Then, prune in early summer after blooming has completed.
Mimosa Tree
(Albizia julibrissin Durazz)
Tree Summary
This warm-weather ornamental performs a colorful show and can reach 30’ in just eight years. In zones 6-9, Mimosa trees thrive in full sun and loamy soil with a 4.6 – 5 pH.
Tree Appeal
Fast-growing Mimosas have uniquely textured, bright green fronds from which Fuschia, pink and white flowers burst forth, throughout summer. In autumn, long seed pods form for interesting seasonal appeal.
Tree Care
Mimosa trees are drought tolerant but perform best with weekly waterings, fertilizing only those grown in pots. Winter pruning should be done while the tree is dormant.
Trees to Plant Near Your House
Hopefully, I’ve whetted your appetite with some fantastic tree ideas, all with different maturity sizes. Some can be planted right outside your front door, while others need a little more breathing room. But no matter the planting location, front yard, or otherwise, the same cautionary decisions should be made.
Growing a tree near your house
Trees with small, non-invasive root systems, that stay below 25’ in height, are ideal for planting near your home.
These come without the worry of foundation or structural damage or of them blocking your windows, making your home too dark, or obstructing your view.
Best Trees to Plant Near Your House
The good landscape design incorporates vibrant silhouettes that pop their surroundings. Smaller Japanese maples and Bottle palms fit perfectly in limited spaces. Larger specimens like Italian cypress, or the few I’m about to show you, beautifully highlight entryways and accent open garden spaces.
Heritage River Birch
(Betula nigra ‘Cully’)
Tree Summary
The Heritage Birch adapts to different soil types and grows 2-3’ per year to 40 feet, in maturity. It prefers partial shade, and this displays a unique “peeling” bark that adds character and contrast.
Tree Appeal
Varying bark textures and hues will set this tree apart from others in your landscape. Being very low maintenance, it can provide a great return with its easy-going adaptability.
Tree Care
Slow-drip irrigation will provide proper hydration for lush foliage and a healthy structure. Fertilize only for root growth in spring and prune in late summer to maintain a desirable shape.
Crusader Hawthorn
(Crataegus crusgalli ‘Crusader’)
Tree Summary
A cultivar of the cockspur hawthorn, this thornless variety is small and wide-brimmed with a short, sturdy trunk. In zones 3-7, it performs best in fast-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a 6.0-7.5 pH.
Tree Appeal
A brilliant, spring floral display gives way to charming silver bark and colorful fall foliage. This tree is disease resistant and adaptable to different soils and pH levels.
Tree Care
Pruning should be done cautiously, as it can stunt its growth. Natural rainfall is typically sufficient, and fertilizing is only necessary when a nutrient deficiency is evident.
Pink Lady Apple Tree
(Malus domestica ‘Cripps pink’)
Tree Summary
The Pink Lady boasts abundant flowers, vibrant foliage, and an early harvest. Growing to 25’ at maturity, in zones 6-9, the pink lady performs best in loamy soil with a 6.5-7.0 pH and full sun.
Tree Appeal
Spring foliage is dotted with creamy white and pink flowers. In autumn, leaves fade to maroon, orange, and yellow, creating a gorgeous backdrop for ripe apples.
Tree Care
Weekly watering will ensure high performance and only periodic pruning is necessary. A well-balanced apple-specific fertilizer can be applied from April to August.
Pink Weeping Cherry Tree
(Prunus subhirtella var. pendula)
Tree Summary
This weeping cherry can reach 30’ tall with an equal spread, in zones 4-9. It grows best in deep, well-drained, loose soil with a 6.0-7.0 pH.
Tree Appeal
This striking ornamental is perfect as a landscape feature. A blooming, pink fountain of blooms with glossy summer foliage that turns gold in autumn.
Tree Care
Slow-dripping irrigation, twice per week, works best to accommodate this tree’s large root system. A nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be applied in spring and summer and winter pruning is needed to remove last season’s faded growth.
Best Trees For Front Yard Final Thoughts
So, which one is your favorite? Will you choose the elegant Italian cypress? Or perhaps a Bloodgood Japanese maple for your porch?
Going for a tropical look? Why not plant a few Bottle palms or a Mimosa tree?
With careful planning, your new tree(s) will make your front yard the talk of the town.
Remember to choose the right maturity size for your space and plant in a spot where roots will not compromise the structure of your property. Most of all, have fun with all these magnificent colors, shapes, and sizes!
