Best Trees for Curb Appeal
If you are looking to plant trees that are going to improve your curb appeal, whether you are planning to sell your home or not, it can be difficult to find the best ones for your home. You have to look at many different things, including the size and shape of your yard. Do you want a tree that grows wide and skinny? One that is shorter but can provide a lot of shade? Is the tree there simply to make your yard look better or do you want it to serve different functions?
Does the tree have to look beautiful and add to curb appeal all year or does a wonderful spring bloom make up for a regular tree the rest of the year?
These are the questions you can only answer for yourself. There isn’t a single tree that will provide you with everything listed above. Instead, you have to determine for yourself what types of trees you will look for and see what will fit in with your yard, your landscaping, your lifestyle, and even your house.
However, we do have a few suggestions on where to start:
Japanese Tree Lilac
- One of the most beautiful trees you can plant
- Can withstand many different weather patterns and lifestyles
- Tends to be better in colder environments or along streets
The Japanese tree lilac is the perfect option for people who have a smaller yard. While, as you can guess, the tree is native to northern Japan, it is actually one of the few trees that grows fairly well almost anywhere in the world. You may have seen shrubs or bushes within this family, but the Japanese tree lilac is unique in that it is the only member of its family that can be trained to be a tree. This does mean that you will need to do some pruning and general maintenance to this tree – but once it has been shaped, maintenance is minimal. If you don’t want to prune the tree, it can grow into a large shrub that is still quite fetching.
If you are looking to add graceful, soft lines to your yard, this is certainly one of the best options you can choose. Growing up to 30 feet tall and spreading as wide as 25 feet, according to Bernheim Arboretum, this is the tree that you can really personalize to your own space. Want it small? You can prune it that way. Want it larger? Allow it to go wild. You can even plant them in groups to create a beautiful wall of flowers.
The leaves on the tree are simplistic, but they are quite fuzzy and up close are interesting. They do drop in the fall after turning a nondescript brown. However, in the spring you will see beautiful, fragrant white flowers.
Tamarack Tree
- Great for moist areas or wetlands
- Needles turn a brilliant yellow
- Easy to plant and care for
If you live in an area where it is wet or where, when it rains, the ground tends to stay saturated for some time, the tamarack tree is a perfect choice. They are one of the most common trees in America, growing all across the country and even into Alaska. However, one great thing is that these trees aren’t used frequently as ornamentals, which means that you will still have a unique look in your yard without having to plant a tree that is difficult to get, care for, or clean up after.
According to Gardening Know How, “Given the huge range of the tamarack, it tolerates extremely varied climatic conditions, from -30 degrees to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (34 to 43 C.). It can thrive in regions where rainfall is only 7 inches annually and also where it is 55 inches annually. That means that wherever you live in the country, growing tamarack trees may be possible.”
One word of caution is that this tree can attract pests, so be sure to walk around them every so often to see if you can find any issues or pests that are hanging around too much.
Red Maple Tree
- Showy and stunning during the fall months
- 40–60′ tall
- Spread of around 40′ at maturity
One of the more common trees is also one of the most beautiful, the red maple. These trees are hardy and work well for yards with children or pets. In fall, it will turn a deep yellow or orange color (or sometimes a mixture) that will absolutely take your breath away.
If you are looking to plant a tree to enjoy for years to come, this tree grows at a medium to fast rate, with height increases of anywhere from 13″ to more than 24″ per year – which means that you will get to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
The fruits (samaras) provide food for squirrels and many other rodents, making it a great tree for people who love animals. Rabbits and deer eat the tender shoots and leaves of red maples, according to Arbor Day, so you may want to consider that before planting.
Planting trees on your property is really an investment into your future. Trees can become one of the most important parts of your yard, the centers of which memories are made. At the very least, a tree that has been well maintained and cared for can actually add to the value of your home. You want to make a smart choice and not just rely on your eyes to pick what is the prettiest – though that is certainly a great way to narrow things down to help in your choice.
If you believe that you have a problem with your trees or in your yard, give us a call today at (269) 216-6811 and we can set up a time to visit you and your beautiful trees to see just what the problem is – and how we can help you. There is no job too big or too small – contact our professionals today!