Optimal location for the first tree in our front yard

20 days ago

Now that the bed is done in front of the house, I want to plant a tree in my front yard. I’m saying “a tree” as in one, because I’m trying to keep costs down for now. I can always add more.

I’m leaning towards a Sabal Palm, which is what we have on the far side of our driveway. This particular tree has been here forever—we used to live in the house next door and spent lots of time cutting it back when it was a horrible, overgrown, massive mess. We’ve had this house for about four years now, and I’m extremely happy with what we’ve trimmed it into. I love the look of it and its hardiness.

I am open to other types of trees but whatever I get must be everygreen. I've thought about a citrus tree. I am not a fan of the Southern Magnolias nor the Crepe Myrtle both of which are very popular down here.

I need to decide where in the front yard it should go—right now, there is nothing between our driveway and the gravel driveway on the other side of the house.

This is the Sabal Palm we have - I consider it one tree even though it has 2 trunks.

This is how the front yard looks now from a couple of different angles.

This picture angle shows the Sabal Palm and 2 Crepe Myrtles, which are pretty much all we were able to save in the overgrown jungle mess that this entire yard was when we bought the house.

This closer picture has where I thought might be a good spot.

We're on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, zone 9a, facing SW with lots of sun.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Although I have to be honest, I'm not really looking for a critique of the landscaping I've just completed. Suffice it to say that we're quite happy with how that turned out. Now we're focusing on the best spot to add a tree.

Thanks.

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Comments (7)

Sheila Rowan
19 days ago
A liveoak would be a great addition to your house. It is low maintenance, wildlife friendly, and grows slowly into a beautiful specimen that shades you from the hot afternoon sun, and increases the value and curb appeal of your home. It could be planted in the center of the grass to the left of your driveway. But I would measure your dimensions carefully; and if a liveoak would get too big for your space, a sand liveoak (Quercus geminata) has the same stately character but doesn't grow nearly as big.; it is a better fit for most suburban gardens.
dan1888
19 days ago
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) 15-30 feet can be pruned. Dense foliage of small glossy leaves. Your palm is also dense.
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Susan W
Original Author
19 days ago
Thank you for responding - I appreciate the suggestions. I don't, however, think they're right for me.

We live in a town full of live oaks - big and beautiful, many of them registered and protected. My neighbor has one and it's canopy provides lovely shade to half of our backyard. But they are messy - very messy. Although I'd love the look of one in our front yard, I'm quite sure that my husband does not want to clean-up after it.

And the Holly is also pretty, but to me it feels like the opposite vibe from the whole beach house look I'm going for.

That's probably why I'm leaning toward a palm or maybe a citrus.
dan1888
19 days ago
Satsuma Citrus (Citrus unshiu ‘Satsuma’)

Meyer Lemon (Citrus x meyeri):

Windmill Palm (Trachycarpus fortunei):

Pindo Palm (Butia capitata)

More difficult to find-

Finger Lime (Citrus australasica):

Yuzu (Citrus junos)

Guadalupe Palm (Brahea edulis)

Blue Hesper Palm (Brahea armata)

Contact specialty suppliers like Plant Delights Nursery (NC), Palmco (FL), or Four Winds Growers (CA) for palms and citrus. Citrus Growers Forum and the International Palm Society and Southeastern Palm Society can offer info.
Sheila Rowan
19 days ago
Citrus greening is a fatal disease that has decimated the citrus crop in Florida, so I would beware of planting any citrus that you would just have to remove later. For a beachy look, try planting a trio of sabal palms of different heights on the left corner of your house. You could underplnt them with coontie or ferns.
Sigrid
19 days ago
I would put it further out in your yard and probably off to the side so it lines up between the left window and left corner. I'd probably put it halfway between the house and the road. Don't look at trees as foundation planting, but as yardscape.
ker9
18 days ago
If you are not in an area that freezes, Jatropha are nice flowering trees.