10 Trees Landscape Designers Love
In honor of Arbor Day, consider adding a beautiful and beneficial tree species favored by designers around the country
Consider how beneficial planting a tree can be. Trees shade and cool our homes and streets, helping to mitigate the heat island effect and reduce reliance on air conditioning and other energy consumers. Trees also provide food and habitat to wildlife, capture carbon dioxide from the air, provide natural play areas, enhance curb appeal and add beauty and a feeling of place to gardens and communities.
For Arbor Day, April 26, we asked landscape designers and architects from around the country to share tree species they like to include in their designs. The results include flowering native species and ancient ornamentals, slow-growing specimen trees and quicker screening solutions. And all of them provide distinct design solutions and environmental benefits.
For Arbor Day, April 26, we asked landscape designers and architects from around the country to share tree species they like to include in their designs. The results include flowering native species and ancient ornamentals, slow-growing specimen trees and quicker screening solutions. And all of them provide distinct design solutions and environmental benefits.
Growing tips: “Because western redbud takes up a smaller footprint, there is often a possibility to plant them in multiples,” Aoyagi says; the result is a grove-like effect. She suggests planting California fescue (a grass) underneath trees planted in multiples.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone)
Water requirement: Moderate to low
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 3 to 15 feet tall and wide
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Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone)
Water requirement: Moderate to low
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 3 to 15 feet tall and wide
Hire a pro on Houzz to plant a tree in your yard
2. Sweetbay
(Magnolia virginiana)
Native to the eastern coastal U.S., from eastern Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas
Loved by: Donald Pell in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Why this tree: “I love the versatility of this plant,” Pell says, adding that it’s easy to prune and can be planted close to patios or walkways. “I love the romantic experience we can create with gardens, and this plant allows for some of this interaction without feeling too wild.”
Special features: The creamy white flowers produce a delicate citrus aroma from spring into summer; the slightly translucent leaves cast moderate shade.
(Magnolia virginiana)
Native to the eastern coastal U.S., from eastern Massachusetts south to Florida and west to Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas
Loved by: Donald Pell in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Why this tree: “I love the versatility of this plant,” Pell says, adding that it’s easy to prune and can be planted close to patios or walkways. “I love the romantic experience we can create with gardens, and this plant allows for some of this interaction without feeling too wild.”
Special features: The creamy white flowers produce a delicate citrus aroma from spring into summer; the slightly translucent leaves cast moderate shade.
Growing tips: “This plant is intolerant of anaerobic soils and prefers drainage, especially in wet winters, but it is extremely versatile,” Pell says. “Once established, this plant generally will need little care.”
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10)
Water requirement: Low (but the plant is often found in swampy sites)
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Up to 35 feet tall and wide
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 10)
Water requirement: Low (but the plant is often found in swampy sites)
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Up to 35 feet tall and wide
3. Ginkgo Tree
(Ginkgo biloba)
Native to China
Loved by: James Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Why this tree: “It is a living fossil and a symbol of strength and longevity,” Drzewiecki says.
Special features: “It is an extremely hardy, pest-free tree, and therefore is popular as a street tree,” Drzewiecki says. Ginkgo trees are also known for their longevity.
Growing tips: “They tolerate almost any conditions but are noted as slow-growing trees,” Drzewiecki says. Plant male cultivars — he suggests ‘Autumn Gold’ — to avoid the unpleasantly odorous fruit that ginkgo trees can be known for.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; plant in full sun for faster growth
Mature size: Up to 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide
(Ginkgo biloba)
Native to China
Loved by: James Drzewiecki of Ginkgo Leaf Studio in Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Why this tree: “It is a living fossil and a symbol of strength and longevity,” Drzewiecki says.
Special features: “It is an extremely hardy, pest-free tree, and therefore is popular as a street tree,” Drzewiecki says. Ginkgo trees are also known for their longevity.
Growing tips: “They tolerate almost any conditions but are noted as slow-growing trees,” Drzewiecki says. Plant male cultivars — he suggests ‘Autumn Gold’ — to avoid the unpleasantly odorous fruit that ginkgo trees can be known for.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 35 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 37.2 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade; plant in full sun for faster growth
Mature size: Up to 70 feet tall and 30 feet wide
4. Eastern Redbud
(Cercis canadensis)
Native to the central U.S. east to southern New England and south to Florida and Texas
Loved by: Anna Brooks of Arcadia Gardens in Stevensville, Michigan
Why this tree: Eastern redbud blooms early each spring, with bright pink flowers covering bare branches. “The new growth presents as little red hearts, and the dew clings to it like diamonds. Its fall foliage is a pleasant soft yellow that serves as a nice foil to the brilliant reds that are so often used,” Brooks says.
Special features: The tree’s umbrella shape provides midlevel screening and privacy. “Its dense canopy creates a perfect microclimate for a shade garden underneath, even in full sun,” Brooks says. Additionally, the trees often brim with wildlife activity. “Pollinators, wrens, nuthatches and chickadees love to hop through the canopy, especially when situated near a bird feeder.”
Growing tips: “Be sure to allow adequate space for the canopy to spread when planting. This [tree] isn’t suited for foundation plantings against buildings but develops a beautiful arching form given enough space,” Brooks says. “Redbuds prefer full sun but can be used at the edge of a taller canopy, as long as you’re okay with it reaching for the light. They grow in a variety of soils, and tolerate clay and black walnut spoiled soils.”
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can survive in drier conditions
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall and up to 35 feet wide
Read more Houzz native-plant guides
(Cercis canadensis)
Native to the central U.S. east to southern New England and south to Florida and Texas
Loved by: Anna Brooks of Arcadia Gardens in Stevensville, Michigan
Why this tree: Eastern redbud blooms early each spring, with bright pink flowers covering bare branches. “The new growth presents as little red hearts, and the dew clings to it like diamonds. Its fall foliage is a pleasant soft yellow that serves as a nice foil to the brilliant reds that are so often used,” Brooks says.
Special features: The tree’s umbrella shape provides midlevel screening and privacy. “Its dense canopy creates a perfect microclimate for a shade garden underneath, even in full sun,” Brooks says. Additionally, the trees often brim with wildlife activity. “Pollinators, wrens, nuthatches and chickadees love to hop through the canopy, especially when situated near a bird feeder.”
Growing tips: “Be sure to allow adequate space for the canopy to spread when planting. This [tree] isn’t suited for foundation plantings against buildings but develops a beautiful arching form given enough space,” Brooks says. “Redbuds prefer full sun but can be used at the edge of a taller canopy, as long as you’re okay with it reaching for the light. They grow in a variety of soils, and tolerate clay and black walnut spoiled soils.”
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Prefers moist, well-drained soils but can survive in drier conditions
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet tall and up to 35 feet wide
Read more Houzz native-plant guides
5. Japanese Maple
(Acer palmatum)
Native to Japan, China and Korea
Loved by: Ian Moore in Berkeley, California
Why this tree: “For urban lots in the 25-foot-to-35-foot-wide range, many broadleaf deciduous trees are simply too large, particularly when trying to scale a tree for a narrow lot patio or entry garden. The Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ and similar-scale cultivars are just the perfect size and almost universally offer great branch structure and overall architecture,” Moore says. “They offer true elegance and stature in a diminutive package.”
Special features: Adaptability and resilience. “I have planted Acer palmatum is some very confined and less-than-ideal circumstances and have been consistently impressed with how they will tolerate varied light, soil and drainage conditions,” Moore says.
(Acer palmatum)
Native to Japan, China and Korea
Loved by: Ian Moore in Berkeley, California
Why this tree: “For urban lots in the 25-foot-to-35-foot-wide range, many broadleaf deciduous trees are simply too large, particularly when trying to scale a tree for a narrow lot patio or entry garden. The Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ and similar-scale cultivars are just the perfect size and almost universally offer great branch structure and overall architecture,” Moore says. “They offer true elegance and stature in a diminutive package.”
Special features: Adaptability and resilience. “I have planted Acer palmatum is some very confined and less-than-ideal circumstances and have been consistently impressed with how they will tolerate varied light, soil and drainage conditions,” Moore says.
Growing tips: Japanese maples “are susceptible to sunburn and drying out — some cultivars more than others,” Moore says. “I would not recommend planting on a hot south facade or open hot area, even in the fog belt.”
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 8)
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Soft dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade is best
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 25 feet wide, depending on the cultivar
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 8)
Water requirement: Regular
Light requirement: Soft dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade is best
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet tall and 10 to 25 feet wide, depending on the cultivar
6. Flowering Dogwood
(Cornus florida)
Native to the eastern, central and southern U.S., from Texas to Florida to Maine
Loved by: Andrea Nilsen Morse in Marblehead, Massachusetts
Why this tree: It’s “a nice-size tree,” Nilsen says. Flowering dogwoods “can take partial shade, which makes them great as an understory tree.”
Special features: “They have a beautiful white or pink flower in the spring, before the tree leafs out,” Nilsen says. Native flowering dogwoods also have beautifully colored autumn leaves and produce fruits that welcome native birds.
Growing tips: “They do like a bit of shade and moist roots,” Nilsen says.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial sun to partial shade
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet tall and wide
Browse thousands of landscape photos for more garden inspiration
(Cornus florida)
Native to the eastern, central and southern U.S., from Texas to Florida to Maine
Loved by: Andrea Nilsen Morse in Marblehead, Massachusetts
Why this tree: It’s “a nice-size tree,” Nilsen says. Flowering dogwoods “can take partial shade, which makes them great as an understory tree.”
Special features: “They have a beautiful white or pink flower in the spring, before the tree leafs out,” Nilsen says. Native flowering dogwoods also have beautifully colored autumn leaves and produce fruits that welcome native birds.
Growing tips: “They do like a bit of shade and moist roots,” Nilsen says.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Partial sun to partial shade
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet tall and wide
Browse thousands of landscape photos for more garden inspiration
7. ‘Autumn Brilliance’ Serviceberry
(Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’)
Hybrid of A. arborea and A. laevis
Loved by: Todd Haiman in New York City
Why this tree: “Serviceberry, as a multistem tree, has a graceful vase shape, is a tough plant and is an understory tree, so it can grow in some shade,” says Haiman, who used two serviceberry trees at the end of this terrace in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighborhood to create privacy from the neighboring building.
Serviceberry is useful in urban settings, he adds, where tall buildings surround and shade many gardens. It also offers multiseason interest, with showy white flowers in spring, edible fruit in summer, orange and red fall color and an attractive form in winter.
Special features: ‘Autumn Brilliance’ is a four-season tree, requires minimal maintenance and provides edible fruits for people, goldfinches, robins, warblers and more. “Kids love this,” Haiman says.
(Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’)
Hybrid of A. arborea and A. laevis
Loved by: Todd Haiman in New York City
Why this tree: “Serviceberry, as a multistem tree, has a graceful vase shape, is a tough plant and is an understory tree, so it can grow in some shade,” says Haiman, who used two serviceberry trees at the end of this terrace in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village neighborhood to create privacy from the neighboring building.
Serviceberry is useful in urban settings, he adds, where tall buildings surround and shade many gardens. It also offers multiseason interest, with showy white flowers in spring, edible fruit in summer, orange and red fall color and an attractive form in winter.
Special features: ‘Autumn Brilliance’ is a four-season tree, requires minimal maintenance and provides edible fruits for people, goldfinches, robins, warblers and more. “Kids love this,” Haiman says.
Growing tips: ‘Autumn Brilliance’ serviceberry is “tolerant of a somewhat wide range of soils but prefers moist, well-drained loams. Root suckers are common, and if not removed will result in a shrubby growth habit for the plant,” Haiman says.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet tall and wide
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 9)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial sun
Mature size: 15 to 25 feet tall and wide
8. Japanese Stewartia
(Stewartia pseudocamellia)
Native to Japan and Korea
Loved by: Erin Lau in Seattle
Why this tree: “The stewartia is a graceful, artistic tree that combines interesting bark with flowers and fall color,” Lau says.
Special features: “Stewartia pseudocamellia has amazing qualities for all four seasons, in addition to being a tree that has an appropriate scale for the garden,” Lau says. There is also a multistemmed variety. “I prefer that form, because it can look more balanced,” Lau says.
Growing tips: “This tree is best grown in full sun to part shade,” Lau says. “Avoid hot afternoon sun and make sure the soil is fairly rich with nutrients. Prune every few years as needed.”
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Up to 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide; it is slow-growing
(Stewartia pseudocamellia)
Native to Japan and Korea
Loved by: Erin Lau in Seattle
Why this tree: “The stewartia is a graceful, artistic tree that combines interesting bark with flowers and fall color,” Lau says.
Special features: “Stewartia pseudocamellia has amazing qualities for all four seasons, in addition to being a tree that has an appropriate scale for the garden,” Lau says. There is also a multistemmed variety. “I prefer that form, because it can look more balanced,” Lau says.
Growing tips: “This tree is best grown in full sun to part shade,” Lau says. “Avoid hot afternoon sun and make sure the soil is fairly rich with nutrients. Prune every few years as needed.”
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 26.1 degrees Celsius (zones 5 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Up to 35 feet tall and 20 feet wide; it is slow-growing
9. European Hornbeam
(Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)
Loved by: Rosalia Sanni in Old Greenwich, Connecticut
Why this tree: “Hornbeams naturally have a beautiful symmetrical habit,” Sanni says. “They are architectural trees that can add formality and structure to any garden. Even in winter their silhouettes have presence, especially when lit up at night.”
Special feature: “They can be trained into many forms and shapes, and because of that can be kept in check and stay in scale with the landscape they are planted in,” Sanni says.
Growing tips: “Hornbeams are very flexible, but when planting them you need to understand that you are probably going to have to have qualified landscapers prune them and maintain them so that they stay the way you intended them to be,” Sanni says.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate to high
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Moderate growth rate to 35 to 45 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide; can be kept smaller with pruning
When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?
(Carpinus betulus ‘Fastigiata’)
Loved by: Rosalia Sanni in Old Greenwich, Connecticut
Why this tree: “Hornbeams naturally have a beautiful symmetrical habit,” Sanni says. “They are architectural trees that can add formality and structure to any garden. Even in winter their silhouettes have presence, especially when lit up at night.”
Special feature: “They can be trained into many forms and shapes, and because of that can be kept in check and stay in scale with the landscape they are planted in,” Sanni says.
Growing tips: “Hornbeams are very flexible, but when planting them you need to understand that you are probably going to have to have qualified landscapers prune them and maintain them so that they stay the way you intended them to be,” Sanni says.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 31.7 degrees Celsius (zones 4 to 8)
Water requirement: Moderate to high
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Moderate growth rate to 35 to 45 feet tall and 25 to 35 feet wide; can be kept smaller with pruning
When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?
10. ‘Marina’ Strawberry Tree
(Arbutus ‘Marina’)
Garden hybrid
Loved by: June Scott in Los Angeles
Why this tree: This garden standout has distinct cinnamon-colored bark, features coral and white bell-shaped flowers year-round and is relatively pest- and disease-free. “What’s not to love?” Scott says. “It looks at home in a variety of situations but especially in Mediterranean gardens.”
Special features: This versatile plant can be used as a screen, attracts hummingbirds and other wildlife and is a fire-wise landscape addition.
(Arbutus ‘Marina’)
Garden hybrid
Loved by: June Scott in Los Angeles
Why this tree: This garden standout has distinct cinnamon-colored bark, features coral and white bell-shaped flowers year-round and is relatively pest- and disease-free. “What’s not to love?” Scott says. “It looks at home in a variety of situations but especially in Mediterranean gardens.”
Special features: This versatile plant can be used as a screen, attracts hummingbirds and other wildlife and is a fire-wise landscape addition.
Growing tips: “The tree produces red and yellow fruit, so it would be best planted away from walkways,” Scott says.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 25 feet tall and wide, but can grow to 50 feet
More on Houzz
How to Buy Healthy Trees and Shrubs
Read more gardening guides
Find a landscape designer in your area
Shop for garden and other outdoor products
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (zones 8 to 11)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 25 feet tall and wide, but can grow to 50 feet
More on Houzz
How to Buy Healthy Trees and Shrubs
Read more gardening guides
Find a landscape designer in your area
Shop for garden and other outdoor products
(Cercis occidentalis)
Native to Northern California, the Sierras, the San Joaquin Valley and the extreme southwest of California to Utah and Arizona
Loved by: Cassy Aoyagi of FormLA Landscaping in Los Angeles
Why this tree: “Western redbud brings ever-changing seasonal color to a garden,” Aoyagi says. Bright pink blooms emerge in late winter and early spring, with heart-shaped green leaves appearing soon after. In fall and early winter, the leaves transition to red and mahogany.
Special feature: The flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators — and can also make delicious additions to salads (western redbuds are in the pea family).