The 6 Trees That Should Be In Every Yard And Which Tree İs The Most Useful Tree?

Trees are the foundation of our yards, yet they are frequently overlooked landscape mainstays. They provide multi-season color, structure, shade, and beauty. They give wildlife a place to live and a canopy of protection for humans.

You are losing out on a lot of wonderful things that can enrich your life if you don’t have any trees in your yard. There’s almost certainly a tree that will work in your garden, no matter how small you think it is. Since you might only have space for one tree in your tiny yard, small yard trees really need to be extra-special.

Your USDA planting zone and soil type should be your top priorities when selecting a tree. It is inevitable that a tree you plant that is incompatible will fail.

Next, make sure the tree you select fits in your yard by selecting one with a maximum size and canopy spread. Certain species grow slowly and may take decades to reach maturity, while other species grow quickly and may soon overtake a small area.

We polled experts to find out which trees, in their opinion, every gardener should plant in their yard to improve outdoor living and increase property value.

1. Dogwood in bloom

According to Fern Berg, the creator of the tree resource website Tree Vitalize, “the native flowering dogwood is a low-maintenance and versatile tree that provides year-round interest for your yard.”

The trees display a mass of bracts that resemble flowers in the spring. “The majority of flowering dogwoods have pure white bracts, but there are cultivars with deep pinkish-red bracts as well as lovely pink bracts in a variety of shades,” says Fern.

The tree bears berries in the summer, and the green foliage provides shade until changing to the rich hues of fall. Dogwood loses its leaves in the winter, exposing its striking structural branches.

Compact trees, flowering dogwoods can reach a height of 30 feet, depending on the variety. USDA zones 5 to 9 are ideal for growing them, though zone 2 to 4 and zone 10 have some options. Prior to planting, make sure you are planting in the appropriate cultivar’s growing zone.

In warmer climates, Fern says, “Flowering dogwoods grow best in full to partial sun, welcoming some afternoon shade.”

“Once established, they also require very little care, but they do need consistent moisture and occasional light pruning to maintain the shape of your tree and remove damaged wood.”

2. Hornbeams in America

According to Ali McEnhill, the proprietor of the sustainable New York nursery The Old Dairy Nursery & Gardens, “Musclewood or American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a relatively uncommon US native tree that deserves more attention.”

It grows in nearly every type of environment, including acidic and alkaline, full sun to shade, and moist to dry. Nonetheless, it is indigenous to the understory of forests and does like a damp, shady spot. This hardy tree is rarely affected by pests or illnesses and can withstand clay soil.

Musclewood gets its name from its unusual fluted, smooth grey trunk that, when mature, looks to be layered with muscle.

In early spring, this pretty globe-shaped tree comes alive with male and female catkins. Nutlets are the offspring of fertilized female catkins and are highly prized by birds. While the dark green, wrinkled leaves are pretty in the summer, the fall foliage is truly spectacular.

USDA zones 3 to 9 are suitable for growing American hornbeam. The mature height and spread of the tree are 15 to 20 feet and 10 to 15 feet, respectively.

With its striking red and orange fall colors, “Wisconsin Red” is one of the hornbeam family’s standout varieties, according to Ali.

3. Magnolia saucer

Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation and author of Now Is The Time For Trees, states that saucer magnolia (Magnolia soulangeana) is a showstopper in the landscape.

Early spring brings a profusion of large goblets filled with fragrant pink and white flowers. The small, low-branched tree is covered in broad, dark green leaves after blooming, which contrast with the smooth, silvery gray bark.

Saucer magnolia, one of the most well-liked trees in the US and Europe, will significantly improve the curb appeal and possibly increase the value of your house.

The trees grow to a medium height of 20 to 30 feet and the same width, with a rounded canopy.

Saucer magnolias should grow well in well-draining, slightly acidic soil in full sun to partial shade for gardeners in USDA zones 4 through 9. Certain clay soils are also tolerable to them.

4. An apple tree

According to Fern Berg, “no home garden is complete without an apple tree (Malus domestica). There is nothing more satisfying than eating home-grown produce.”

Make sure to select a cultivar that is appropriate for your area from the variety of cultivars of these adaptable trees that are available for USDA zones 3 through 10.

While they can tolerate a variety of soil types, apple trees need full sun to grow well. To encourage fruit production, add compost or other organic material, and think about applying a well-balanced fertilizer in the spring.

Juicy, home-grown apples are not the only thing an apple tree can provide. Apple trees enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard and draw pollinators such as bees to your garden with their colorful summer foliage and lovely spring blossoms, says Fern.

Dwarf and semi-dwarf apple tree varieties are available if you have a limited space.

In order to produce fruit, many apple cultivars are not self-fertile, so planting a suitable pollinating partner may be necessary, according to Fern. “Make sure you select a fully self-fertile variety, like Braeburn or Granny Smith, if you only have room for one tree.”

5. Birch by the river

“Betula nigra, the river birch, is the most heat-tolerant and adaptable of all the birches, and ‘Cully’ is the most disease-resistant and adaptable within that group,” says Ali McEnhill. River birches are best for large yards.

“A creamy-white interior that rivals the best European birches is revealed when the incredibly showy salmon-cream-brown bark exfoliates.”

It is incredibly hardy, resists borers and leaf miners—a major problem for birches—and can grow in both wet and dry soils.

“This is a fast-growing native tree that deserves a home in every landscape,” continues Ali, “with options for USDA zones 4 to 9.”

When fully grown, river birches reach heights of 40 to 70 feet and widths of 40 to 60 feet.

6. Maple from Japan

“Japanese maples, or Acer palmatum, are a great way to increase the visual appeal and monetary value of your home,” says GreenPal co-founder and skilled landscaper Gene Caballero.

Their striking hues and distinctive leaf forms, particularly in the fall, can significantly improve the visual appeal of a landscape.

Because of their small size, these trees can be planted in most yards without running the risk of overgrowing or causing damage to the foundation. Because of their adaptability, they can be incorporated into both traditional and modern landscape designs, bringing elegance and peace.

Zones 5 to 8 have lots of options, but zone 9 can support Japanese maple trees in certain hot climates.