Top 10 Expert-Recommended Ornamental Trees for Curb Appeal

To enhance your landscaping and curb appeal, planting ornamental trees can add a touch of beauty and elegance to your yard. When selecting the right ornamental tree for your garden, it’s essential to consider factors such as your climate, water availability, and sunlight exposure.

Additionally, keep in mind the size and design of your yard, ensuring that the new tree complements the existing foliage and the architecture of your home rather than overpowering it. If you’re ready to begin your planting journey, here are ten expert-recommended choices for ornamental trees that can elevate the visual appeal of your outdoor space.

The Royal Poinciana, a fast-growing and deciduous tree, is renowned for its spectacular tropical blooms. However, it requires ample space due to its large size. To thrive, it needs full sun, moderate moisture, and well-drained soil.

Frangipani, famous for its fragrant blossoms, is commonly used in making leis in Hawaii. With its pretty reddish blooms, it is drought and salt-tolerant, making it ideal for coastal gardens. This tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

The Golden Trumpet Tree, a small to mid-sized deciduous tree, can reach heights of up to 40 feet. It produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers in spring and sporadic flowering throughout the year. This tree thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established.

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree, a small tree up to 30 feet in height and width, features stunning rose-pink orchid-like flowers. It is a sterile variety, meaning it doesn’t drop seed pods. This tree prefers full sun to light shade and well-drained soils.

The Milky Way Tree, a lovely small tree related to the frangipani, produces tubular white fragrant flowers year-round. It forms unique orange, double-horned seed pods after the blooms fade. Milky Way Trees thrive in partial shade in hot climates and well-drained soil.

Japanese maples are prized for their stunning foliage, which displays a vibrant array of colors year-round. These trees have a delicate, lace-like appearance and are suitable for small yards due to their compact size. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape, and they thrive with well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

The Dwarf Flowering Cherry, with its beautiful pink or white blossoms, adds a burst of color in spring and fall. Its petite size makes it perfect for small yards, and periodic pruning ensures neat growth. Adequate sunlight and proper watering are essential for its well-being.

Crabapples are known for their charming spring blooms and decorative fruit that lasts into winter. Compact cultivars are ideal for limited spaces, adding elegance. Regular pruning and pest management are essential for optimal growth, while well-drained soil and ample sunlight support their health.

Dogwoods are renowned for their splendid spring blooms, featuring showy bracts in shades of pink or white. They are an excellent choice for small yards due to their modest height and appealing branching structure. Prune selectively to maintain shape and airflow, and provide moist, well-drained soil for their vitality.

Serviceberry trees are versatile ornamentals that offer delicate white blooms in spring and colorful foliage in the fall. Their compact size and multi-season interest make them perfect for small yards. Regular pruning, along with adequate water and sunlight, is crucial for healthy growth and enhanced visual appeal.