The Best Trees to Grow in a Front Yard

The strong limbs of an oak tree stand up to strong wind and ice storms.oak image by Vaida from Fotolia.com

High quality trees can add thousands of dollars to the value of a home. They also provide cooling shade that helps save on utility bills. The best trees to grow in a front yard are not always the fastest-growing trees, because many fast-growing trees often have brittle limbs or other undesirable features. Native trees perform better in the landscape because they have lower moisture and fertilizer requirements.

Bur Oak

The bur oak or blue oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a good choice for the front yard because of its ability to grow in almost any soil. It can survive drought and inclement weather. Growing to 100 feet tall with a spread of more than 40 feet, it is planted in larger landscapes throughout the Midwest and north to Manitoba. The leaves are large for an oak tree and can be 12 inches long. The acorns are as large as golf balls and appear when the tree is about 35 years old. The acorns are a valuable food for wildlife such as squirrels and deer. Bur oak trees can live for 200 years or more.

The shumard oak (Quercus shumardii) is a deciduous tree native to the Southeastern United States and as far north as Southern Michigan. It has a pyramidal shape and is faster growing than most oaks. The shumard oak grows to 100 feet tall and 30 feet wide under optimal conditions. The leaves turn red in the fall. It has a neat habit, producing acorns only every two to three years after 25 years of age. The acorns are enjoyed by numerous wildlife species. The tree is recommended for larger landscapes in its native range. When purchasing a shumard oak, be sure it was grown near the area where it is purchased. Trees from the Eastern U.S. can suffer iron chlorosis (yellowing) if planted outside of their range.

The deciduous redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) grows throughout the United States. However, there are different varieties that are adapted to each part of the U.S. For example, the Texas and Mexican redbuds are the best choices for the Southwest, while the Oklahoma redbud is the preferred species for the Midwest. The Eastern redbud grows best in the Eastern half of the United States. These redbuds have similar growth habits to 40 feet and are suitable for smaller landscapes in their native range. The outstanding feature of redbud trees is the profusion of pink blooms produced in early spring before the leaves appear.

The cedar elm (Ulmus crassifoliais) is a deciduous tree adapted to the Midwest and Southeastern United States. The wood is strong and the leaves are small and easy to rake. It grows in a wide range of soils and is drought tolerant. The fast-growing cedar elm has a bright yellow fall color and a spreading open growth habit. It is suitable for medium to large landscapes.