As spring quickly approaches, many of us are looking to tackle outdoor home improvement projects. One of the simplest ways to add beauty and value to your home is to plant trees in your backyard. In particular, a flowering or fruiting tree can add a burst of color to an otherwise drab or boring space. There are a number of options, and your choice will depend on the weather and soil type as well as your personal preference. Here are some of our favorites:
Magnolia
The southern magnolia is common in the United States, and with good reason: its large white blossoms are not only beautiful, but smell amazing as well with a light lemon scent. This bloom is probably best well known as the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi. Magnolia trees are a good choice for homeowners in the southern United States because they tolerates long, hot summers very well, and little upkeep is required to maintain the beauty. You can find these in many yards around here and no matter the setting, they always look incredible.
Crepe Myrtle
Crepe myrtles are another staple for many Southern yards, because they produce a large number of flowers and grow well in the humid climate. The plant is technically a shrub, but with proper pruning, it is easy to shape it into a slender tree. Pruning is important for a crepe myrtle and should be done in the winter once all blooms and foliage have fallen; doing so may increase bloom yield the next spring, because the plant produces flowers on its new wood.
Dogwood
There are many different varieties of dogwood, and fortunately for prospective American planters, at least one type of the tree grows well in each climate region of the continental United States. Options include trees that produce delicate red, pink, or white flowers but for best results, avoid planting a dogwood in dry soil or in an area where it will receive direct sunlight, as the trees are particularly susceptible to drying out.
Cherry
Some cherry trees produce fruit while others do not; however, both can make beautiful additions to your yard. Flowering cherry trees, which do not produce fruit, simply blossom with small white or pink flowers each spring, while standard cherry trees will actually yield edible fruit. If the latter is your goal, it is best to plant multiple trees so that cross pollination can occur, or the fruit may not be produced. Both flowering and fruiting varieties are recommended for homeowners whose soil is moist and slightly acidic. Either one you choose will look great in your yard, though.
Apple
Surprisingly, apples can be grown in your own backyard fairly easily. Unlike dogwood trees, it is important to place apple trees in direct sunlight and to keep the roots from being regularly soaked. Like cherries, most varieties of apple trees will require additional trees in order to be pollinated and produce fruit, but there are a few types, such as the dwarf, that actually self pollinate. These trees also take up less space than a full-sized apple tree, allowing you to utilize your space for additional plants or a bigger backyard relaxing space if you so choose.
Like a small garden or any other landscaping adventure you choose to take part in, planting trees may seem like a good bit of work for some flowers or fruit but it’s almost always worth the effort. The beauty that comes from flowering trees in unmatched by simple flower beds and you’ll love being able to step outside to pick an apple or cherry cluster for a recipe or just to enjoy as a snack.
If you need a way to protect your brand new trees or just want to surround them with a beautiful fence, call on us today for a FREE quote.
