Trees are one of nature’s greatest gifts. They provide you with life-giving oxygen, shade on a hot day, protection from strong winds, they mitigate erosion, give you tasty fruit, attract birds and bees, and also beautify your property.
Especially in the spring and fall, trees offer a colorful display that brightens up any space. Although you may want to plant trees for their beauty, you should also consider them for natural functionality in your backyard garden.
No garden is too small for a tree. However, you should research before purchasing a tree to plant to ensure you have enough space, both horizontally and vertically, for it to thrive. Also, choose trees native to your region whenever possible.
Here are the best trees to plant in your backyard garden that will elevate and beautify your space.
1. Dogwood
Dogwood trees are a backyard staple. They offer pink, white, or red spring flowers in the spring and are just as beautiful when fall comes around. Dogwood trees can adapt to almost any climate, but make sure you plant them at the right time of year so they can flourish.
2. Japanese Maple
If you’re looking for a smaller tree, then Japanese maples are for you! They grow slowly, meaning they won’t overcrowd your garden. Japanese maple trees offer beautiful red colors in the fall, but they’re just as beautiful year-round as their leaves change with the seasons.
3. Crab Apple
Animals love crab apple trees. They provide plenty of food for foragers and birds. Plus, their fruit is super colorful, along with their blossoms in the spring. Crab apple trees work well in colder climates, so if you live in the north, you can be sure these trees will withstand cold winters.
4. Magnolias
Depending on the size of your garden, magnolias might not be for you, especially if you don’t have much space. However, if you have a generous backyard garden, you can watch a magnolia tree expand to its full size. There are smaller species of magnolias for smaller gardens, too.
5. Serviceberry
You want fragrance in the spring? You got it! Serviceberry trees are more like shrubs, and they offer the best smell in the springtime when their white flowers blossom. In the fall, you can harvest the berries to make a jam or allow wildlife to eat them.
6. Hawthorn
Hawthorns are great for small backyard gardens. They’re also an excellent choice if you want to attract wildlife. Bees will drink their nectar in the spring, and birds will eat the berries in the fall. Additionally, they make lovely shade trees to relax under on a warm day.
7. Corkscrew Hazel
The corkscrew hazel is a unique tree. If you want to wow guests at your next backyard gathering, plant one of these. The branches look like corkscrews as they twist and turn. You can even trim some branches and use the twisted shapes as a decoration in your home.
8. Silver Birch
Another tree that works well in small gardens is the silver birch. The tree’s bark is a bright white, and it peels off, leaving the trunk looking like a masterpiece. It looks beautiful in the wintertime after the leaves fall, leaving the trunk to show the peeling bark.
9. Weeping Cherry
You’ll be weeping tears of joy after planting this tree in your backyard garden! They’re strictly ornamental, making them a stunning decoration in your yard. The branches hang low, and during the spring, they bloom bright pink flowers, making it a truly romantic scene.
10. Peaches
When it comes time to harvest berries, apples, and vegetables, who wouldn’t love to pluck a juicy peach from their backyard garden? Although the southern United States is known for its peaches, peach trees can grow in other climates, too, with the proper care.
Plant a Tree!
Trees are great additions to any backyard garden. Even one tree offers you a wealth of benefits! There are so many tree species out there, so choose one — or a few — to be focal points for your backyard oasis.
Bio:
Jane is an environmental writer and the founder and editor-in-chief of Environment.co where she covers sustainability and eco-friendly living.