Does anybody think that it is almost better to go with a decidous tree in beds in front of a house?

Question

because it seems like all my neighbors all plant the same evergreen shrubs for foundation plants and same evergreen trees for their beds directly in front of house (not sure what you call the use as)
. Hollies, Yews, Boxwoods, Hemlock, Juniper, Arborvitae, Spruce, Etc.

I think they look nice, it is just that everybody has ththe same things planted in the beds directly in front of their house (all evergreens).

What about planting deciduous things like Stewartia or Birch or Cherries, Amur Maple, Paper Bark Maple, etc. to get a different look ?!

Answer 1

I prefer deciduous trees because they provide shade in the heat of summer and let more light and warmth into the garden and home in winter. Also, the best flowering trees are generally deciduous. Choosing a tree with unique bark, like the Paper Bark Maple with it's shredded red trunk or the Coral Bark (Sango Kaku) Maple with it's brilliant red trunk and branches in winter or a Dogwood with red winter berries will give you year round interest. Witch Hazel blooms in winter, that's very cool, too. Just make sure the area you plant it in has the appropriate space, drainage and lighting.

Answer 2

The only problem with that is that cute little trees planted too close to the house can grow large. Then you have to worry about branches blocking sunlight to the house and underlying plants; branches breaking and causing damage below; or, with extreme weather, perhaps damaging the roof, etc.

In addition, some trees (especially maples and willows) can produce invasive roots which can undermine a porch, or clog water or sewage pipes.

There are many shrubs to choose from, but if you want evergreens, you have a smaller selection. Don't know what your climate's like - will a rhododendron work in your area? They're gorgeous in the springtime and evergreen.

Answer 3

I believe a pomegranate is perfect for your needs. I put one in my flower bed this summer. It was about two feet tall and was blooming already. You can trim these back easily to the height you desire if it gets too tall for you. They bear the fruit which is small and red, then it blooms to a frilly, beautiful reddish orange bloom that is a real eye catcher. Mine is placed near a window unit air conditioner and gets the run off condensation water...I have hardly had to water it all. They grow quickly and put on quite a show without being unruly or difficult to maintain! They also self propagate easily so you can have some come up around it that you can share with friends. That is how I got mine!Good luck!

Answer 4

Think evergreen on the north side of the house, and deciduous on the south. That way you get shade in summer, and openness for sun in winter.

Answer 5

I have a Prunus Kanzan underplanted with dwarf daffodils tete-a-tete and a fatsia, with box trees lining the path by the front door, and alchemilla mollis on the longer path to the road. A crab apple would be a good alternative to the prunus, or a cotoneaster pendulus. Try a search for ornamental trees?

Answer 6

Actually, deciduos is a good choice - shade in the summer and then no leaves thus light, during the winter.