I am wanting to plant a tree in my front yard. How do I select the best tree?

Question

I live in South Carolina. I want something that is going to be the best bang for the buck as far as looking nice year round, possibly flowering in the spring, summer, or whenever. This will be a main focus to the front of my home. I also would like something that I can plant flowers around, like Black-Eyed Susans. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I like the Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Snow' (Japanese Tree Lilac). It has white fragrant flowers. It is a tree in the lilac family and has the same kind of flowers (except white) as the Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac) with the same lovely smell, but blooms in late spring. Very pretty.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/syringa_reticulata.html

Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) is also very nice. It has small rosy-pink flowers in early spring. You can get it as a single trunk tree, or multi-trunked.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/trees-new/cercis_canadensis.html

Answer 2

Best Tree For Front Yard

Answer 3

It depends on the amount of money you want to spend....Do you want a semi-grown tree? Do you want something you can watch grow over the years slowly( Oaks,Maples,Arizona Ash)
Would you perfer something that grows quickly? (Any Pine,Poplar,and varieties of hybrids) An intermediate hardwood that will be semi-mature in 10-15yrs will run you about $600-1000.The trees come 10-16ft usually from the nurseries.They will usually charge another $150-500 to place the tree and remove excess soil if not wanted by you.Flowers around the trees are a nice addition,but remember not to place mulch directly on the base of the tree.This will cause root disease.As far as plants,I would suggest a variety of annies and perenials.I would try Lowe's or Home Depot for plants(I know that sounds odd,but Lowe's guarantees their plants to produce with a moneyback or replacement ).It's worth it if you are going to put that much time and effort into this...
Good luck

Answer 4

To add.....
You say you want something that flowers...great for that spring show, but will it be the best in your location?
Which direction does you home face? If you plant a deciduous tree, you'll have bare branches, obviously in winter, to let the sun in, then leaves to keep the sun out of your home. Is that what you want?
Or would an evergreen be the best for your yard? Shade and windbreak ALL the time.
Just my 2 cents worth!

Answer 5

For South Caroliina I would suggest two excellent small flowering trees.

1. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)- Blooms in early spring before the leaves emerge. Vivid lavender or white flowers depending upon the cutivar. the Cultivar Forest Pansy has burgundy leaves.

2. Korean or Kousa Dogwood. (Cornus kousa) Long lasting White flowers appear after native dogwood. Resistanct to anthracnose which is important for dogwood. Attractive red fruit in late summer and red autumn leaf color.

Search these terms to learn more and to find images.

Answer 6

I would call a couple of local nurseries, but make sure you ask about native species. Sometimes trees from outside your area are considered invasive and could be harmful to wildlife and the environment. Also, your local Ag Extension office or university will have a good list.

Answer 7

2 quick-turning out to be colour timber i'd recommend are black cherry and shademaster locust. both have very small leaves so grant dappled photograph voltaic and no raking required. you may have a tall tree interior ten years with both decision. Black cherry has attractive white flora in spring after a number of years said by ability of pink berries in summer season that the birds love. Its leaves are poisonous inspite of the actuality that so pay attention small little ones do not devour them.

Answer 8

Your question was informative and I bet if you were to go to a local nursey near you, or a home depot, or even lowe's someone in the garden dept. will give you great advice on what kind of tree to plant.Just state what you have stated here. Good Luck

Answer 9

measure out from the house at least 12 feet from all directions so the tree roots can form and not open up the basement walls ,, and the local depot will have deals on the trees

Answer 10

You can plant just about anything unless you live in a higher elevation so it's up to your sense of aesthetics. How about a redwood or sequoia?