How Can I Incorporate Trees into my Front Porch Landscaping?
When planning landscaping ideas for front porch, incorporating trees can add a striking visual appeal. Consider planting small to medium-sized trees that complement the porch and the overall aesthetic of your home. Choose trees with attractive foliage and flowers that enhance the curb appeal. Their shade will provide a cozy environment, while their height and structure will add vertical interest to the porch area.
Landscaping with Trees – What Trees to Choose?
Naturally, every type of tree has its benefits and disadvantages, depending on what you want to do with it in the garden. Some are hardier, others are more flexible, etc. Of course, you must take into account all their characteristics before planting or transplanting, which means you can’t choose just any tree you want. Let’s have a look at various types of trees and some of their requirements:Ornamental Trees
1. Citrus
- Zones: 8 – 11.
- Flowers: white and fragrant.
- Need proper spraying, otherwise they can easily deteriorate.
2. Weeping Cherry
- Height: 15-20 feet; almost equal width.
- Flowers: pink or white single or double flowers.
- Zones: 5 – 8.
3. Serviceberry
- Large shrub or small tree (6 – 20 feet tall).
- White flowers, dark edible fruits in June.
- Suitable for a woodland setting or next to a patio.
- Tough and adaptable.
- Zones: 2 – 9.
4. Saucer Magnolia
- Deciduous tree, grows up to 30 feet tall.
- 6-inch long flowers in a pale pink shade.
- Blooms early in spring.
- Zones: 5 – 9.
5. Redbud
- Pink-purple flowers, bare branches.
- Heart-shaped leaves.
- Height: 25-30 feet tall.
- Zones: 5 – 9.
6. Chinese Dogwood
- White flowers in spring, with pointed petals.
- Red, fleshy, dangling fruits in fall.
- Zones 3 – 8.
7. Crabapple
- 15-25 feet tall.
- Deep pink flower buds that turn into white blossoms.
- Red/ yellow apples, good for birds.
- Irregular shape.
- Zones 3 – 8.
8. Callery Pear
- Grows fast.
- Small, white flowers and colorful foliage.
- Pyramidal canopy.
- 30-45 feet height.
- Bradford species is not recommended – it tends to split in storms.
- Zones 5 – 8.
9. Japanese Maples
- Height: 3 – 20 feet tall.
- Fine-textured foliage, brightly colored.
- Tolerance for shade.
- Interesting shape.
- Suitable for lawns, pools, or beds.
- Zones: 5 – 8.
Shade Trees
10. Honey Locust
- Height: 30 – 50 feet tall.
- Tough, adaptable.
- Drops pods.
- Yellow foliage during fall.
- A thornless variety is recommended.
- Zones: 3 – 9.
11. Tulip Tree
- Height: 25 feet.
- Orange centers of the tulip flowers.
- Zones: 5 – 9.
12. Willow Oak
- Pointed, narrow foliage.
- Fine-texture, dense canopy in the shape of a cone.
- Height: 50 feet when mature.
- Suitable for a street and shade tree.
- Easy to transplant.
- Zones: 6 – 9.
13. Sorrel
- Also called sourwood.
- Height: 75 feet tall.
- Multiseason tree.
- White flowers, glossy leaves.
- Zones: 5 – 9.
Conifers
14. Arborvitae
- Narrow, conical shape.
- Height: 40 – 50 feet tall.
- Various heights and widths available.
- Zones: 2 – 7.
15. Pine
- Evergreen.
- Soft, long needles.
- Used for privacy screening or wind.
- Hardy in some areas, depending on the variety.