Landscape Trees - What Kind and WHy
I always felt that landscape trees are one of the
most important aspects of a landscape designs. That's because they have
so many outstanding features. They have height, mass and they also
provide screening. And let's not forget about spring and fall color.
There are basically three types of landscape trees.
Shade Trees
Ornamental Trees
Evergreen Trees
Shade Trees
Shade trees are typically very large and their canopies offer much
needed shade in hot and sunny areas. There are many different shapes
form columnar to those with wide canopies. Those with wide canopies will
provide the most shade. Picture the stately Elm trees on estates in our
American landscapes from years ago. Andrew Jackson Downing used these in
his designs. Many old black and white photos portray these graceful
trees out in large open lawn areas. Due to their size, however, they
must be used with care in areas that they have room to grow. Large open
areas are perfect.
The Red Maple is one of my favorites. It has dazzling red color. October
Glory and Red Sunset have flaming red and orange foliage in the fall.
Red Maples are also a native tree and very hardy.
Ornamental Trees
These trees are usually smaller in size, although some can get quite
large. They have outstanding features, such as leaf color, flowers,
outstanding bark or interesting shapes and branching structures.
Ornamental trees can be used at house corners, near a front door, or out
in the open lawn. They also look nice if you have a privacy screening of
evergreens. They can be placed in front of the evergreen trees so their
features really stand out.
One of my favorite ornamental trees is the Flowering Dogwood Tree. It is
a true all season plant. In the Spring, it produces lovely white or pink
flowers. It has a lovely shape. Although not a true multi stemmed tree,
its branching structure is wide. The leaf has a nice shape too. In the
fall it gets red berries which creates not only fall color but also an
attraction for the birds.
Evergreen Trees
As their name implies, they are evergreen and retain their leaves all
year lawn. Evergreen trees may be have needle type leaves or broadleaf
ones. Needle type varieties are such trees as Norway Spruce, Douglas
Fir, or Hemlock. Broadleaf evergreen trees are such as the Southern
Magnolia with it's large leaves.
Evergreen trees often have a specific purpose for being used. They are
used as a screen to block unwanted views or create privacy from an
adjacent neighbor or road. Because of their form and mass, they at times
can look nice at house corners, as long as enough room is left for their
mature size.They can get quite large. There are however, varieties that
stay smaller, such as Hybrids of the American Holly. Foster Holly is one
that comes to mind and can easily be used in the landscape.
Consider adding trees to your landscape. They add a sense of scale and
beauty that no other plant type can. Just be sure to select the right
tree for the right place. Size, texture, and sun/shade conditions should
all play a part in your decisions.
About the author
Susan Schlenger is a Landscape Designer with a degree in Landscape Architecture. Please visit Landscape Trees to learn more about trees in your landscape. You might also enjoy visiting Evergreen Trees for some suggestions.