Selecting Trees for Your Landscape

Small trees are ideal for tight spaces, under utility lines, or as ornamental focal points. These are often used for their aesthetic appeal, seasonal interest, or compatibility with small residential yards.

1. Eastern Redbud 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Cercis canadensis
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, seasonal interest, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 20–30 feet tall and 25–35 feet wide
• FORM: Rounded to vase-shaped canopy
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Rosy-pink blooms in early spring; yellow fall color
• DESCRIPTION: A beloved native tree with heart-shaped leaves and vibrant pink-purple flowers that appear before the leaves in spring. Often used as a specimen tree or in naturalized settings.
• BENEFITS: Attracts pollinators and provides a burst of spring color, even in shaded areas.
• DRAWBACKS: Relatively short-lived, susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.

2. Flowering Dogwood 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Cornus florida
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, shade, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 15–30 feet tall and 20–25 feet wide
• FORM: Rounded to spreading canopy
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: White or pink bracts in spring; red fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A classic native tree with stunning spring blooms and bright red berries that persist into winter, attracting birds.
• BENEFITS: Beautiful in all seasons with blooms, berries, and fall color; supports native wildlife.
• DRAWBACKS: Can be susceptible to anthracnose and powdery mildew in poorly drained or overcrowded areas.

3. Serviceberry (Juneberry) 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Amelanchier arborea
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, wildlife habitat, edible fruit
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 15–25 feet tall and 15–20 feet wide
• FORM: Upright and multi-stemmed, sometimes single-trunked
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: White flowers in early spring; orange-red fall color
• DESCRIPTION: A versatile tree that produces showy white blooms in spring, followed by edible berries and vibrant fall foliage.
• BENEFITS: Provides food for pollinators, birds, and humans; compact size is perfect for residential landscapes.
• DRAWBACKS: Berries can be messy if planted near patios or walkways.

4. Crape Myrtle

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Lagerstroemia indica
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, seasonal interest
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 15–25 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide (dwarf varieties are smaller; some cultivars can reach up to 30 feet)
• FORM: Vase-shaped or rounded, multi-stemmed
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Long-lasting blooms in summer; red, orange, or yellow fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A quintessential Southern tree prized for its vibrant blooms, which can range from white to pink, red, purple, or lavender. Smooth, exfoliating bark adds winter interest, and the tree is tolerant of heat and drought.
• BENEFITS: Offers long-lasting summer color, low-maintenance growth, and year-round appeal with bark and fall foliage. Suitable for a variety of spaces due to size range.
• DRAWBACKS: Can be susceptible to powdery mildew and aphids in humid conditions; fallen flowers may be messy near patios or walkways.

5. Japanese Maple

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Acer palmatum
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, focal point
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 10–25 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide
• FORM: Broad and spreading or upright, depending on cultivar
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Brilliant fall color ranging from red to orange and yellow
• DESCRIPTION: A widely popular tree with delicate, lacy leaves and striking fall colors. Cultivars offer a variety of forms and foliage textures.
• BENEFITS: Perfect for small yards or as an accent in gardens; highly adaptable to partial shade.
• DRAWBACKS: Non-native and can suffer from leaf scorch in extreme heat or full sun.

Medium trees strike a balance between shade and scale. They are versatile for both residential and urban landscapes, providing canopy cover without overwhelming the space.

1. Black Gum (Tupelo) 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Nyssa sylvatica
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental, seasonal interest, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 30–50 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide
• FORM: Pyramidal when young, maturing to an irregularly rounded crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Insignificant greenish flowers; brilliant red, orange, or yellow fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A resilient native tree known for its exceptional fall color and attractive, glossy foliage. Its berries are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife.
• BENEFITS: Provides shade and stunning fall color; supports pollinators and wildlife with nectar and berries.
• DRAWBACKS: Grows slowly and prefers well-drained, acidic soils; may struggle in compacted urban soils.

2. Red Maple 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Acer rubrum
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental, seasonal interest
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 40–60 feet tall and 30–40 feet wide (smaller cultivars available)
• FORM: Rounded to oval canopy
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Red flowers in early spring; brilliant red, orange, or yellow fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A fast-growing, adaptable native tree that provides stunning fall color and early spring blooms. Cultivars like ‘October Glory’ and ‘Red Sunset’ are especially popular for their consistent color and manageable size.
• BENEFITS: Provides excellent shade and vibrant seasonal interest; supports wildlife by offering food and shelter.
• DRAWBACKS: Surface roots can cause issues near sidewalks and driveways; not drought-tolerant in its early years.

3. Sweetbay Magnolia 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Magnolia virginiana
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, shade, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Semi-evergreen to deciduous (depending on cultivar and climate)
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 30–50 feet tall and 20–25 feet wide
• FORM: Narrow and upright or spreading canopy
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Fragrant creamy-white flowers in late spring to early summer; no notable fall color
• DESCRIPTION: A graceful, native tree with glossy leaves and fragrant flowers. Often used in naturalized landscapes or as a specimen tree. It tolerates wet soils, making it ideal for rain gardens or areas with poor drainage.
• BENEFITS: Attracts pollinators and provides a touch of elegance to any landscape; suitable for wet or clay soils.
• DRAWBACKS: Can be slow-growing and prone to wind damage in exposed locations.

4. River Birch 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Betula nigra
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 40–50 feet tall and 30–40 feet wide
• FORM: Upright with a spreading, irregular crown; multi-stemmed or single-stemmed
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: Known for its distinctive peeling bark and adaptability to wet soils, this native tree is a favorite in both residential and commercial landscapes. It thrives in clay or poorly drained areas.
• BENEFITS: Provides texture and interest year-round; highly tolerant of heat, flooding, and drought once established.
• DRAWBACKS: Can drop a significant amount of twigs and bark, which may require cleanup in manicured landscapes.

5. American Hornbeam (Musclewood) 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Carpinus caroliniana
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 20–40 feet tall and 20–30 feet wide
• FORM: Rounded or irregular, with a compact crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow to orange-red fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A slow-growing native tree with smooth, sinewy bark that resembles muscle, hence the nickname “musclewood.” It thrives in moist soils and shaded areas, making it a great choice for naturalized or woodland gardens.
• BENEFITS: Provides excellent shade for smaller spaces; supports wildlife with seeds and shelter.
• DRAWBACKS: Prefers moist soils and may struggle in prolonged drought or poorly drained clay.

Large trees are cornerstone species for shade, carbon sequestration, and habitat. Their broad canopies are perfect for parks, larger lots, or as dominant features in landscape design.

1. Shagbark Hickory 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Carya ovata
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 60–80 feet tall and 40–50 feet wide
• FORM: Oval to rounded canopy with a tall, straight trunk
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Golden-yellow fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A native tree with distinctive, peeling bark that provides unique year-round interest. Its nuts are a vital food source for wildlife, including squirrels and birds. The tree grows best in well-drained soils and full sun.
• BENEFITS: Long-lived and provides excellent shade; supports wildlife with edible nuts and shelter.
• DRAWBACKS: Slow-growing and can produce messy debris (nuts and husks).

2. Red Oak 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Quercus rubra
• PURPOSE: Shade, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 60–80 feet tall and 50–75 feet wide
• FORM: Rounded canopy with a symmetrical crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Vibrant red fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A fast-growing native oak with strong wood and a beautiful, uniform canopy. It’s highly adaptable to various soil types and provides abundant acorns for wildlife.
• BENEFITS: Excellent for shade and fall color; supports a diverse range of wildlife.
• DRAWBACKS: Susceptible to oak wilt and gypsy moth infestations.

3. American Elm 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Ulmus americana
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 60–80 feet tall and 40–70 feet wide
• FORM: Vase-shaped canopy with arching branches, forming an elegant silhouette
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A majestic native tree once common in urban landscapes, the American elm has made a comeback thanks to disease-resistant cultivars. Its graceful, arching form provides dense shade and is ideal for parks, streets, or large properties.
• BENEFITS: Provides excellent shade, supports wildlife, and adds an elegant structure to the landscape; modern cultivars resist Dutch elm disease.
• DRAWBACKS: May still be vulnerable to pests and diseases if not a resistant cultivar; requires consistent pruning for structure.

4. London Plane Tree

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Platanus × acerifolia
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 60–80 feet tall and 50–70 feet wide
• FORM: Broad, spreading canopy with a symmetrical crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow-brown fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A hybrid of the American sycamore and oriental plane tree, the London plane is highly adaptable and thrives in urban settings. Its mottled bark is visually striking, and its large canopy provides excellent shade.
• BENEFITS: Tolerates urban pollution, compacted soils, and drought; ideal for streetscapes or large yards.
• DRAWBACKS: Can drop significant debris (leaves and seed balls) and may be prone to anthracnose in very wet conditions.

5. Southern Magnolia

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Magnolia grandiflora
• PURPOSE: Ornamental, shade
• TYPE: Evergreen
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 60–80 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide
• FORM: Dense, pyramidal canopy
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Large, creamy-white, fragrant flowers in late spring and summer; dark green, glossy leaves
• DESCRIPTION: A classic Southern tree that adds year-round beauty with its evergreen foliage and large, showy flowers. It thrives in well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
• BENEFITS: Provides dense shade, stunning blooms, and a stately presence; flowers attract pollinators.
• DRAWBACKS: Large leaves can be messy; requires ample space and prefers slightly acidic soils.

These are the giants of the region, requiring significant space and offering unmatched ecological and aesthetic benefits. Typically seen in forests, estates, or open spaces where their grandeur can be appreciated and grow unfettered.

1. Eastern White Pine 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Pinus strobus
• PURPOSE: Shade, privacy, windbreak, ornamental
• TYPE: Coniferous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 80–100 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide
• FORM: Pyramidal when young, maturing to a broad, irregular crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Evergreen needles; no fall color
• DESCRIPTION: A towering native evergreen with soft, bluish-green needles and an elegant form. It is fast-growing and provides year-round greenery and excellent wind protection.
• BENEFITS: Provides privacy, shelter for wildlife, and year-round greenery; adaptable to various soils.
• DRAWBACKS: Susceptible to salt damage and wind breakage in exposed areas.

2. American Beech 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Fagus grandifolia
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 80–100 feet tall and 50–80 feet wide
• FORM: Broad, rounded canopy with smooth, gray bark
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow to bronze fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A stately, long-lived native tree with dense foliage that creates deep shade. Its nuts are a valuable food source for wildlife, and its smooth gray bark is striking year-round.
• BENEFITS: Provides dense shade and supports wildlife; visually stunning with its smooth bark and fall foliage.
• DRAWBACKS: Slow-growing and difficult to transplant; prefers deep, moist, well-drained soils.

3. Sycamore (American Plane Tree) 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Platanus occidentalis
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 90–120 feet tall and 60–80 feet wide
• FORM: Spreading canopy with an irregular crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow-brown fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A massive, fast-growing native tree with distinctive peeling bark that reveals a patchy white and green underlayer. Commonly found along streams and in floodplains.
• BENEFITS: Provides dense shade and unique visual interest with its bark; thrives in wet conditions.
• DRAWBACKS: Drops significant debris, including bark, leaves, and seed balls; susceptible to anthracnose in wet conditions.

4. White Oak 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Quercus alba
• PURPOSE: Shade, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 50–80 feet tall and 50–80 feet wide (Although stout, this tree may grow enormour, given
• FORM: Broadly rounded canopy with a stately appearance
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow to reddish-purple fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A majestic native tree and one of the most iconic oaks in the region. It provides a dense canopy, ideal for shade, and produces acorns that serve as a food source for birds and mammals.
• BENEFITS: Long-lived and provides exceptional shade and ecological benefits; supports over 500 species of caterpillars.
• DRAWBACKS: Slow-growing and can be challenging to establish in urban areas with compacted soils.

5. Willow Oak 🍃

• TAXONOMICAL NAME: Quercus phellos
• PURPOSE: Shade, ornamental, wildlife habitat
• TYPE: Deciduous
• HEIGHT AND WIDTH: 60–100 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide
• FORM: Pyramidal when young, maturing to a rounded, symmetrical crown
• BLOOM AND/OR FALL COLOR: Yellow to light brown fall foliage
• DESCRIPTION: A fast-growing native oak with slender, willow-like leaves that give it a refined, elegant appearance. It is a favorite for large landscapes, providing dense shade and abundant acorns for wildlife.
• BENEFITS: Tolerates urban conditions and wet soils; provides shade and wildlife habitat.
• DRAWBACKS: Acorns can be messy, and the tree may require pruning to maintain shape as it matures.

Special purpose trees may have size ranges that vary from their genetic tendencies, depending heavily on their purpose within the landscape. For example, fruit trees grown for harvesting are typically maintained at a manageable height for ease of access but can grow much larger if left unpruned.  Trees planted in close proximity for a privacy screen may utilize species that grow much wider than the their spacing may allow, while a species selected for planting near a driveway that typically grows on the shorter side may be trained to grow taller through selective pruning of lower branches. These trees should be selected based on arborist recommendations to ensure suitability, as their maintenance needs may differ significantly from standard practices. We strongly encourage that you reach out to our ISA Certified Arborist for assistance developing a plan for selection and placement of these trees.

Some examples of these trees may include:

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba): Fruit production for edible harvests.

Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Dense privacy screens or windbreaks.

American Holly (Ilex opaca): "Hostile landscaping" commonly used to limit loitering or unwanted foot traffic. 

Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.): Dual-use for wildlife habitat and small-scale fruit production.

River Birch (Betula nigra): Stabilization of streambanks and areas with high soil moisture.
Lacebark Elm (Ulmus parvifola): A common large, resilient, street tree.