Readers Respond: Best Trees to Plant?

Responses: 29

By David Beaulieu, About.com Guide

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(Continued from Page 1)

I'm a real "tree freak", but I think my favorite is a redwood. True, they need a BIG yard/area, but they are so grand - both look and smell great, and will be around for a long time. They protect the environment and the critters too.
—Guest Debbie

I think our favorite tree is our Sunset maple.The pink leaves are just so cool, not another one around for miles.
—Guest Jerry

This tree is a quintessential American classic. The Princeton American Elm is highly Dutch-elm-disease-resistant and is being replanted all over the US in places once decimated by the Dutch elm disease. Hundreds of these elms now grace Pennsylvania Avenue and other areas in Washington D.C. It is outstanding in a back yard as well as curb-side. This elm covers all the bases: it is fast growing, forms a beautiful, symmetrical vase shape, provides perfect partial to full shade, will grow in just about any soil, features an amazing buttery yellow fall display, and much more. Long live the American Elm!
—Guest Seosamh

I love flowers, and the FLAMBOYAN tree is one of the best, its canopy opens like an umbrella. During the summer months, the perfect place to escape the sun and the heat is under its canopy. During spring the leaves almost completely disappear and you only see this beautiful red-orange canopy of flowers.The only problem with this beautiful tree is that it needs a real big yard and must be put far from houses and any type of construction because the roots are very superficial and very strong and can even move a house from its place.
—Guest Edil

The Autumn Flowering cherry tree is my favorite tree. The tree flowers in the spring and autumn and it has a beautiful canopy. When the flowers drop they float on air like it's snowing.
—deeb3178

In my area I think everyone should plant a few conifers. They offer year-round beauty and a place for birds to hide from predators and build nests.
—doit2day

I'm going to build off of what someone said above and say that this tree will fill just about every need. I'm afraid the blue spruce doesn't produce a bloom so I wouldn't include it. Dogwoods however, have attractive blooms, attractive foliage and branch structure, I think some varieties produce berries that attract birds, and although they're not coniferous, they still manage to hold some sort of appeal in the off-season. You can get a dogwood in almost any size that would suit your needs, and it doesn't make a mess. The only thing this tree needs is an edible fruit!
—Guest Rob

Everything about this tree is wonderful. From the delicate, lacy purple flowers in the spring to the beautiful green heart shaped leaves that turn a wonderful color in the fall. LOVE IT!
—Guest Kimberwitch

I love my "Inaba Shidare" Japanese Maple tree. I bought it with my tax stimulus money a couple of years ago and it makes me smile every time I see it. It is beautiful all year with its reddish leaves and because it's a dwarf specimen, it doesn't outgrow its space. Now I know why when you get one Japanese Maple, you want more!
—Guest Kathleen Humphrey

I like the pin oak because of the shade it provides and because it has acorns on it for the squirrels and blue jays.
—southri

Has to be the river birch! The bark, leaves, and quick growth rate make this one of the first trees I planted in my new yard. The second best? A toss up between a sugar maple or flowering Yoshino cherry. Both are colorful, and unusual, but so pretty to see every time!
—Guest Sara Neville

I think a good tree in any yard would be one that offered it all - colour, shade, good looks, easy care and no mess. So my favourite all around tree is a blue spruce.
—thymeless1

I have a small yard here in California that would be overwhelmed by any of the bigger maples, oaks, pines, etc. I planted a couple of Italian cypresses and have never regretted it. First of all, they "work" in a small yard because of their columnar shape. They also give me color year-round and remind me of my travels in the Mediterranean when I was younger.
—Guest Paul Bunyan

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David Beaulieu
Landscaping Guide