Do you want to create picturesque corners in your garden that enhance its intimacy? One way to achieve this is by incorporating ornamental shrubs into your garden design. Ornamental trees are not only beautiful but also increase the value of your property. With so many options to choose from, finding the ideal tree for your garden can be confusing. That’s why we have compiled a list of 10 ornamental trees that will make your garden more attractive and beautiful. From flowering dogwoods to Japanese maples, these trees will surely add color, texture, and interest to your garden.
Ornamental Trees
Trees have been an integral part of gardens for centuries. Ornamental trees, however, are a special category of trees grown for their attractive appearance rather than their fruit or wood. Most ornamental trees are flowering. Ornamental trees come in various shapes and sizes.
Benefits of Ornamental Trees in the Garden
Besides their aesthetic appeal, ornamental trees bring many other benefits to your garden. Ornamental trees can improve air quality and reduce noise levels. They also contribute to soil improvement as their roots loosen the soil, release organic substances that decompose, and enhance soil quality. Ornamental trees also help improve the ecosystem by increasing biodiversity and providing shelter for many species of insects, birds, and other animals.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ornamental Trees
When selecting an ornamental tree for your garden, you need to pay attention to several factors. The first factor is the area where your garden is located. Some ornamental trees are suitable for certain climates and soils, so it is necessary to choose trees that best fit your area. Another factor to consider is the size of the garden. Some ornamental trees can be very large and unsuitable for small gardens. Conversely, some species are small and suitable for gardens with limited space. Another factor is the color and texture of leaves and flowers. Since ornamental trees are grown for their aesthetic appearance, it is important to choose trees that will harmonize with the rest of the garden.
Top 10 Ornamental Deciduous Trees
- Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a very popular flowering tree known for its beautiful pink or white flowers. These trees are medium height and suitable for both larger and smaller gardens. Dogwood is also considered the tree that usually blooms first in spring. It grows slowly and upright. It prefers moderately moist, well-drained soil. Pruning is not necessary.
- Japanese Maple
Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) is a beautiful tree known for its stunning leaves. The Japanese maple has many varieties with different colors and textures of leaves. These trees are well suited for gardens with a Japanese or Asian look. It does not like harsh sun or waterlogged soil.
- Magnolia
Magnolia is a flowering tree known for its magnificent large flowers. There are many types of magnolias that vary in size and flower color. Most magnolias are medium-sized and thus more suitable for larger gardens. It grows slowly. It prefers a sunny location shaded from the south.
- Ornamental Cherry
Cherry trees are flowering trees known for their beautiful blossoms. There are many types of cherries that vary in size and flower color. Most cherries are medium-sized and suitable for both larger and smaller gardens. Any branch pruning should be done in summer to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. It is an excellent tree for planting in rows or as a solitary tree in a lawn. Ornamental cherry needs calcareous soil and tolerates partial shade.
- Eastern Redbud
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a flowering tree known for its beautiful wine-red flowers. These trees are medium-sized and suitable for both larger and smaller gardens. Eastern redbud blooms early in spring before the leaves appear. It needs well-drained calcareous soil and a bright sunny location. Pruning is not necessary.
- Chinese Wisteria
Chinese wisteria is not only a climbing plant but can also be shaped as a small tree. However, the vine is flexible for many years and needs support. Wisteria blooms early in spring and requires a sunny location. Proper pruning after flowering and in summer is important for better blooming.
With proper pruning, it can bloom a second time during the summer holidays. Crowded root conditions promote better flowering. Note: The pods ripen in legumes and are poisonous.
- Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a flowering tree known for its beautiful flowers. These trees are medium height and suitable for both larger and smaller gardens. Crape myrtle blooms from summer to autumn. It prefers sunny, warm locations and needs regular watering in summer but does not tolerate waterlogging. Pruning is very important for abundant flowering. In spring, it is recommended to remove last year’s shoots to thicken the tree and promote dense flowering.
- Japanese Willow Flamingo on Trunk
Flamingo is a very interesting willow variety with variegated green and white leaves that turn pink when budding. It can be found as a shrub or grafted on a trunk. For a compact appearance, frequent pruning is recommended – up to twice a year, in spring and anytime during the year. It does not tolerate sandy soil. In summer, it requires frequent watering if in direct sunlight.
- Birch
Birch (Betula pendula) is a beautiful tree known for its white bark and lovely leaves. These trees are medium height and suitable for both larger and smaller gardens. It grows very fast and is not demanding on soil. It is frost-resistant down to -45 °C. Birch is also considered a tree with medicinal properties.
- Catalpa
Catalpa is slowly becoming established in our gardens. Catalpa is a fast-growing tree with large leaves and a compact appearance. Pruning is not necessary. Catalpa prefers well-drained soil and tolerates sun as well as partial shade.
How to Grow Ornamental Trees
Ornamental trees are usually not demanding to grow and require only basic care. Ornamental trees need enough sun, water, and fertilizer.
For root nutrition, we recommend using ROKOHUMIN DRY, sprinkle 50g of fertilizer near the roots of each tree.
For acid-loving trees ROKOSAN Rhododendrons and Azaleas, sprinkle 50g of fertilizer near the roots of each tree.
During the growing season, we recommend foliar feeding with ROKOHUMIN UNIVERSAL, apply once a week at a dose of 15 ml + 1l water.
If your ornamental trees are infested with pests or diseases, it is important to treat them quickly to prevent spreading and apply spraying.
Ideas for Incorporating Ornamental Trees into the Garden
There are many ways to incorporate ornamental trees into your garden. You can choose a specific color or texture that blends with the rest of the garden. Ornamental trees can also be planted as part of flower beds or as standalone elements. Ornamental trees can also be grouped to create a garden oasis, an alley, or part of the landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ornamental Trees
### When is the best time to plant ornamental trees?
The best time to plant ornamental trees is in autumn or spring when conditions for tree growth are optimal.
### How often should ornamental trees be watered?
Ornamental trees should be watered once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture.
### What are the most common diseases of ornamental trees?
The most common diseases of ornamental trees are rust, fungal diseases, and pests.
### What are the most common types of pests of ornamental trees?
The most common types of pests of ornamental trees are aphids, scale insects, and leaf beetles.
Where to Buy Ornamental Trees
Ornamental trees can be purchased at many garden centers and online stores. It is important to choose a reputable seller and select trees that offer quality and healthy plants.
Ornamental trees are a great addition to the garden and can add value and beauty to your property. When choosing ornamental trees, it is important to consider factors such as area, garden size, and leaf and flower color and texture.
#photo sources: pinterest, own