What Types of Trees Look Good in a Line?

Versatile Evergreens

• Needle-leaved evergreen choices include classic Christmas tree conifers such as spruce (Picea spp.), hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 to 7, and yew (Taxus spp.), hardy in USDA zones 4 to 7. Prune in late winter or early spring just before new growth occurs. American, or Eastern, arborvitae (Thuga accidentalis) forms an effective natural snow fence in USDA zones 3 to 7 with other cultivars hardy from zones 2 to 9. The wide-ranging pine family (Pinus spp.) includes other options in USDA zones 3 to 10. In zones 7 to 11, try the Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis), an ancient variety rediscovered in the mid-1990s.

Broad-leafed Evergreens

• Nothing says “keep out” as prettily as a row of prickly Foster’s holly (Ilex attenuata "Fosteri"), hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9. This red-berried shiny-leafed beauty is among plants that perform as large shrubs or small trees, depending on planting location and pruning techniques. In the large-tree category, slow- to moderate-growing live oak (Quercus Virginiana), hardy in zones 7b to 10, makes an elegant, expansive statement lining a front lawn or shading a roadside entry.

Deciduous Winners

• Showcase the seasonal changes of leaf-shedding deciduous trees by presenting them in a row that multiplies the impact of spring flowering, fall color or the stark geometry of winter-naked trunks and branches. A dreamy row of weeping willows (Salix spp.) at lakeside or bordering a side yard in zones 4 to 9 may appeal, despite messy fronds. Fruit-bearing trees offer another delectable choice. Minimize clean-up by planting away from sidewalks, driveways and patios. Dogwoods (Cornus spp.) are a standout in USDA zones 2 to 9, along with pretty redbuds (Cercis Canadensis) all in a row in zones 4 to 9. A thorny-but-attractive tool in the no-trespassing arsenal, Washington hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum), is a USDA zone 3-to-9 sharpie featuring fragrant early-summer flowers as well as autumn foliage.

Sub-Tropical Sequence

• A row of royal palms (Roystonea spp.) with their symmetrical cement-like trunks and imperial green fronds, hardy in USDA zones 10 to 11, is an iconic landscaping technique that adds both whimsy and majesty to walkways, boulevards, pool or fountain treatments and other large-scale elements. Scale down for less expansive and expensive landscapes, choosing from varieties including the adaptable cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), to form a fine-looking line in USDA zones 8 to 11.

No-go For Rows

• Rapid-growing tree varieties are a tempting shortcut, but avoid those prone to diseases, insect infestations, breakage and other woes. The stately Lombardy poplar (Populas nigra), hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9, is a traditional-but-dubious choice. Cons include invasive roots, limited life span, structural weakness and messy shedding. In USDA zones 3 to 7, steer clear of invasive Norway maple (Acer platanoides). A local nursery can recommend trouble-free, fast-growing types suited to your region.