Types of Trees for Homeowner Planting

Maple Trees

• Maple trees are a deciduous tree, meaning this type of tree loses its leaves when the seasons change. In fall, maple trees provide a burst of color to any landscape when the leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and brown. There are many different types of maple trees including the sugar maple, the Norway maple, the red maple and the silver maple. Maple trees range in heights from 10 feet to 150 feet, depending on variety, and develop best in soils containing sand, loam and clay.

Dogwood Trees

• While not perfect for every area and lawn, homeowners love the beautiful flowery displays that dogwood trees develop in early spring. Dark green foliage, along with white- to creamy-white flowers help add depth and beauty to a yard. Types of dogwood trees include the flowering dogwood, the pagoda dogwood and the kousa dogwood. Most dogwood trees do not grow over 30 feet tall and grow best in soils consisting of soil, loam or clay. Dogwood trees grow best in areas where the soil drains well and where the tree is not exposed to full sun over long periods of time.

Sycamore Trees

• Homeowners who want to plant a tree that will add a tremendous amount of shade, from mid to full growth, should consider planting a sycamore tree. Sycamore trees typically reach an average height of 70 feet, but may grow well over 100 feet high. The California sycamore is known to have a span a width between 40 and 70 feet when it reaches its full maturity. When placing a sycamore in a lawn landscape, homeowners should carefully consider the location as sycamores can live between 50 and 200 years. The uniqueness of the bark may be another reason homeowners choose the sycamore for their lawn. The bark of a sycamore tree presents a flaky, grainy texture and is off-white in color.

Fruit Trees

• Fruit trees are a good addition to any lawn; however, it will take some time to see the fruits of your labor. Once the trees are producing, you can enjoy the beauty of the tree along with the fruit it bears. When selecting a fruit tree, ensure that you choose varieties that are well suited to the area's climate. While there are several different types of fruit trees to choose from, such as apple, pear, cherry and peach, planting more than one variety of fruit tree offers optimal benefits. Besides providing more fruit for the homeowner, planting different varieties allows cross-pollination to take place.