Planting a tree in front of your house
When you imagine your dream property, what do you see? Many people envision a landscape design featuring shrubbery, perennials and annuals, with mature trees dotting the scene. But what type of tree should grace your front yard?
Space matters
Before planting a tree, get the specifics on how much space you have to work with. There’s a perfect tree for every size, from a small patch of grass to a wide expanse. Read our article on ideal trees and shrubs for small yards.
Majestic maple
We see them every day: maple trees, symbol of Canada. There are many varieties of maple. You have a broad range to choose from if this one’s your favourite. Here are some interesting varieties:
- Autumn Blaze (Acer x freemanii):
This variety can reach 12 m in height and up to 8 m in width. Planting this maple requires a moderately large front yard. This tree’s luscious summer green turns to stunning scarlet in the fall.
- Acer ginnala Flame:
At maturity, this tree can reach a height of 4 m and width of 3 m. In limited spaces, this small tree is perfect. Its delicately scented flowers will brighten your day. Its foliage is green in summer and bright red in the fall.
- Acer rubrum Armstrong:
This tree, with its upward-slanted branches that grow taller (14 m) than wide (6 m), is well suited to smaller spaces. Its summer green foliage turns fiery reddish orange in the fall.
Lilac: the queen of flowering trees
Who among us hasn’t stopped in their tracks to admire a flowering tree, especially lilacs? You’ll love these two lilac varieties:
- Japanese tree lilac Ivory Silk (Syringa reticulata):
This white lilac variety gives off a lovely fragrance in early July. It can reach a height of 8 m and a width of 4 m at maturity. Its green summer leaves turn yellow in the fall.
- Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris):
This fragrant variety evokes childhood memories as a sure sign of the end of the school year. It blossoms in June. This lilac can reach a height of 3 m and 2 m wide at maturity.
Look to the Fall Foliage Map for hints if you’re considering a fall excursion in Quebec to experience the glorious autumn colours.
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See also:
Trees and Shrubs for Small Yards
4 tips for sowing grass in spring