Ornamental trees are a great way to incorporate trees near your property.  Ornamental trees are incorporated into the landscape for a particular feature that the plant possesses.  Shade trees usually grow larger than most ornamental trees when they are mature, hence the title shade tree.  Shade trees are commonly planted block the sun from having direct contact with your home.  Planting shade trees on the west, east or south side of your property will help cut down on your summer electric bill.

Ornamental Trees

If you goal is beauty over shade, then consider planting an eye-catching ornamental tree on your property.  Crabapple trees are one of the most commonly planted species of ornamental tress.  Crabapple trees come with many different flower colors as well as different colored leaves.  Most crabapple trees can be trained and shaped to enhance their appearance.  Spring flower color transitions to summer leaf color.  Crabapple’s decorate the bare branches of the trees in the winter time.

Ornamental trees such as the Japanese lilac tree can be planted near your home or business.  If these trees are pruned on a regular basis, they can be shaped into a globe.  They make the perfect addition to any landscape by providing spring flower color and fragrance.  Japanese maple trees are also commonly planted near homes and businesses.  These trees are a miniature maple variety and can complement your landscape very well.  Japanese maples are known for their interesting leaf shape as well as their dark leaf color.  Like any plant, make sure that you are installing your ornamental trees in their correct location.  If you plant the wrong ornamental tree too close to your property, you may have a mess down the road.

Below is a list of commonly planted ornamental trees in for Iowa landscapes.

Ornamental trees for your landscape.

  • Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
  • Cleveland Select Pear
  • Donald Wyman Crabapple
  • Eastern Redbud
  • Harvest Gold Crabapple
  • Japanese Lilac Tree
  • Japanese Maple
  • Kwanzan Flowering Cherry
  • Magnolia
  • Prairiefire Crabapple
  • Purple Prince Crabapple
  • Red Jewel Crabapple
  • Redspire Pear
  • Tulip Tree