How to choose a tree for front yard?

Kathy Arteaga
by Kathy Arteaga

I am tree shopping for our front yard. There are no trees in the front yard. A few rose bushes by the house. I want to plant a tree in the middle of the yard. What should I plant. I live in Georgia. Don't want it to get real huge. Any suggestions?Thanks.

  5 answers
  • Hi Kathy,


    I live in Michigan, so I can't offer much specific help. However, I think your best option is to head to your local greenhouse. Personally, what I will do is head to our local greenhouse that specializes in trees, speak with the knowledgeable associates about my area and then let them direct me to plants that will do well in space. Once I have the information I need, I then head to Lowes or Home Depot and check out their tree selection. Sometimes you can find the same species of plant for a fraction of the cost at large box stores. Greenhouse employees that specialize is trees are often far more knowledgeable then seasonal employees at large box stores.


    Good luck! Hope this helps!! Lauren - The Little Lake Cottage

  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Apr 03, 2019

    Kathy...Check out a japanese maple or cherry!

  • Gina Hanson Gina Hanson on Apr 03, 2019

    What about a dogwood tree? Or a pear tree? They both flower and I don't think they get really big. I love maple trees for the color but they'll get bigger.

    • Kathy Arteaga Kathy Arteaga on Apr 03, 2019

      Dogwoods are beautiful! I thought about a Japanese Maple tree but didn't know how big they get. I don't know about pear trees but will check out as well. Thanks so much!!

  • Another option would be a crepe myrtle. They don't get huge or costly to prune, flowers are beautiful and do it have invasive root systems that will tangle your underground utilities or pipes. Easy to grow too.

  • Shari Fryrear Shari Fryrear on Apr 03, 2019

    Do you have a State tree? I am sure you do. I am in Kentucky. Our tree is a tulip poplar. The tree around mid summer has the most beautiful bloom. They grow fairly slow but can reach a great height . I wanted a shade tree and wanted to show my state pride so I planted one last fall and it is coming out now with it's first buds.. I am so proud of it.