The Top Trees for Winter Landscaping
Introduction
Winter landscaping can be a challenge, as many trees and plants lose their vibrant colors and leave landscapes looking bare. However, choosing trees that offer splashes of color or unique textures during the colder months can make a significant difference. Here, we highlight top winter trees that retain beauty through the fall and winter and provide tips on how to choose the best options for your landscape.
Tips for Choosing Winter Trees
Selecting trees specifically for winter interest requires some planning. Here are a few essential considerations:
- Location: Since winter trees will be focal points during the colder months, ensure that they are planted in prominent areas of your yard where they can be easily admired. Position them thoughtfully, especially if they will draw attention when other trees, shrubs, and plants are dormant.
- Climate and Hardiness: Choose trees that are well suited to your USDA hardiness zone and local climate. Not all trees can withstand extreme cold or the challenges of milder winter climates, so ensure that your selection matches your region’s conditions.
- Mature Size and Space: Consider the mature size and spread of each tree, especially if you’re planting in a smaller yard. Winter trees should complement your existing landscape and not overcrowd it. Measure your space and think about future growth to avoid overcrowding and ensure visual harmony.
- Landscape Aesthetics: Think about how the new trees will fit in with the rest of your yard’s design. While it’s great to add a winter focal point, it should still look balanced with your other plants and landscaping features throughout the year.
Our Favorite Winter Trees
Each of these trees offers a unique feature—be it color, texture, or structure—that enhances winter landscapes. Let’s explore some of the best options.
Sargent Crabapple (Malus sargentii)
Snow-Covered Crabapple Tree Adorned with Red Fruit in a Suburban Landscape
The Sargent crabapple is a striking choice for winter and early spring. Known for its intriguing bark and shape, this tree offers visual interest year-round.
- Appearance: With a dense spreading crown and branches that zigzag, this tree grows more wide than tall, making it ideal for smaller spaces. Its bark, twigs, and unique form add winter charm.
- Uses: Often used under utility lines due to its shorter height, it also works as a privacy hedge. Some even cultivate Sargent crabapples as bonsai due to their manageable size and structure.
- Growth and Care: Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-8, this tree reaches heights of 6 to 10 feet, with a spread of 6 to 12 feet. It grows at a slow rate, adding less than a foot per year. Plant it where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
Winterberry Holly Showcasing Vibrant Red Berries
Winterberry holly provides vibrant color during the dull winter months with its eye-catching red berries that persist on bare branches.
- Appearance: Growing as a 6-to-7-foot shrub, winterberry holly features bright red berries that remain through winter, contrasting against its bare branches.
- Soil and Water Needs: This tree adapts to various soil types but performs best in moist areas. Planting it near water features like ponds or streams can enhance its appearance and health.
- Climate Versatility: Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, Winterberry Holly withstands temperatures as low as -40°F, making it versatile for both frigid and mild climates.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
Stately Colorado Blue Spruce Tree in a Snowy Suburban Yard
For a majestic evergreen option that doubles as a privacy screen, consider the Colorado blue spruce.
- Appearance: Known for its silver-blue needles and classic conifer shape, this tree adds grandeur to any winter landscape. Its tall pyramidal form resembles a giant holiday tree, providing an iconic winter aesthetic.
- Size and Growth: In the wild, these trees reach up to 135 feet in height. In landscaped yards, they grow more moderately to around 50 feet with a width of 20 feet. Slow-growing, they require 30-50 years to mature fully.
- Uses: Great as windbreaks or privacy barriers, Colorado blue spruces are excellent for larger spaces due to their potential size and striking appearance.
Birch Trees (Betula spp.)
A Tranquil Birch Grove Surrounded by Fresh Winter Snow
Birch trees are an attractive addition to winter landscaping due to their distinctive bark and adaptable growth.
- Appearance: Birch trees feature textured bark in shades ranging from stark white to deep brown, creating visual interest during the winter months. With over 40 species, you’ll find varieties that suit different yard sizes.
- Versatility: Birches adapt well to various soil types and thrive in both sun and partial shade, making them suitable for most landscapes. They’re also popular for their fast growth and ability to grow in zones 2-7.
- Popular Varieties: The river birch and white birch are well suited for winter landscapes, each offering unique bark textures and colors that enhance visual appeal through the season.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
A Bare Japanese Maple Tree Adds Winter Charm to a Suburban Landscape
The Japanese maple is a standout for winter interest due to its intricate branching pattern and colorful bark, bringing elegance and depth to any winter landscape.
- Appearance: Known for its delicate lacelike branches, the Japanese maple is stunning in winter when its branches are bare, revealing its unique layered structure. Some varieties also display red or orange bark that stands out against the winter backdrop.
- Size and Placement: This tree typically grows between 10 and 25 feet tall, with a similar spread, making it suitable for small-to-medium-sized yards. Its compact size makes it perfect for adding a focal point near patios, walkways, or garden beds.
- Care Requirements: Japanese maples thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8 and prefer well-drained soil with partial shade. While they can tolerate cold temperatures, they may need protection from strong winds in more exposed locations.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Majestic Eastern Red Cedar Tree in a Snowy Suburban Backyard
The eastern red cedar is an evergreen with distinctive aromatic foliage that keeps its rich green color through winter, adding texture and warmth to any yard.
- Appearance: This tree has dense needle-like foliage with a rich dark-green to blue-green color that endures throughout winter. Small blue berries appear on mature trees, adding subtle interest to the foliage.
- Uses and Versatility: Growing up to 30 feet tall, the eastern red cedar works well as a privacy screen or windbreak due to its dense growth. Its compact growth habit and tolerance of a range of soil types make it versatile for different landscapes.
- Care and Adaptability: This hardy tree thrives in USDA Zones 2-9, making it suitable for a wide variety of climates. It’s drought tolerant, low-maintenance, and adapts well to both full sun and partial shade.
Final Thoughts on Winter Trees
Winter trees are an excellent way to keep your landscape looking beautiful and vibrant, even in the colder months. When thoughtfully selected and planted, they offer color, texture, and structure, making winter landscapes come alive.
Embrace the beauty of winter by adding these trees to your landscape and enjoy a colorful, welcoming yard year-round!
Originally posted on November 2, 2018.
