Acer griseum. A small tree that should be planted in every yard. Its peeling bark, beautiful fall color and drought tolerance definitely make it a ‘terrific’ tree.

Let’s face facts: A tree is probably the largest monetary investment you will make in a plant.  Unlike annuals and perennials, a tree is a long-term investment that matures over time.  When shopping many people fear they will select the “wrong” tree – a tree that will  soon die or is boring.  To ensure you make the best “tree” investment, follow these three simple rules:  1) Shop at local nurseries that know the best trees for your climate and conditions.  2) Choose a tree that has multi-season interest.  And 3), make sure it won’t out grow its place.  Remember, pruning-to-size is never a solution.  Here are a few of our tree favorites:

Exfoliating bark is only one reason to get excited about the Paperbark maple (Acer griseum). The paperbark maple is a showstopper in the winter with its exfoliating bark in shades of polished copper.  The show continues in the summer with its unusual oak-like leaves that turn brilliant shades of orange and red in the fall.  Small tree to 25’, somewhat drought tolerant, needs full sun to light shade.

An all season bloomer, the Sourwood (Oxydendrum aboreum) is a four-season delight.  The show begins in summer with fragrant flowers that turn into yellow seed capsules that decorate the tree through its vivid show of fall color and into the winter.  Likes full sun or light shade (protect from the hot summer sun) with its roots mulched.  A slow grower to 25’.

Lighting up the garden the Korean Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Summer Fun’) was appropriately named.  A small tree to 10’ its variegated leaves are tinged with pink in spring and are a mass of beautiful white flowers in June.  Fall color is pink-orange.  More sun tolerant than most dogwoods.

A beautiful heat-tolerant evergreen the Blue Spanish Fir (Abies pinsapo glauca) is a majestic tree with striking,

Cornus kousa ‘Summer Fun’ This small jewel of a tree will brighten a shady corner of your yard with its variegated leaves and bright white flowers in late spring. Its delight continues in the fall when its leaves turn shades of red with pink margins.

blue-gray needles and a narrow conical stature.  The early spring branch tips are covered with beautiful small violet-red pollen cones.  Needs full sun and room to grow (60’).