Like a great piece of jewelry, ornamental trees add a bit of bling to your landscaping.

They might be small, but they are mighty in terms of visual impact. Putting an ornamental tree in just the right spot pulls a whole landscape together. In our last blog post we talked about our favorite shade trees; here are our picks for top ornamental trees:

Cutleaf Japanese Maple

Tuck this specimen in at a corner of your home, in a courtyard or by your deck or patio. If you are partial to an Asian garden look, this tree is a must-have. Be sure it has protection from strong wind and bright afternoon sunlight. This lovely tree is no diva: It shines, but won’t take over your landscape.

Choose this tree for:

Lacy, elongated leaves that create a delicate look
Fall color that ranges from orange to red
Its weeping cultivars, which have graceful arching branches
Mounding growth, which retains low height

Weeping Redbud

The lavender flowers of redbud trees are always a welcome sight after a long Cincinnati winter. This new genus of redbud has unique weeping and twisting branches that cascade down to the ground. Unlike its wild cousins, this redbud cultivar remains compact between 4 and 6 feet tall. Sure this tree offers gorgeous flowers and pretty colors, but it’s also tough and hardy.

You’ll love this tree for its:

Pinkish purple flowers that bloom in early spring
Dark green heart-shaped leaves throughout the summer
Yellow fall foliage
Petite size
Low-maintenance character

Lilac on Standard

Dense and deciduous, the Lilac on Standard is a sweet lollipop-like tree. Perfect for a formal garden, or as a pop of color near your patio or in a front yard bed. The tree blooms later than common lilacs to keep the color going in your landscape. You get all the beauty and fragrance of lilacs in a neat tree form.

What makes it a favorite:

Sweetly scented, bright purple flowers
Nickel-size leaves that resist mildew
Neat outline and polished shape
Dwarf height of 7 feet tall
Sun-loving nature and adaptability to all soils

Ornamental Trees and More

These are just a few of the tree species we recommend for Cincinnati landscapes. If you would like to add year-round beauty to your yard, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.