In Northeast Ohio, we’re lucky enough to experience all four seasons. Because of our warm summers and sometimes harsh winters, some trees can thrive on our lawns while others may suffer. Working with a tree care company in Waite Hill, like Vancuren Tree Service, can help you decide which trees are best for your property and how to take care of them as well as possible!

Most of Ohio falls under hardiness zone 6. These zones, as designated by the USDA, help determine which plants would thrive under certain climates and which ones will not. Luckily for us, there are plenty of beautiful and easy to care for trees that fall into this zone!

Dogwoods

If you have a small space but want to enhance your property with a tree, these species of dogwood trees are great for that! Many people love them for their beautiful flowers some species produce. They are fairly small, growing up to approximately 15 to 25 feet, and because of their natural shape, they do not require much pruning. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in nutrients. Because they are drought tolerant, they don’t need much water. If summer is exceptionally hot and dry, water weekly. While they do not need to be pruned much, if you are going to, prune in late fall or early winter when the tree is dormant. These flowering trees are also bleeders, which means they bleed sap if pruned during certain times of the year, which is why you should prune during these times. Their roots are non-invasive so it is safe to plant dogwood near structures, driveways and sidewalks. However, their placement should be considered before planting because they are “understory” trees. This means larger trees can help protect them. They are hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and grow very quickly- over a foot per year!

Redbud

Redbud trees are known for their beautiful and brilliant color! Some people also refer to them as Judas trees. These are on the smaller side, reaching about 20 to 30 feet in height and a spread of about 15 to 35 feet. The trunk is usually divided closer to the ground and not very wide. These trees do not live very long, only about 20 years. It is best to plant them in the early spring. These trees prefer well-drained soil and partial shade. You should place a 3-inch layer of mulch around the tree but not against its trunk. Prune in the fall to help maintain its natural growth habit and trim dead branches. While the tree is getting established, it is best to keep its soil moist but not saturated. Sometimes these trees suffer from problems like cankers or battle tree borers. They are hardy in zones 4 through 8.

Allegheny Serviceberry

Named for the county in Pennsylvania, the Allegheny serviceberry reaches a height of up to 25 feet. It’s known for its big white flowers in the spring and its blue-green fruit. This tree grows best in partial shade. Full sun in dry areas will put stress on it. It thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline to acidic loam or sand. It can sometimes fall prey to fire blight or spider mites and borers that typically infest stressed trees during droughts. The Allegheny serviceberry is hardy in zones 4 through 8, and possibly even zone 9.

Japanese Maple

While Japanese maples obviously aren’t native to Northeast Ohio, they do grow quite well here. These trees are known for their aesthetic qualities, growing reddish purple flowers in the spring. Because these trees usually don’t get very big, they are great as shrub borders or for patios. They are also used as understory trees in woodland gardens. These trees prefer full sun or partial shade, although lots of sun can scorch the leaves on young trees in the summer, especially a very hot one. However, as the tree gets older, the scorching will become less frequent. Growing these trees in a sunny location can intensify their fall color. Also, they will grow well in most types of soil, as long as it is well drained. This makes them very easy to care for. These trees need water more than anything, so make sure to water them if it is a particularly dry season. Apply water to the roots slowly, letting the soil absorb all the water before adding more. One way to intensify its fall color though, is to cut down the amount of water it receives. Add a 3 inch layer of mulch around the tree (but not against the trunk!) to help maintain moisture but also prevent rot. Pruning should be done in the late winter before leaf buds begin to open. Make sure to cut off unkempt twigs and branches on the inside, but leave the exterior branches as they are. These trees are hardy in zones 5 through 8.

Sargent Crabapple

This is another beautiful tree, which is known for its sweet-smelling white flowers during late Spring. These are fairly small trees, so they may be safe to plant underneath utility lines, in smaller yards, as privacy screens, hedges, or on sloping ground. Many people also choose these trees as bonsais. These trees grow to about 6 to 10 feet in height and its spread is about 6 to 12 feet at maturity. They grow less than 12 inches per year. These trees prefer full sun. They will grow in all kinds of soil textures. While they prefer well-drained soil, they can tolerate dryer conditions. They grow in hardiness zones 4 through 8.

Star Magnolia

These trees are known for their complex and colorful spring flowers. These trees are very small, almost shrub-like. They usually grow up to about 25 feet. They thrive best in slightly acidic soil and in a sunny location. If it is a drier area, partial sun is best. They also prefer soil that drains well. While these trees thrive in smaller areas, make sure it has plenty of space. It grows better when it is not crowded. Like many other trees, add a three inch layer of mulch, pulled away from the trunk. It thrives in zones 5 through 8.

Weeping Cherry

These trees produce beautiful pink and white flowers in the spring. With many kinds of cultivars, or types, they have a wide range of sizes. Dwarf trees can grow to around 8 feet while others can grow up to 40 feet and have large, spreading canopies. These trees grow and bloom best in full sun, but partial sun is fine too. Well-drained soil critical so that they do not rot. Good air circulation is also important for the weeping cherry because it helps to prevent diseases. Because of this, it is important to carefully consider where you want to plant it. Make sure it is far away enough from other trees and structures so you don’t have to shorten its branches. These trees often attract butterflies and hummingbirds so do not use insecticides while the flowers are in bloom. Because you want the roots to expand into the surrounding soil rather than staying in the hole it is planted, do not add anything to the soil. It is not recommended to stake these trees unless it is absolutely necessary. If it is, remove the stakes after one year. It is important to water these trees if the weather is particularly dry. Water the tree slowly and give it a chance to sink in deeply. In this case, watering lightly can do more harm than good. Add 2 to four inches of soil around the tree. It is recommended to use a slow release fertilizer as the leaves begin to bud. This tree should not be pruned- the branches are supposed to be long, unless the branche are diseased, damaged, or causing problems.

There are tons of choices if you are looking to plant new trees in your yard- and not just the ones on this list! Choosing the right kind of tree for your yard can be very easy if you know what to look for. Taking care if it can be even easier if you get help from a Waite Hill tree company, like Vancuren Tree Service.