Trees Transform Outdoor Space

It's well into the spring planting season to plan and plant that tree that can make a yard into a backyard living space.

Trees add a lot to your property:

Shade~ leading to lower utility costs

Micro Climates~ Trees in combination with shrubs work as great wind breaks which may buffer the temperature extremes in your yard

Wildlife habitats~ birds and squirrels making your tree their favorite place

Flowers~ many tree varieties bloom in the spring making a spectacular show and sweet smell; my favorites include Crabapple, Linden, Catalpa, Redbud, Pear, Hawthorn... I could go on...

Crabapple (left), Linden (Right) *very fragrant*

Catalpa (left) flower closeup, Redbud (right)

Fall Color~ Crimson, Orange, Yellow, Maroon, Purple, and Bronze starting toward the end of September are the hues of fall colors... Each tree variety has its own combination set of spectacular fall colors; my favorites are Maple, Ash, Pear, Linden, Crabapple

Landscape Interest ~ Interest is when your tree is the most crystal clear reflection of the the change of seasons.  Spring/summer blooming, Summer shade and wildlife contribution, Fall color show, followed by Winter form with interesting branching and trunk structure (could include persistent berries on branches)

Washington Hawthorn

Last but not least, don't forget Property Value. You would have to be from Mars to not value a tree.

Finally, we get to the best part, with all these factors combine into my most favorite types of trees:
Large Tree: Catalpa
Medium Tree : Crabapple, Linden, Autumn Purple Ash, Pear
Small Tree: Redbud, Hawthorn

I narrowed it down.  Go and investigate!  You won't be disappointed!
A List of Qualified Trees for the Colorado Front Range, each tree graded by Colorado State University Extension

:) Yay CSU