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 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.