Every garden needs at least one tree because they offer height and structure. Plus, they provide shade, support animals, add beauty, and provide food and habitat.

Compared to woodland trees, decorative trees cultivated in gardens are typically smaller. They are primarily selected for their particularly alluring characteristics. They include gorgeous spring blossoms, lovely fall foliage, attractive bark or berries, or tasty fruits. It can also be a mix of these traits.

Every garden can benefit from an ornamental tree, even a little area. Dwarf fruit trees are among those that make excellent potted trees. Others create great privacy-enhancing screening trees.

1. How to plant these trees

Ornamental trees should be planted at the same depth as the rootball and thoroughly watered. After they have become established, ornamental trees are low-maintenance plants that require minimal pruning and watering.

2. Where to plant these trees

You can grow these trees as a single focal point in a lawn. You can also place them in the center of a border of mixed shrubs and flowers or clustered together to form a small copse or grove.

You can plant the types in a container any time of year, but the best times are in the spring and fall when the soil is warm and moist. The roots of bare-root trees are removed from a field.

Break up compaction at the base of the planting hole to allow the roots to expand. Ensure you properly prepare the soil over a much greater area than just the planting hole. This will encourage roots to grow out in search of water and nutrients.

Drill a square hole not deeper than your tree’s pot and just slightly wider. To make sure the soil is not compacted, lightly fork the hole’s base and sides. Your tree should be planted, so the top of the rootball is level with the surrounding soil.

Backfill around the rootball with the excavated dirt, shaking the tree a little to help the soil settle around the roots. Make sure there is good contact between the roots and the dirt.

Stake the tree to prevent windrock, which can damage the roots and leave a gap at the base of the trunk. It can eventually collect water and cause rotting. Windrock can also tear the tree’s roots.

After giving the tree a good soak, continue to water it when it gets dry for at least the first year. After that, rainfall should provide all of the water it needs.

3. How to care for these trees

You should prune your tree to improve its natural shape as it grows. Also, pruning is an opportunity to remove dead or crooked branches to maintain the tree’s health.