8 Trees You Can Grow Almost Anywhere for an Easy, Elegant Landscape

Okame Cherry Tree

Okame cherry (Prunus × incamp 'Okame') is one of the hardiest ornamental cherry trees.

“It can handle hot summers and cold winters and is more tolerant of urban pollution than many other varieties,” says Eduard Negodenko, landscaping expert and gardener at Avanti Landscaping. “It also experiences moderate growth and is disease resistant."

This tree likes full sun and will do best in loamy, well-drained soil, according to Negodenko—but it can tolerate slightly sandy or clay soil, so long as drainage is good. “A spot in the yard with good air circulation and at least six hours of direct sun is ideal,” he says.

However, okame cherry won’t do well in areas with wet, poorly drained soil or heavy shade. “Moisture around the roots can cause rot and fungal issues,” he warns. “So low-lying or swampy parts of the yard are best avoided.”

• Growing Zones: 6 through 9
• Size: 15 to 20 feet tall; up to 20 feet wide
• Growing Conditions: Can thrive in partial shade to full sun; tolerates clay, loamy, sandy, slightly alkaline or acidic, well-drained soil; water deeply and regularly
  

Red Maple

The red maple (Acer rubrum) is known for its beautiful, scarlet foliage. "It also bears red flowers and fruit in the spring, coloring its surroundings all year round," says Anastasia Borisevich, plant expert at Plantum.

Red maple can tolerate extreme temperatures, and can grow as far north as Newfoundland and as far south as the Carolinas.

“These maples are not at all fussy about their living conditions,” says Borisevich. “They will do well both in full sun and in partial shade. The only issue that may arise is soil acidity, as alkaline soils slow down its growth and deprive its leaves of their beautiful, bright color.”

• Growing Zones: 3 through 9
• Size: 40 to 100 feet tall; 30 to 50 feet wide
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade; adapts to a wide range of well-drained, slightly acidic soils; water regularly and deeply the first two years after planting
  

Forest Pansy Redbud

The forest pansy redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’) has heart-shaped, burgundy leaves and delicate magenta flowers that bloom in early spring.

“It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, along with heat, drought, and urban stressors,” says Negodenko. “It’s also compact, so [it can] fit into many landscapes.”

However, don't plant it in areas with heavy clay or consistently soggy soil, as the redbud doesn’t like being waterlogged. “Shaded spots will also reduce flowering and leaf color,” Negodenko warns.

• Growing Zones: 5 through 9
• Size: 20 to 30 feet tall; 25 to 35 feet wide
• Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade preferred; moderately fertile, well-drained soil; deep, regular watering is required the first few years after planting

Bur Oak

If your yard is large enough, the bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is very adaptable to drought, as well as clay or compacted soils.

“It does fine in full sun, but requires open areas due to its large size and spreading crown,” says Paul Abbey, founder and CEO of Rooted In Trees. “When fully mature, it will be an impressive tree.”

• Growing Zones: 3 through 9
• Size: up to 60 feet tall and wide
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun; well-drained soil with average moisture; water deeply the first year

Black Birch

The black birch (Betula nigra) is a deciduous tree that thrives in moist soil, making it a popular choice for planting along riverbanks.

“Its distinctive coppery brown bark, resembling cinnamon, peels away in horizontal strips, revealing a smooth, mahogany colored inner bark,” says Borisevic. “This unique feature gives the tree a striking appearance, making it a standout in any forest."

However, as a drought-tolerant plant, the black birch can’t stand high humidity. “Mature plants need bright light for abundant fruiting,” advises Borisevic. “However, young plants do better in slight shade, especially immediately after transplanting.”

• Growing Zones: 4 through 9
• Size: 40 to 70 feet tall; 40 to 60 feet wide
• Growing Conditions: Prefers full sun to partial shade; thrives in moist, slightly acidic soil; water regularly the first few years following planting
  

Flowering Dogwood

The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small tree native to Mexico and North America, with ovate green leaves that turn bright red in fall. In spring, its stunning white flowers turn into red fruits.

“Partial shade is the best option for this tree, although it’s okay to expose it to some bright sunlight during the day,” says Borisevic. “Slightly acidic, rich, moist soil with good drainage will do well for your plant.”

• Growing Zones: 5 through 9
• Size: 15 to 30 feet tall and wide
• Growing Conditions: Does best in morning sun with afternoon shade; prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; keep soil consistently moist the first year to establish roots
  

American Hornbeam

Also called musclewood for its sinewy bark, the American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) is a native tree with great adaptability and is very low maintenance.

“It can tolerate flood conditions and short droughts, as well as most pests and diseases,” says Negodenko. “Its slow growth and compact size make it a great understory tree.”

It’s a great choice for naturalized areas or shaded parts of the yard. “But it won’t do well in extremely dry, exposed, or compacted soil where water retention is poor,” Negodenko advises. “Full sun and arid spots can also stress the tree and reduce its vigor.”

• Growing Zones: 3 through 9A
• Size: 20 to 30 to feet tall; 20 to 35 feet wide
• Growing Conditions: Prefers deep shade, with less than two hours of direct sunlight; clay or loamy, moist soil with good drainage; established trees need deep watering at least once a week
  

Ginkgo

The ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is rightly considered one of the most beautiful tree species.

“With its fan-shaped leaves that change from green to bright yellow in fall, it can decorate any area, be it a countryside garden or a city sidewalk,” says Borisevic. “Though it looks quite elegant, this tree is surprisingly tough—it can grow anywhere and tolerate heat, air pollution, and salt.”

Though it's usually planted in urban spaces, it doesn’t feel comfortable when exposed to hot temperatures.

"This tree thrives in average and high humidity between 40 and 80 percent," says Borisevic. "If you live in a low-humidity area, try planting it next to a water source.”

• Growing Zones: 4 through 9
• Size: over 50 feet tall; over 30 feet wide
• Growing Conditions: Prefer full sun, but need at least four hours per day at minimum; acidic, moist and sandy soil; water regularly for the first growing season