Types of Trees

When a landscaper or gardener wants to use a tree in their yard or other landscape, they typically select trees from a certain group.

Knowing the characteristics of various types of trees will make selecting a tree for your landscape easier. Here are some of the broad groupings for types of trees.

Deciduous, Evergreen and Tropical

Deciduous trees shed their foliage on a seasonal basis. This shedding typically coincides with the tree’s dormant period.

In response to the sap receding in the tree and absence of chlorophyll in the foliage, the tree’s leaves may shift from green into a more dramatic color.

Deciduous leaves are most commonly flat shaped. Famous examples of deciduous trees include oak and maple trees.

By contrast, evergreen trees never lose their foliage although the trees do experience a dormant period during the harshest periods of cold weather.

Instead the leaves of evergreens, which are often needle-like in appearance, are pushed off of the tree by newer needle-leaves. Evergreen trees include firs and pine trees.

A third type of tree is the tropical tree. Many tropical trees do not experience periods of cold weather and do not have periods of dormancy.

Instead, the trees will continue to grow year-round if they are grown in locations where temperatures stay above 70 degrees. Palm trees are an example of a tropical tree.

Fruit Trees, Shade Trees and Ornamentals

In landscaping, some trees are classified based on their uses. Trees such as apple, peaches, pear and cherry are considered fruit-bearing trees.

These trees may be grown singly, in pairs or in an entire orchard for the purpose of producing fruit. If the trees are not tended to and harvested, their presence in a landscape may be detrimental instead of useful.

Shade trees are most often grown for their ability to produce a large canopy that will create shade over a wide area. These trees are usually at least 30 feet tall with a canopy width of at least 20 feet.

Shade trees planted near a home will reduce heating and cooling costs by blocking sunlight and wind from the dwelling.

These trees may also be used to screen a home from public view. Examples include live oak, ash and maple.

Ornamental trees are trees that are grown for their aesthetic value rather than their usefulness.

These trees may produce a striking display of flowers and smaller, unobtrusive fruit. Examples of these trees include Crabapple, ornamental cherry or Bradford pear.

Ornamental trees may also have unique foliage such as the many hybrid varieties of Japanese maple including laceleaf Japanese maples and dwarf Japanese maples.

Hardwoods and Softwoods

Hardwood and softwood are classifications for types of trees based on the density of wood.

Hardwoods have very dense pith, which is the wood beneath the bark layers. These trees are slow growing trees that will last many years.

Oaks are examples of hardwoods. Over time, these trees are suitable for harvesting to use for building supplies and furniture. Hardwoods will not produce shade as quickly as softwoods, but will live for many more years.

Softwoods have very porous pith. These trees grow very quickly, but have a very short life span. The average age of a softwood type of tree such as a Bradford pear is around 20 years.

Willow trees usually will last around 50 years. Softwoods are preferred by wood carvers for handmade projects due to the wood’s malleability under a knife. One of the more popular softwoods for furniture making is pine.

In landscape design, tree placement hinges on the tree’s function. Considering the characteristics of all types of trees will help you to choose the correct tree for your landscape.

More Trees

Bonsai Trees
Dwarf Trees
Fast Growing Trees
Flowering Trees
Indoor Trees
Weeping Trees