Minnesota's Best: Ornamental Trees to Enhance Your Landscape

There is a river in the middle of a forest with mountains in the background.

Best ornamental trees for Minnesota can improve your landscape by bringing color, structure, and vitality to your outdoor space. Whether you're looking to improve your home's curb appeal or create a peaceful backyard sanctuary, choosing the right trees is key. For the busy and discerning homeowner, here are some top picks:

  • Crabapple: Offers stunning spring blooms and vibrant fall colors.
  • Japanese Tree Lilac: Provides fragrant white flowers and dense growth.
  • Serviceberry: Known for its white spring flowers and red-orange fall foliage.
  • Northern Redbud: Features heart-shaped leaves and pink flowers.
  • Dogwood: Brings vibrant blooms and year-round interest.


Minnesota's climate presents unique challenges, with its cold winters and varied soil types. This means selecting trees that are both hardy and adaptable is crucial for a thriving landscape. Steer these challenges with ease by considering trees that are suited to local conditions.


KG Landscape Management, based in Minneapolis, specializes in selecting and installing ornamental trees custom to your specific environment and aesthetic desires. Their expertise ensures that your garden can withstand Minnesota's elements while adding undeniable beauty to your property.


Improve your outdoor space by starting with trees designed to thrive in Minnesota. With the right choices, your landscape will be a lush, vibrant oasis year-round.


Best Ornamental Trees for Minnesota


When it comes to choosing the best ornamental trees for Minnesota, consider flowering trees, small trees, cold-hardy trees, and native species. Each of these categories offers unique benefits, ensuring your landscape remains vibrant and resilient throughout the seasons.


Flowering Trees


Flowering trees are a standout choice for adding bursts of color and beauty to any Minnesota landscape. Some top options include:

  • Crabapple: Known for its stunning spring blooms and persistent fruit that attracts birds. Varieties like 'Prairie Fire' and 'Sugar Thyme' are disease-resistant with persistent fruit, making them less messy.
  • Japanese Tree Lilac: This tree is fast-growing and thrives best in full sun, blooming in late spring to early summer, offering fragrant white flowers.
  • Serviceberry: This tree offers white spring flowers and striking red-orange fall foliage. Varieties like ‘Autumn Brilliance’ and ‘Spring Flurry’ are great choices.

 


Small Trees


For those with limited space, small ornamental trees can provide beauty without overwhelming your yard:

  • Redbud: Featuring heart-shaped leaves and striking pink flowers, redbuds are available in both single and multi-stem forms.
  • Dogwood: Offers vibrant blooms and a compact size, making it perfect for smaller spaces.

 


Cold-Hardy Trees

Minnesota's harsh winters demand trees that can withstand the cold. Cold-hardy trees like the following are excellent options:

  • Serviceberry: Not only is it beautiful, but it's also well-suited to Minnesota's climate, providing year-round interest with flowers, fruit, and fall foliage.
  • Northern Redbud: Adaptable to the cold, this tree offers early spring flowers and attractive foliage.
  • Japanese Tree Lilac: This tree's resilience and late blooming period make it a favorite for cold climates.

 

Minnesota Native Trees


Native trees are particularly well-suited to Minnesota's environment, often requiring less maintenance and providing essential habitat for local wildlife:

  • Serviceberry: A native species that offers both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.
  • Redbud: Another native option, redbuds thrive in Minnesota's climate and provide early-season color.

 


Choosing the right ornamental trees for your Minnesota landscape can transform your outdoor space into a stunning and sustainable environment. By focusing on flowering, small, cold-hardy, and native trees, you can ensure your garden thrives through all seasons.


With the right selections, your landscape will not only be beautiful but also resilient, enhancing your property for years to come.


Top Flowering Ornamental Trees


Selecting the right flowering ornamental trees can greatly improve the beauty of your Minnesota landscape. Here are some top picks that thrive in the state's climate:


Crabapple 


Crabapples are a favorite for their abundant spring blooms and colorful fruits, which persist into winter. They are excellent for attracting birds and pollinators, adding life to your garden. The 'Prairie Fire' and 'Sugar Thyme' varieties are particularly popular due to their disease resistance and low maintenance. These trees provide vibrant visual interest all year round.


Japanese Tree Lilac


If you're looking for a tree that blooms later in the season, the Japanese Tree Lilac is an excellent choice. Its fragrant white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a different timeline of beauty. This tree thrives in full sun and is known for its fast growth and adaptability.


Serviceberry


The serviceberry is a standout with its white spring flowers and stunning red-orange fall foliage. It's a versatile choice, with varieties like ‘Autumn Brilliance’ and ‘Spring Flurry’ offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. The berries attract birds, making it a wildlife-friendly option.


Redbud


Known for striking pink flowers that appear in early spring, the redbud is a showstopper. Its heart-shaped leaves add charm, and it’s available in both single and multi-stem forms, providing flexibility in landscape design. The Northern Redbud variant is particularly well-suited for Minnesota's climate.


Dogwood


Dogwoods are prized for their vibrant blooms and compact size, making them ideal for smaller spaces. They offer multi-season interest with beautiful flowers in spring and attractive foliage in fall. These trees are a great choice for adding elegance without overwhelming your landscape.


American Witch Hazel


Unique for its late fall blooms, the American Witch Hazel adds a splash of color when most other trees are going dormant. Its yellow flowers are a pleasant surprise in the colder months, and it is known for its hardiness and adaptability to different soil types.


By choosing from these top flowering ornamental trees, you can create a visually stunning and ecologically beneficial landscape in Minnesota. Each tree offers unique qualities, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and engaging throughout the seasons.


Small Ornamental Trees for Limited Spaces


When space is tight, choosing the right small ornamental trees can transform your landscape without overwhelming it. Here are some top picks that thrive in Minnesota's climate and are perfect for compact areas:


Crabapple Varieties 


Crabapple trees are a versatile choice for small spaces. They offer a spectacular spring bloom and colorful fruit that persists into winter. The University of Minnesota has developed several cultivars, like 'Radiant' and 'Sparkler,' that stay under 20 feet tall. Their compact size and varied foliage colors make them ideal for adding beauty without taking up too much room.


Flowering Plum


Flowering plums like the 'Princess Kay' variety are known for their fragrant spring blossoms and striking fall foliage. With a height of just 15 feet, they are perfect for limited spaces. Their ability to produce attractive fruit adds interest and is great for attracting wildlife to your garden.


Redbud


Redbuds are known for their rosy pink flowers that bloom in early spring. The Minnesota Strain is particularly suited for the state's colder climate and remains compact at 12 feet tall. This tree's heart-shaped leaves and colorful blooms make it a charming addition to any small yard.


Dogwood


The Dogwood tree is another excellent choice for compact spaces. Its vibrant spring blooms and attractive fall foliage provide multi-season interest. Dogwoods are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and color to small areas, without requiring extensive maintenance.


American Witch Hazel


American Witch Hazel is unique for its late fall blooms, offering a splash of yellow when most other trees are dormant. It grows well in limited spaces, with a height that typically stays under 15 feet. Its adaptability to various soil types and hardiness make it a reliable option for small yards.


By selecting these small ornamental trees, you can maximize the beauty and functionality of your limited space without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Each tree offers unique features that ensure your landscape remains lively and attractive throughout the year.


Cold-Hardy Ornamental


Trees Minnesota's chilly winters demand trees that can withstand the cold while still offering beauty and interest. Here are some cold-hardy ornamental trees that thrive in this climate:


Serviceberry


The serviceberry is a standout choice for Minnesota landscapes. Known for its white spring flowers and vibrant red-orange fall foliage, this tree offers year-round appeal. The 'Autumn Brilliance' variety is particularly popular due to its striking seasonal changes and compact size, reaching up to 20 feet tall. Plus, it produces berries that attract birds, adding a wildlife-friendly element to your garden.


Northern Redbud


The Northern Redbud is a hardy option that brings a burst of color with its pink blooms in early spring. This tree is specially adapted to withstand Minnesota's colder temperatures. It features heart-shaped leaves that transition to a warm yellow in the fall. Available in both single and multi-stem varieties, the Northern Redbud can fit different landscape designs while providing stunning seasonal interest.


Flowering Plum


For those seeking a tree that combines beauty with resilience, the flowering plum is a great option. The 'Underwood' variety is particularly noted for its cold hardiness and fragrant spring blossoms. It grows up to 15 feet, making it suitable for both small and large spaces. The tree's dark purple leaves offer a striking contrast against its delicate flowers, creating a visually appealing landscape feature.


Japanese


Tree Lilac The Japanese Tree Lilac is a robust tree that blooms later than most, in late spring to early summer. Its creamy white flowers and pleasant fragrance make it a favorite among gardeners. This tree thrives in full sun and can grow up to 25 feet tall, providing a beautiful canopy for your yard. Its adaptability to different soil types and resistance to pests make it a low-maintenance choice.


American Witch Hazel 


Unique for its late fall blooms, the American Witch Hazel is perfect for adding color when most other trees are preparing for winter. Its bright yellow flowers stand out against the bare landscape. This tree is not only cold-hardy but also adaptable to various soil conditions, making it a versatile addition to any Minnesota garden. It typically grows to about 15 feet, fitting well in both small and large spaces.


These cold-hardy trees ensure your landscape remains vibrant and engaging, even through Minnesota's harsh winters. By choosing these varieties, you can enjoy a stunning garden year-round, filled with color, fragrance, and wildlife.


Native Ornamental Trees for Minnesota


Minnesota's unique climate and soil conditions make it important to choose native ornamental trees that thrive here. These trees not only improve the beauty of your landscape but also support local ecosystems. Let's explore some top native choices:


Serviceberry


The serviceberry is a versatile native tree that offers multiple benefits. In spring, it impresss with white flowers, and in fall, its leaves turn a striking red-orange. Its berries are a magnet for birds, providing a wildlife-friendly element to your yard. The 'Autumn Brilliance' variety is particularly favored for its compact size and stunning seasonal color changes.


Redbud


The redbud tree is renowned for its spectacular pink blooms that appear in early spring. This tree's heart-shaped leaves add a unique texture to any garden and turn a warm yellow in the fall. The Northern Redbud is specially adapted to withstand Minnesota's colder climates, making it a resilient choice for local landscapes.


Flowering Plum


The flowering plum brings a touch of elegance with its fragrant spring blossoms. Not only does it offer beauty, but it also provides cold hardiness, making it well-suited for Minnesota. Its dark purple foliage creates a dramatic contrast with its flowers, adding a sophisticated flair to your garden.


Crabapple


Crabapple trees are a staple in Minnesota landscapes, known for their abundant spring blooms and vibrant fall fruits. These trees support pollinators and birds, creating a lively garden environment. Varieties like 'Prairie Fire' and 'Sugar Thyme' are disease-resistant and offer persistent fruit, making them low-maintenance and visually appealing.


Dogwood 


The dogwood tree is admired for its beautiful spring flowers and colorful fall foliage. Native dogwoods are hardy and adapt well to Minnesota's climate. Their berries attract birds, adding life to your garden throughout the year. The tree's striking bark provides winter interest, ensuring your landscape remains captivating in every season.


By incorporating these native ornamental trees into your landscape, you not only improve its beauty but also contribute to a healthier environment. These trees are perfectly suited to Minnesota's conditions, ensuring your garden thrives year-round.


Frequently Asked Questions about Ornamental Trees in Minnesota


What small tree is native to Minnesota?


When it comes to native small trees, the serviceberry and redbud are top picks for Minnesota landscapes. The serviceberry is celebrated for its stunning white spring flowers and vibrant red-orange fall foliage. Its berries are a favorite among birds, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The redbud, on the other hand, is known for its breathtaking pink blooms that appear along its branches in spring. Its heart-shaped leaves turn a warm yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest to any landscape.


What is the fastest growing shade tree in Minnesota?


For those looking for rapid growth, the poplar tree is a standout. Specifically, the InnovaTree™ poplar is known for its fast growth rate, making it an excellent choice for creating shade quickly. This tree is not only fast-growing but also resilient, adapting well to Minnesota's climate. It provides ample shade, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to establish a canopy in their yards swiftly.


What trees grow best in Minnesota?


Several trees thrive in Minnesota's climate, offering beauty and resilience. The serviceberry and juneberry are excellent ornamental options, both known for their attractive flowers and fruits. The serviceberry, with its white blossoms and vibrant fall colors, adds charm to any landscape. The juneberry, often planted for its edible berries, is also a hardy choice for local gardens .


By selecting these trees, you can ensure a thriving landscape that complements Minnesota's unique environment. Whether you're looking for small native trees, fast-growing shade options, or resilient ornamental varieties, these choices will improve your outdoor space.


Conclusion

Enhancing your landscape with the best ornamental trees for Minnesota not only beautifies your surroundings but also boosts your property's value. Trees like the serviceberry and redbud are excellent choices for their stunning seasonal displays and adaptability to Minnesota's climate. These trees not only add aesthetic appeal but also provide ecological benefits by attracting local wildlife and improving air quality.


At KG Landscape Management, we understand the importance of thoughtful landscape design. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you select and care for the perfect trees that will thrive in your space. We take pride in our high-quality, detail-oriented work and aim to deliver an excellent customer experience.


Whether you're looking to create a vibrant garden oasis or increase the curb appeal of your property, choosing the right ornamental trees is a crucial step. Let us help you transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and sustainable environment that you can enjoy for years to come.


For more information on how to choose and plant the best trees for your landscape, visit our Ornamental Trees for Zones 4-5 page. Our experts are ready to guide you through every step of the process and ensure your landscape flourishes.

Ready to Start on Your Next Project?

Call us at (763) 568-7251 or visit our quote page.

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