You have likely seen that idyllic tree-lined driveway in a movie or magazine, maybe even when you were out for a drive. It looks so beautiful! Not only is that scene eye-catching, but it adds curb appeal to a home, which increases the value of the property.
If you have the space, creating an idyllic tree-lined driveway is a great idea. However, not every tree should be planted near a driveway, for various reasons. It might be because that type of tree has roots that are too aggressive or because they can cause unsafe conditions on nearby streets or walkways.
It’s important to plant the appropriate trees near your driveway to ensure you don’t have to have them removed before you can realize your aesthetic. Here are some of the best trees for you to plant to get that idyllic tree-lined driveway:
Crabapple Trees
There are many different varieties of crabapple trees that bloom in different colors of flowers. The colors vary among white, red, and pink, meaning that no matter which variety you choose, you will be adding a pop of color that is sure to draw attention to your driveway. They also produce fruit, varying from orange and gold tones to red and burgundy tones. Plus, these fruit trees are resistant to common apple tree diseases, like apple scab and fire blight.
Crabapple trees work well near driveways since they have surface roots and should be planted in an area that gets full sun. The tallest varieties can reach heights of 30 feet, but if you are looking for that idyllic tree-lined driveway look in a smaller space, some varieties grow just 6 to 15 feet.
Cape Ash
If your driveway has a lot of space near it, the Cape ash tree is a good choice for you. You can plant them near each other, but they are also quite tall and wide, giving your driveway a sheltered look. They can reach heights of 30 feet and widths of about 20 feet. During the spring months, pale flowers bloom on these trees and release a beautiful fragrance. They then grow green berry-like fruit, which turns bright red. If your idea of an idyllic tree-lined driveway includes one that attracts butterflies, birds, and small mammals, Cape ash trees will do just that with their flowers and berries.
Another plus of Cape ash trees is that they are versatile trees. If your driveway gets full sun or semi-shade, these trees thrive in both conditions. Additionally, they are quite tolerant of drought.
Japanese Maple
Japanese maple trees will bring both bright colors and elegant shapes to your driveway. There are hundreds of different varieties of these trees, meaning that you will easily find the perfect type to complement your driveway. The colors of Japanese maple varieties can be purple, orange, red, and different shades of green.
If your driveway is not always in full sun and gets some shade, the Japanese maple may be the one you want to look at. It thrives in areas that receive partial shade and that idyllic tree-lined driveway. They typically do not grow higher than 20 feet tall.
Birch Trees
There are many different varieties of birch trees, such as silver birch, river birch, and Himalayan birch. Birch trees tend to have a pale bark that is also eye-catching, especially in the winter months. They will make your driveway a striking image as they spread their branches. Different varieties can grow to different heights. Some are large shade trees as their canopies spread wide, whereas others grow taller and narrower. These trees should be planted in an area that receives full sun.
Italian Cypress
Don’t be fooled by the name. You don’t need to be in Italy to grow Italian cypress trees. These trees grow well in tight, compact spaces, so if you want that tree-lined driveway look but do not have a lot of space, the Italian cypress is a great choice. They’ll give your driveway a formal and sophisticated look.
Italian cypress trees can grow tall if you let them, reaching heights of 50 feet and widths of 3 feet, providing a long and elegant silhouette. They can tolerate minor shade, but they grow best in areas of full sun.
Eastern Red Cedar
If you do have a lot of room by your driveway and you want to give your driveway a sense of privacy, eastern red cedar trees can be a good choice for you. They can reach heights of 60 feet tall and widths of 20 feet, so they should be planted around 20 feet apart to make sure there’s plenty of room to grow. Depending on the size of your driveway, you may only need to plant a small number of them to get privacy.
Eastern red cedar trees are pretty versatile, meaning they can tolerate most growing conditions, minus full shade. They also grow gray-blue fruit, which can attract smaller wildlife like birds and smaller animals to your driveway.
Choosing Your Trees
If you are looking to have that idyllic tree-lined driveway, there are many options for you to choose from. You should take a few steps before deciding, though. First, figure out how much space you have to plant. Then figure out what kind of look you are going for. Does idyllic for you mean a pop of color? Butterflies flying over your driveway? Total privacy? Once you know what kind of idyllic look and feel you are going for, that will help you choose the type of tree you should plant.
If you need help in terms of choosing the best tree for your driveway or you want help with the planting and/or maintenance of the trees and are located in the Pacific Northwest, give Mr. Tree a call today. Not only can they give you a suggestion as to which trees you should be planting, but they can do the planting for you and ensure your tree-lined driveway truly looks idyllic for years to come.
