Landscaping isn’t just about filling space—it’s about creating visual balance, adding personality, and crafting an outdoor environment that feels welcoming and complete. One of the most impactful ways to achieve this is by incorporating ornamental trees into your landscape design. These small-to-medium-size trees bring vibrant color, unique textures, seasonal interest, and beautiful focal points that enhance the overall appearance of your yard.
For Oakland County homeowners, ornamental trees are the ideal addition to foundation beds, gardens, patios, and front yard designs. With countless varieties that thrive in Michigan’s climate, these trees offer beauty through all four seasons.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best ornamental trees for Michigan, why they’re such an essential part of landscape design, and how Driftwood Landscape ensures proper planting for healthy, long-lasting growth.
Ornamental trees are smaller trees chosen for their decorative features, such as:
They enhance curb appeal, add structure, and create visual focal points in your yard.
Ornamental trees offer beauty at different points throughout the year:
Flowering dogwoods, redbuds, and crabapples explode with blooms.
Japanese maples, birch, and hydrangea trees provide vibrant greens and stunning foliage.
Maples, serviceberry, and sweetgum showcase bright reds, oranges, and yellows.
Evergreen ornamentals, unique bark patterns, and branching structures add subtle winter elegance.
Ornamental trees draw the eye and break up flat or empty landscape areas.
Common placement areas:
They anchor your design and add visual balance.
Unlike full-size shade trees, ornamental trees stay relatively small—ideal for residential lots.
Most reach:
Perfect for adding dimension without casting too much shade or overpowering the home.
Ornamental trees enhance surrounding plantings by adding varying:
They create layered, magazine-worthy landscapes.
A single ornamental tree can transform a home’s exterior by adding charm, color, and sophistication.
Many ornamental trees offer:
This brings wildlife, movement, and natural beauty into your yard.
Driftwood Landscape selects species that thrive in Michigan’s climate and blend beautifully with residential properties.
A spring showstopper with vibrant pink or purple blossoms.
✔ Early-season blooms
✔ Heart-shaped leaves
✔ Stunning silhouette
✔ Compact size
Classic and elegant, with white or pink spring flowers.
✔ Beautiful branching structure
✔ Four-season interest
✔ Works in sun or partial shade
Loved for its dramatic leaf color and graceful form.
✔ Vibrant red or burgundy foliage
✔ Delicate texture
✔ Ideal for shaded or protected areas
A customer favorite for consistent blooms.
✔ Massive flower clusters
✔ Blooms from summer to fall
✔ Low-maintenance
✔ Great for foundation beds
A multi-season ornamental tree with berries and fall color.
✔ White spring blooms
✔ Edible berries that attract birds
✔ Beautiful red-orange fall foliage
A classic ornamental tree with long-lasting spring blooms.
✔ Bright flowers
✔ Wildlife-friendly fruit
✔ Attractive form
✔ New varieties resist disease
Evergreen ornamental trees with a compact, formal appearance.
✔ Year-round green color
✔ Works great by entry doors
✔ Pairs well with stonework
Strategic placement makes all the difference.
Ornamental trees can soften the architecture and create a welcoming entry.
They help balance your home’s vertical lines.
Providing shade, color, and ambience.
Perfect for screening windows or softening property lines.
Add height, shape, and seasonal beauty.
Ornamental trees may be smaller than shade trees, but they still need proper planting to thrive.
Driftwood Landscape ensures:
Poor planting leads to:
Professional installation protects your investment.
You may benefit from ornamental tree planting if:
Ornamental trees instantly make your yard feel more curated and complete.
Driftwood Landscape installs beautiful ornamental trees tailored to your property, style, and long-term goals.
