Low Maintenance, High Impact Trees for Zones 3-9

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when feeling the pressure to make your outdoor space look amazing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With these five low-maintenance trees, you can have a beautiful outdoor space that’s easy to take care of! These trees require minimal attention and care, making them ideal for busy individuals or those with limited gardening experience. Read on to find out more about these 5 easy trees…

Don’t forget that watering is an essential requirement for all newly planted trees, regardless of their maintenance level. Deeply watering your new tree will help promote healthy root development, which in turn contributes to a stronger, more resilient tree in the long run. Mature trees generally have extensive root systems and may only require supplemental watering during prolonged dry spells. Learn more in “How to Water a Tree”.

White Fringetree: Brighten Up Your Space with Sweet Smelling Blooms

White flowers of Chionanthus virginicus, White fringetree — **The fringe-like spring flowers of white fringetree (*Chionanthus virginicus*).**

White fringetrees (Chionanthus virginicus) are known for their ability to thrive in various soil types and environmental conditions in zones 4-9. They can tolerate both wet and dry soil, making them versatile for different landscapes. They have an attractive, naturally symmetrical shape that requires little to no pruning.

These trees are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments or constant monitoring. While no tree is entirely immune, white fringetrees are generally hardy and less prone to significant issues.

White fringetree’s fragrant springtime flowers create a visually appealing focal point in the landscape without requiring much effort, and it attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies in abundance.

With proper care, white fringetrees can live for several decades. Learn more about white fringetree here.

Eastern Redbud: Make a Statement with Striking Spring Color

The purple-pink flowers of Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). — **The purple-pink flowers of Eastern redbud (*Cercis canadensis*).**

Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are known for their adaptability to a wide range of soil types in zones 4-9. They grow well in various environments, from full sun to partial shade, and are tolerant of different soil pH levels. These trees typically have a graceful, natural shape that requires little pruning. Occasional removal of dead or damaged branches is usually sufficient to maintain their appearance.

Eastern redbuds are highly valued for their springtime show, when clusters of vibrant pink-purple flowers cover the branches, adding a burst of color to the landscape. The flowers are a valuable nectar and pollen source for bees, while the seeds provide food for birds and other wildlife. By planting an eastern redbud, you can contribute to supporting local biodiversity. Read more here.

Witchhazel: Star of the Fall and Winter Landscape

The delicate flowers of hybrid witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia). — **The delicate flowers of hybrid witchhazel (*Hamamelis* x *intermedia*).**

Witchhazel trees (Hamamelis species) are a fantastic choice for those seeking low maintenance plants in their landscape. With their unique and stunning flowers that bloom in fall or late winter, depending on the species, witchhazel trees add a burst of unique color to any garden. They are generally resistant to common pests and diseases, and require minimal pruning.

Hybrid witchhazel (Hamamelis x intermedia, zones 4-9) cultivars bloom in late winter to early spring, in shades of orange, yellow and red. Common witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana, zones 3-9), native to Eastern North America, has pale yellow flowers and blooms in fall. Flowers appear when few other plants are in bloom, and their delicate, ribbon-like petals making them a welcome addition to any garden or outdoor space.

The ‘Little Girl’ Magnolia Trees: Subtle Elegance with Very Little Effort

Meet the ‘Little Girl’ magnolias - ‘Ann’, ‘Betty’, ‘Jane’, ‘Judy’, ‘Pinkie’, ‘Randy’, ‘Ricki’, and ‘Susan’, specifically developed to avoid the frost-damaged flowers that plague many other early-spring blooming magnolia cultivars.

If you're looking to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your garden in zones 3-8, these trees are delightfully easy to grow in full sun to partial shade. They are resistant to common pests and diseases, and their small size makes them easy to fit into any garden, backyard space, or even next to the house. Eye-catching blossoms stand out in spring and sporadically rebloom throughout the summer. Read more about this easy, low-maintenance tree here.

Magnolia Susan in front of a building with a porch — **Magnolia ‘Susan’ has slightly twisted purple flowers with soft white interiors.**

Okame Cherry: The Effortless Elegance of the Easiest-to-Grow Ornamental Cherry Tree

Pink spring flowering tree, Okame Cherry (Prunus) — **The Okame cherry tree (*Prunus* ‘Okame’) is deceptively easy to grow.**

The Okame cherry tree (Prunus ‘Okame’) is considered easier to grow when compared to the Yoshino and Kwanzan cultivars. The Okame cherry exhibits better tolerance to a wider range of growing conditions and can adapt to different soil types and moisture levels. It also has excellent disease resistance, especially to leaf spot and canker, reducing the need for calls to the arborist.

The Okame cherry tree has a relatively compact size, which makes it suitable for smaller gardens or spaces in zones 6-8. Its moderate growth rate and manageable height make it easier to prune and maintain. Overall, the Okame cherry tree's adaptability, disease resistance, and size make it a fantastic option for those seeking an easier-to-grow cherry tree compared to the Yoshino and Kanzan varieties. Read more here.