How to Grow Ornamental Trees - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ornamental trees is a type of plant that is grown for its aesthetic value rather than for its functional value. They are often used as decoration in gardens, parks, and other public spaces. Some of the most popular ornamental trees include the Japanese cherry tree, the weeping willow, and the oak tree.

How to Grow Ornamental Trees - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Cypress
  • Juniper
  • Spruce
  • Pine

Good to Know

  • Ornamental trees can provide beauty and interest in your landscape.
  • They can also provide shade, privacy, and windbreaks.
  • Some ornamental trees are insect and disease resistant.
  • Ornamental trees come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors.
  • Some ornamental trees have fragrant flowers or interesting foliage.
  • Many ornamental trees are easy to grow and care for.
  • Ornamental trees can be used to accentuate other features in your landscape.
  • They can also be focal points in and of themselves.
  • Consider the mature size of an ornamental tree before planting it.
  • Most ornamental trees are relatively long-lived and can provide enjoyment for many years.

Related plant:
Ornamental Bush With Yellow Flowers

Planting Process

  1. For ornamental trees, first step is to choose the right tree species that will fit the desired look of your landscape and also thrive in your area's climate.
  2. Once you have chosen your tree, obtain a healthy sapling or young tree from a nursery or garden center.
  3. Prepare the planting hole before setting the tree in it. The hole should be twice as wide as the tree's root ball and just deep enough so that the root ball is level with the ground surface.
  4. Carefully remove the tree from its container or burlap wrapping, being careful not to disturb the roots too much.
  5. Position the tree in the planting hole so that it is upright and the best side is facing outward.
  6. Backfill the hole with the removed soil, tamp down gently around the tree.
  7. Water the tree well, using a gentle stream so as not to disturb the roots.
  8. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the tree, but be sure not to mound it up against the tree trunk.
  9. Stake the tree if needed, using one or two stakes placed on the opposite side of the prevailing wind.
  10. Finally, give the tree another deep watering.

Related plant:
Ornamental Pear Tree

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, I think ornamental trees like rich soils because they are generally grown for their foliage, flowers, or fruits, which are all above ground parts of the plant. A tree grown in rich soil is likely to have more lush foliage, more flowers, and/or bigger fruits than one grown in impoverished soil. Moreover, rich soil usually drains well and holds just the right amount of moisture, two important factors in tree health.

Light requirement

So, like the other plants, trees need sunlight to grow. However, some trees are more tolerant of shady conditions than others. This is why it's important to choose the right tree for the right spot. If you're looking for an ornamental tree to brighten up a shady corner of your yard, consider one of these options: -Serviceberry (Amelanchier sp.) -Redbud (Cercis canadensis) -Dogwood (Cornus florida) -Magnolia (Magnolia sp.) Serviceberry, redbud, and dogwood are all understory trees, which means they're native to forests where they grow in the dappled shade of taller trees. Magnolias are also tolerant of shade, but they prefer a little more sun. All of these trees are relatively small, so they're perfect for small yards or gardens.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature conditions are ideal for ornamental trees. They thrive in the warm weather and are less likely to experience stress from the cold. The trees are also less likely to experience damage from the sun and wind.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will dry out and fall off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will yellow and the plant will become susceptible to fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this type of plant food is very important to maintain a healthy growth of ornamental trees. The roots are the part of the tree that absorbs water and nutrients from the soil. If the roots are not healthy, the tree will not be able to absorb the necessary nutrients and will eventually die.

About light

Pruning is important for the health and appearance of your trees. Proper pruning will remove dead or diseased branches, as well as branches that are rubbing against each other. This will help your trees to grow more evenly and prevent them from being damaged in storms.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources: seeds, cuttings, bulbs, and other plant parts. It is an important process for ornamental trees, as it allows for the creation of new plants that can be used to fill in gaps in landscapes or to create entirely new landscapes. There are a number of different methods that can be used to propagate ornamental trees, and the best method for a particular tree will depend on the tree’s species, as well as the climate and other conditions where the tree will be grown.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. This is largely because they are bred for specific traits such as color, form, and disease resistance, which can come at the expense of growth. However, there are a few exceptions. Some weeping cherry trees, for example, can grow quite rapidly. It's important to choose the right tree for your needs and space.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are: environmental stress, pests, and diseases. Environmental stress can be caused by too much or too little sun, wind, or water. Pests can include insects, spiders, mites, and rodents. Diseases can be caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your tree in an area that receives full sun.
  • It is important to prepare the planting hole properly. The hole should be twice as wide as the tree's root ball and just as deep.
  • When you are ready to plant, be sure to water the tree's root ball thoroughly before planting.
  • After planting, water the tree deeply and apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree.
  • You will need to stake your tree if it is taller than 4 feet.
  • Fertilize your tree annually using a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees.
  • Be sure to prune your tree regularly to encourage proper growth.
  • Inspect your tree regularly for pests or diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
  • When severe weather is forecast, take steps to protect your tree (e.g., tying it to a support).
  • Enjoy

Substitution

  • Ornamental trees,
  • Ornamental cherry trees,
  • Ornamental peach trees,
  • Ornamental plum trees,
  • Ornamental crabapple trees,
  • Ornamental quince trees,
  • Ornamental pear trees,
  • Ornamental apple trees,
  • Ornamental apricot trees,
  • Ornamental fig trees.

Source:
small ornamental trees | Nebraska Extension
Training Young Shade and Ornamental Trees - Oklahoma State …
Select Small to Medium Ornamental Trees for Illinois

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category