Explore tree shapes and sizes

Comprehensive home or business design includes structural architecture and interior design as well as landscape architecture. Trees form the backbone of well-designed landscapes and paint three-dimensional works of art on living canvases. No matter the size and shape of your property, there’s a tree that’s just right for you. The experts at Tree Soldiers virtually explore tree shapes and sizes.

Tree size

Trees fall into three broad categories based on size.

Small: It is a tree that usually stays less than 25 feet tall throughout its life. Great for small plots or as accents in the landscape. Dogwood and redbud are small trees that grow in spring. Dogwoods have showy bracts and eastern redbud produces showy flowers in the spring before leaves emerge.

Middle: A full-grown tree not exceeding about 40 feet tall. The two main wood choices are American hornbeam and American yellowwood.

It is large in size: Trees that grow over 40 feet tall, some reaching 100 feet tall. Be sure to provide plenty of space for tulip trees and oak trees.

Tree shape

Trees come in many shapes and examples of each category include:

Round: Red maple and golden rain tree.

Oval: Callery pear tree.

V or vase shape: A tree that is wider at the top than at the bottom, shaped like a fluted vase. Prunus and plum are vase-shaped spring flowering trees.

Triangle: Think of the Egyptian pyramids. Many evergreens, such as cedar and cypress are triangular.

Rectangle: Tall, narrow, columnar: columnar red maple and maiden hair.

Weeping: Tree shape with branches cascading down. Weeping cherry and weeping willow are similar in form but have different root tendencies. Weeping cherry roots are not invasive, but weeping willow roots can be a problem, so plant them away from sewer lines.

Umbrella: Exactly as it sounds, umbrella trees like virgin and disease-resistant elms like have large canopies.

Design tips for incorporating tree shapes and sizes into your landscape

Vision: Plan your design with the mature tree size (height and width) of your landscape tree in mind. Now, the tiny saplings can grow so large that they interfere with overhead power lines.

Balance: Maintain balance by choosing a tree that is proportional to the size of your home or business.

Framing: A well-shaped tree planted diagonally from the corner of a building provides a complementary frame for a home or office.

Background: If your rear property line doesn’t look right, choose a tall columnar tree to provide a green privacy screen.

Panorama: Don’t overwhelm the front of your home or office by choosing a tall tree that dominates the entryway. Soften this space with smaller or offset trees.

Stay focused: Specimen trees are eye-catching trees. Choose between an exfoliating peel, brilliant leaf, or weeping. If you have a really creative itch, consider a spiky tree as a unique focal point.

With so many tree sizes and shapes to consider, don’t be overwhelmed with choices for your property. Call Tree Soldiers for advice and suggestions that are best for your environment. If you need help with proper pruning techniques to get the perfect tree shape, we’re here to help.