Did you know that a well-maintained front garden can add over 20% to the value of your home? That can be up to 55K for some households but, regardless of adding value, eye-catching trees greatly improve the aesthetic of our homes. Which we all want whether we’re looking to sell or not.

In this article we'll be discussing the benefits of having a beautiful front garden. We'll introduce you to 11 eye-catching trees that can help you achieve the perfect kerb appeal for your home, and we'll also provide tips for choosing the right tree and planting it correctly.

The value of planting trees with kerb appeal

When it comes to adding value to your home, few things are as effective as a well-maintained front garden. It’s all about kerb appeal. There are a number of different types of trees that can add to the aesthetic of your front garden from flowering trees that bloom in the spring to evergreen trees that add colour all year round. Here are 11 of the best trees for creating kerb appeal:

Flowering cherry tree

This tree is renowned for its beautiful, fragrant blossoms that bloom in the springtime. It can add a bright pop of colour to your front garden and help draw attention to your home. And let’s face it - who doesn’t love the sight of a flowering cherry tree with its delicate blossoms and graceful profile?

Magnolia

This tree is prized for its large, showy flowers that bloom in the springtime. Some varieties are evergreen which make them a great choice if you're looking for a tree that will add year-round colour and interest to your front garden. Usually, fully hardy magnolias will grow to around 6-8 feet in height which make them perfect for the front garden.

Wisteria

Not a tree of course but I just had to fit wisteria into the list somehow. And why not. If we’re talking kerb appeal (and we are) this flowering vine produces beautiful flowers that bloom in the spring and summertime. It's a perfect choice for adding colour and visual interest to your front garden, as a fast-growing climbing plant it can quickly grow up and over any wall, trellis, or fence.

Weeping willow

This tree is known for its graceful, weeping branches and lush green foliage. Wonderfully elegant it's a beautiful choice for adding interest to your front garden and will create a stunning focal point. But do be aware that weeping willows are very fast growing so be aggressive when cutting back otherwise it will take over the garden. But, managed and pruned a willow is sure to be a great addition to your front garden.

Acer maple tree

This tree is prized for its vibrant red, orange, or yellow foliage that stands out beautifully against the green backdrop of your front garden. My absolute personal favourite, a Japanese maple is the first tree I plant whenever I move home (which thankfully hasn’t been too often).

Silver birch tree

This tree is prized for its graceful, silvery white bark and deep green foliage. It's an unusual choice for adding colour to the front garden and isn’t suitable for small spaces. But will provide a very elegant focal point for those with larger spaces in the front of their homes.

Olive tree

An olive stands out thanks to its vibrant green foliage and delicate flowers which bloom in the springtime. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for an easy-to-maintain tree that can add year-round kerb appeal to your front garden. Olives can be grown in containers and are very effective when used in pairs to frame the front door.

Cypress evergreen

This tree is known for its dense, evergreen foliage and deep green colour. Cypress can be planted singularly or look amazing if they flank a pathway to the front door. Needs to be kept in check so they don’t take over smaller gardens but are a must-have for any home looking to add kerb appeal.

Flowering crab apple

A hugely popular tree which produces showy pink or white flowers that bloom in the springtime, along with its fruits which add that nice splash of colour which enhances every garden.

Japanese cherry blossom

Possibly the most beautiful of all ornamental trees and one which is guaranteed to improve the kerb appeal of any garden. With masses of colourful blossoms and either columnar or weeping varieties a Japanese cherry blossom tree will it add a bright pop of colour to your front garden and draw attention to your home.

Scarlet tree

This is a beautiful choice for adding kerb appeal to your home. Extremely hardy it has beautiful double pink flowers and dark green leaves on branches which arch slightly. Very easy to grow Crataegus Paul’s scarlet trees add stunning colour and will provide a beautiful contrast against the other trees in your front garden.

Why you need a well-maintained front garden

Adding a well-maintained front garden can add tremendous value to your home. Not only does it make your home more inviting and appealing from the street, but, according to this research, it can also increase your property value by up to 20%. A beautiful front garden can also improve aesthetic appeal and help create a sense of privacy.

Choosing the right tree for your front garden

When choosing a tree for your front garden, be sure to consider the size and shape of the tree when making your selection. A large, sprawling tree may not be the best choice for a small front garden, and a narrow tree may not be suitable for a larger space.

Planting and caring for a tree in a front garden

When planting a tree in your front garden, be sure to select a spot that receives plenty of sunlight. Most trees require at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive, so be sure to choose a spot that gets plenty of direct sun. Additionally, be sure to select a spot with well-draining soil, if possible, to reduce the risk of root rot and other diseases.

When planting a tree in your front garden, follow these steps:

1. Select a spot that receives plenty of sunlight

The sunnier the better though most of the trees we featured in our list are fully UK hardy and will thrive in most conditions.

2. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball

When planting a tree, it's important to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. This will allow the tree to have enough space to grow and thrive.

3. Add compost when planting

This will help the tree to develop a strong root system and thrive in its new home.

4. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil

When planting a tree, one of the most important steps is placing the tree in the hole and backfilling with soil. This will help anchor the tree and allow it to grow properly.

5. Water the tree thoroughly

Soak the root ball before planting and once planted give the tree another good watering. When the tree is establishing itself watering on a regular basis is essential for its health and vitality.

6. Mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture

Mulching around the base of a tree is one of the most important things you can do to help it thrive. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil, and it also helps to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool during hot weather.

7. Prune the tree as needed

We’ve stressed the need to keep control over a tree's growth when it's planted in the front garden. Only well-trimmed and maintained trees will increase kerb appeal. Those allowed to grow wild will have the opposite effect. Therefore, it's important to prune your trees on a regular basis in order for them to remain healthy and looking their best.

8. Fertilise the tree once a year

Fertilising a tree helps to replace the nutrients that are lost each year through shedding leaves, flowering, and fruiting. Fertiliser also helps to keep the soil healthy, which is important for the health of the tree.

To wrap up...

Choosing the right trees to grow in the front garden will improve kerb appeal, increase the value of your home, and, more importantly, provide you with enjoyment for years to come.