Ornamental Trees
Ornamental trees bring color, texture, and seasonal interest to Colorado landscapes without the size or maintenance of large shade trees. When selected correctly, they perform well in Front Range conditions—handling sun, temperature swings, and challenging soils—while adding spring blooms, fall color, and strong visual structure.
Why We Recommend Them
Ornamental trees bring color, texture, and seasonal interest to Colorado landscapes without the size or maintenance of large shade trees. When selected correctly, they perform well in Front Range conditions—handling sun, temperature swings, and challenging soils—while adding spring blooms, fall color, and strong visual structure.
We recommend ornamental tree varieties proven to thrive in Colorado, avoid common disease issues, and fit naturally into residential landscapes as accents, focal points, or entryway plantings
Ornamental Trees we recommend
- 01
Crabapple Trees
Malus6 profiled
Crabapple trees are one of the most reliable ornamental trees for Colorado landscapes. They deliver showy spring blooms, attractive summer foliage, colorful fall fruit, and good winter structure. Cold-hardy and well-adapted to the Front Range, modern crabapple varieties offer strong disease resistance and fit well in residential yards.
- 02
Flowering Pear Trees
Pyrus3 profiled
Flowering pear trees are a popular ornamental choice for Colorado landscapes, valued for their fast growth, early spring white blooms, and clean, symmetrical form. They adapt well to Front Range conditions and provide dependable curb appeal, though proper variety selection and placement are important for long-term performance.
- 03
Hawthorn Trees
Crataegus4 profiled
Hawthorn trees are tough, character-rich ornamentals well suited to Colorado landscapes. They feature spring white blossoms, glossy green foliage, bright red berries, and strong fall color. Cold-hardy and adaptable, hawthorns perform well on the Front Range and are a solid choice for smaller yards, wind exposure, and challenging sites.
Individual species
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Chokecherry Canada Red
Prunus virginianaCanada Red Chokecherry is a standout ornamental tree known for its rich burgundy foliage, spring white blossoms, and excellent cold-hardiness. Well-suited for Colorado landscapes, it offers strong seasonal color, moderate size, and reliable performance on the Front Range when planted in full sun with good drainage.
- 05
Japanese Lilac
Syringa reticulataJapanese Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata) is a hardy ornamental tree known for its fragrant white summer blooms, clean form, and low maintenance needs. Its tolerance for heat, drought, and urban conditions makes it a reliable choice for Front Range landscapes.
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Redbud
Redbud trees bring early spring color with bright pink-purple blooms that appear before the leaves. Their compact size, graceful form, and heart-shaped foliage make them an excellent ornamental choice for smaller yards and residential landscapes.
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Serviceberry Tree
Amelanchier spp.Serviceberries are excellent ornamental trees for flowers, berries, and fall color. Multi-season interest, excellent cold hardiness and strong wildlife value make them a practical Front Range ornamental in either multi-stem or single-stem form.
17 ornamental trees profiled in The Root.
When you want a professional opinion
The Root exists to help you understand your landscape. When a tree needs hands-on evaluation, a Great Western arborist can look at it in person.