To a Michigander, our natural resources are a source of pride. Our trees and forests are visited annually by out-of-staters trying to glimpse the fall colors. We try to recreate that beauty in our own yards by planting beautiful native trees. But when winter comes and those trees lose their leaves it can leave your yard looking rather drab.
Brighten your winter landscape up a bit and stand out from the rest of the yards in your neighborhood by planting some trees with color.
Crabapples are familiar trees in Michigan and are definitely an eye-catcher in the winter. If it’s bright colors you’re looking for then look no further than the crabapple. It may be overlooked in the summer but in the winter it shines. Its bright red and orange fruit cling on to the tree throughout the winter months making it the perfect winter tree. The tasty fruit also attracts overwintering birds.
The quaking aspen made the list due to its white bark that really compliments a winter landscape. The beauty of the quaking aspen actually begins in the fall when its leaves turn a brilliant gold color and appear to “quake” in the wind.
The blue spruce has been a favorite of Michigan homeowners for generations for use as a barrier or just to “spruce” up your yard. In the winter, when all of their competition is leafless, the blue spruce steals the show. No longer casually looked-over, the blue spruce dominates winter landscapes and is a great addition to any winter landscape.
It’s hard to find color in winter when everything seems lifeless but you can add some with the winterberry holly. You’ll be glad you did because this tree produces bright red berries that stick around all winter and provide food for birds and deer. Plant a few of them around your yard and you’ll have visitors outside your window every morning.
Coral bark maple trees can be enjoyed year-round. In the spring its leaves are a bright green color. Then in the summer, the leaves turn a deep lush green. In the fall is when the real show begins as its leaves put on a display of orange and gold. But then something different happens. As it loses its leaves its bark begins to turn red. The colder it gets the redder the bark becomes. Add this tree to your landscape to add some contrast to your other winter trees.
Start planning your next year’s winter landscape and start thinking about this year’s spring landscape. Get quality lawn care from Custom Personalized and take it easy this year. Call us at (800) 570-3313 or leave us a message on our site.