Marlee, our owner, loves to work one-on-one with our customers. She helps them find the best trees and planting locations to meet their needs. I've teamed up with her to bring you this specially curated list of the PERFECT trees for your patio or deck. The trees on this list are commonly used around decks or patios to provide screening, shade, and the best part— beauty!
After all, one of our most commonly asked questions is: Can I plant a tree near my patio or deck? If so, what tree do you recommend?
The answer is YES! The main thing to consider is the mature height and spread of the tree. Select a tree from this list, and you'll be set up for success from day one.
Birch trees bring the shade. Picture it— you're sitting on your patio or deck, it's summer, and you have your book and your ice tea or beverage of choice in hand. You kick back, and the hot summer sun decides to join you. Ahh... but you don't mind one bit! You have the shade and screening of a lush, breezy River Birch tree overhead! You have it made. Birch trees are a sure bet for shading a patio or deck, and their branching will offer substantial screening and privacy. These are an ideal choice for homeowners looking to beautify their homes.
Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
What makes serviceberry a top pick for planting near a patio or a deck? For starters, it's versatile and attractive. This tree's a great talking point near gathering spaces like patios and decks. Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry is what we consider a three-season accent tree. This is because it has a small white spring flower, summer fruit that is edible and tastes similar to a blueberry, and a bright fall color! Plant serviceberry around your patio or near your deck where you need a bit more extra privacy or simply for its beauty.
We can't say enough good things about this tree! Homeowners LOVE them for their formal upright appearance and versatility. This is just one reason we have a hard time keeping them in stock— they sell out fast! Pyramidal European Hornbeam is not messy at all, and it's tough and adaptable too! Known for its heat and drought tolerance, disease resistance, and tight branching structure— this tree is incredible! Plant them close together in a hedgerow for privacy. Or, plant them individually as an accent tree. Their narrow form will fit in those tight spaces but will be capable of offering a bit of shade.
The Eastern Redbud tree has a zen quality, especially when in bloom. In spring, its bright pinkish-purple flowers delightfully cover its branches. After its bloom cycle ends, it will leaf out with medium green, heart-shaped leaves. Eastern Redbud is an ideal candidate for providing screening and shade near a patio or deck. Plant it in the single trunk form or the multi-stem clump form for more screening closer to the ground.
Skyline Honeylocust has small, medium green leaves that offer a dappled shade. In autumn, this tree turns a bright yellow, and when its leaves drop, they will blow away and aren't messy. This tree will allow some sunlight to filter through, and it's an ideal option for your patio or deck, where you might not need full shade from a tree.
Are you looking for a shade tree, but you want something that doesn't grow too large and has that fall color we all know and love? American Hornbeam is your tree! It's not messy, and it provides decent shade for a small-sized tree. It reaches about 25 ft tall and about 20 ft wide. In autumn, its dark green leaves turn a striking yellow to red-orange fall color that will catch your eye. This tree's attractive oval shape is the perfect accent to any landscape. Its leaf texture, color, and smooth bark add an appealing backdrop to patios and decks.
Magnolia trees offer the gamut of characteristics, from fragrance to beauty, screeing, and shade— magnolia has it all! Magnolia trees bloom in early spring! Their tight flower buds burst open with large, soft flowers. Magnolia range in height from small, and more tightly branched options like Jane Magnolia to medium-size round-shaped trees like Dr. Merrill Magnolia. Magnolia are beautiful accents in landscape beds, anchoring driveways, patios, and decks. These ornamental beauties are an attractive addition to any home.
Are you looking for something outstanding yet mess-free? Look no further- this tree is it! Spring Snow Crabapple is our only fruitless crabapple variety. Plant this stunning tree near your patio or deck without worrying about crabapple fruit dropping. This tree's fragrant white flowers cover the branches in spring, and its medium-green leaves will provide shade to your patio or deck. In autumn, Spring Snow Crabapple turns a bright yellow before losing its leaves.
This unique crabapple is petite in size, reaching only 5 ft tall and about 6 ft wide. Its horizontally spreading branching and white spring flowers offer great ornamental interest. Sargent Tina Crabapple is a striking option for garden beds or landscape beds surrounding your patio or deck.
If there ever was a cute tree, this is it! The adorable Little Twist® Cherry has a lollipop shape, reaching about 8 ft tall and a canopy spread of about 8 ft wide. In the springtime, Little Twist is covered with tiny pinkish-white flowers that give way to small, serrated green leaves. In the fall, its leaves turn a rich maroon color. Little Twist is something extra sweet to add to your patio or deck areas as an ornamental feature and conversation piece. This tree is a true delight!
Plant Japanese Lilac Trees for their wonderful fragrance! You'll enjoy their incredible scent near your patio or deck. Japanese Lilacs have huge, fluffy plumes of creamy white flowers that appear in late spring. Plant the multi-stem clump form for additional privacy and screening. This tree is safe to plant under utilities and does well in those tight spots.
Columnar Oaks have a narrow and tight branching structure. They can be used as a stand-alone accent, and we can plant them closer together for more immediate screening. Their beautiful green leaves and column-like form will add a formal yet comforting quality to your yard. Consider trees such as the Kindred Spirit® Oak, Regal Prince® Oak, Crimson Spire™ Oak, or Streetspire® Oak to accent your patio or deck.
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