Specimen Trees

Written by Richard Blankenship

Serviceberry

When we meet with new clients to discuss their landscape, the introduction of additional trees to the outdoor environment becomes apparent.  Having large mature trees for their beauty and shade certainly adds to the overall value of our homes.  This added value is enhanced when the landscape includes trees that have been placed so they stand out as the key focal point of a certain space.  Selecting particular tree species for their ornamental attributes and its ability to fit into prominent spaces is refered to as Specimen trees.

Specimen trees generally display characteristics that offer year round seasonal interest and have a small to medium growth habit in the 10’ to 30’ range.  These characteristics include flower, fruit, leaf color, form, and texture.  Trees do not necessarily have to display all of these characteristics to be deemed a Specimen.  For instance, a well placed weeping Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum dissectum) with its great leaf color and weeping branch structure can highlight a front entryway in every season with two characteristics – leaf color and form.

Evergreens should not be forgotten in this discussion and their value as focal points.  Along with their ability to stand alone, evergreens year-round color and form can create the “bones” or framework for the landscape during the winter months.  Many wonderful evergreen cultivars that can be used are Chamaecyparis (Cypress) varieties, Ilex americana (American Holly), and many spruce varieties such as Picea orientalis (Oriental Spruce), and Picea omorika (Serbian Spruce).

It is not uncommon for specimen trees to be highlighted with low voltage lighting so their characteristics can be enjoyed once the sun goes down.  A well placed tree with the proper lighting can enhance the overall outdoor experience.  So, every landscape should be fitted with at least one specimen tree and a good design will determine the optimum space for maximum enjoyment and value.

The following is a short list of other trees to consider for Specimen use:

1. Amelanchier (Serviceberry)

2. Cercis (Redbud)

3. Chionanthus (Fringe Tree)

4. Cornus (Dogwood)

5. Magnolia

6. Malus (Crabapple)

7. Prunus (Cherry)

8. Koelruetaria (Rain Tree)

9. Larix (A deciduous evergreen).

Redbud

Fringetree

Magnolia

Remember to call Mark M. Holeman, Inc. to discuss placing a specimen tree in your landscape.

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