Beauty, Shade & Lasting Value for Your Landscape

Shade and ornamental trees each bring something special to your yard. Shade trees grow larger and provide cooling coverage, while ornamental trees are typically smaller and chosen for their decorative features—like flowers, colorful foliage, or unique shape.

With the right planting and care—and the help of Espoma organic products—you can enjoy healthier trees and a more beautiful landscape for years to come.

Popular Trees to Consider:

Shade Trees (for cooling coverage & structure)
  • Maples – Classic shade trees with stunning fall color
  • Oak Trees – Strong, long-living trees that provide deep shade

Ornamental Trees (for color & visual interest)

  • Dogwoods – Beautiful spring blooms and compact size
  • Redbuds – Early-season color with vibrant pink or purple flowers
  • Japanese Maples – Elegant, sculptural trees perfect for focal points
  • Magnolias – Show-stopping blooms with timeless appeal

Why You’ll love them:

  • Stay Cooler Outdoors – Shade trees help reduce heat around your home
  • Enjoy Year-Round Beauty – Ornamental varieties add seasonal color and texture
  • Boost Curb Appeal – Instantly elevate your landscape
  • Invest in Your Home – Trees grow more valuable over time
  • Support Wildlife – Provide habitat for birds and pollinators

How to Plant Trees:

  1. Pick the Right Spot
    Consider mature size, sunlight needs, and spacing from structures.
  2. Dig a Proper Hole
    Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep so roots can spread easily.
  3. Prep Your Soil
    Remove half the soil and replace it with our Garden Soil or Land & Sea Compost to improve nutrients and drainage. Mix in Bio-tone® Starter Plus so roots grow strong and plants establish quickly.
  4. Plant with Care
    Set the tree so the root flare is at or slightly above soil level, then backfill with amended soil.
  5. Water & Mulch
    Water deeply after planting and add mulch to retain moisture and protect roots.

How to Care for Trees:

  • Feed for Strong Growth
    Use Tree-tone® to support healthy roots and long-term growth. Apply in spring and then in Fall at half the rate.
  • Watering Tips
    Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season. Deep, less frequent watering encourages strong roots.
  • Prune as Needed
    Light pruning helps shape young trees and remove damaged branches.
  • Protect & Maintain
    Maintain mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk) to conserve moisture and reduce competition from weeds.