Your Complete Guide To Buying, Planting, Growing & Caring for Trees

Thinking about planting a tree in your California backyard or growing a palm in your New York apartment? Check out complete guide to trees.

A view up to the canopy of red maple trees
(Image credit: © Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images)
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Which Trees Will Best Suit Your Space?

Just like you and me, all plants thrive when they’re most comfortable. So before you buy, plant, or grow a new tree, discover exactly what type of tree is best suited for you, your needs, and your space.

Let's start by finding trees that can thrive around you. To learn more, simply click the image below that represents where you live.

A man sits at the foot of three redwood trees
West Trees

A stand of birch trees with yellow leaves
Midwest Trees

A view up to the canopy of a red Japanese maple tree
Northeast Trees

A gnarled old juniper tree in the desert
Southwest Trees

An old moss covered oak tree
Southeast Trees

What Type of Tree Are You Looking for?

The first question to ask before buying, planting, or growing a tree is: What kind of tree do I want? This seemingly simple question can actually be a tough one to answer.

Some people may be looking for specific trees and shrubs to accent their yard or garden, while others may want a fruit tree or plant in their backyard to grow their own snacks. Of course, others may be interested in large shade trees or beautiful flowering trees that block the sun and keep them cool in warmer months.

Which type of tree suits you, your needs, and your space? Click any of the images below to learn more.

Pears growing on a tree by a wooden fence
Fruit Trees

One of the most common types of tree purchased, planted, and grown all across the country is a fruit tree. And while some, like citrus trees, grow better in warmer regions and others, like apple trees, grow better in cooler regions, they all share one common purpose — to grow fruit!

A tree in a field under a blue sky
Shade Trees

While shade trees are great for blocking the sun and keeping you cool, did you know that shade trees can also have a huge impact on your monthly utility bills? It’s true! A well positioned tree can actually reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs by 20% to 50%.

Pink flowering cherry trees
Flowering Trees

Most flowering trees can serve multiple purposes. They’re both beautiful additions to your landscape and can actually provide a good amount of shade. Many fruit trees hit the trifecta, too, providing fruit, shade, and beauty.

A hillside covered in coniferous trees
Evergreen Trees

Evergreens, particularly arborvitae, not only make exceptional privacy screening and fencing for your home, but they also add a year-round touch of green to any space. While nearly all trees and plants are subject to the changes of the season, evergreens, with proper care and maintenance, stay true to their name no matter what the weather brings.

Various shrubs growing in a garden
Shrubs

For the most part, shrubs fall into two categories: ornamental and privacy. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t both vital to creating the perfect outdoor space – in fact, they very much are. All across the United States, shrubs can be found lining lawns, gardens, homes, buildings, and even highways and small side streets. They’re actually among the most common plants grown in America.

Rather Venture Out Alone?

Maybe a guided tour isn't your thing? That's okay. If you're the type who prefers to venture out into the trees alone, we get it. We have hundreds of articles about all kinds of trees and how to care for them. Feel free to visit our collection of tree articles today, where we're certain you'll find whatever you're looking for.

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