You don’t want to invest in ornamental trees that look great when you first transplant them but die after a few months (or languish over several years). Since even small trees send roots far into the ground, don’t expect soil amendment to have much of an effect on long-term health. Making a smart selection at your local tree nursery will keep you from wasting time and money on poor results.

 

Here are three ornamentals with a good track record for compatibility with conditions in the DFW area.

 

Japanese Maple

Japanese Maples are well adapted to our planting zone. There are many different varieties including:

 

Shaina

Red Dragon

Fireglow

Boskoop Glory

Bloodgood

 

At maturity, these trees may be just 6 feet tall (Shaina) or as much as 20 feet (Bloodgood). Each variety has its own specific color variation. Hues range from reddish to purple or orange sometimes mixed in with green. The leaves’ shapes and sizes differ significantly between species but all tend to be more pointed than more traditional American maples.

 

The smaller varieties are sometimes used in pots for bonsai, which is another unique way to spice up your Dallas landscape design. They generally prefer an acidic soil, but will tolerate a neutral pH. Make sure yours gets plenty of sun.

 

Crepe Myrtle

Crepe Myrtle (also spelled Crape Myrtle) is the common name for a large number of similar varieties of Lagerstroemia trees. Some routinely reach 9 to 12 feet tall; but smaller species are available. These are generally hardy plants that adapt readily even to poor soil. They grow well in the black alkaline clay soil typical in many sections of North Central Texas.

 

The vibrantly colored blossoms are pink, purple, reddish, or white. These trees grow very quickly. To keep your Crepe Myrtle a manageable size, prune it in the early spring. Visit this site for a great tutorial on how to maximize the number of bloom-bearing branches.

 

Besides the lovely blossoms, the intricate trunk structure makes this ornamental tree really stand out. This is one reason to hand select your specimens instead of just letting a landscaper pick them for you. Each tree is completely unique; locate those that speak to you on an aesthetic level.

 

Desert Willow

The Desert Willow is a great choice if you want to keep your planting and maintenance costs low. A mature tree will reach 20 to 25 feet tall and features long lasting blooms during spring. Some varieties even blossom during summer months adding color when other flowers in your Dallas landscape design may have withered and dropped.

 

These are hardy, drought resistant plants. They prefer slightly alkaline soils that are somewhat nutrient deficient. These willows are well adapted to hot Texas summers. Overwatering (and poor drainage) are the main concerns with this ornamental tree since moisture may cause root rot. If you have an arid, elevated area on your property, this is the ideal location for a stand of Desert Willow.