Making your front yard pop can be as simple as adding the right small trees or shrubs to the front of your house.
We explore a variety of different sizes, shapes, and colors so there will be plenty of options that suit your needs.
Take a look through all the pictures and see which ones best suit your front yard.
Enhance Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Small Trees & Shrubs for the Front Yard
1. Japanese Maple
With its graceful, cascading branches and stunning fall colors, Japanese Maple is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any front yard.
This small tree thrives in dappled sunlight, making it ideal for partially shaded areas.
Its dramatic foliage changes from vibrant green in summer to fiery reds and oranges in autumn.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 10-25 feet tall, 10-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Not applicable
Botanical Name: Acer palmatum
Tamukeyama Japanese Maple Tree, 2-3 ft.
- Stunning weeping shape with cascading branches
- Regal reds and purples across three seasons
- Compact, low-maintenance, perfect for focal points
2. Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Dogwood captivates with its beautiful spring blooms that come in shades of white, pink, and red.
Beyond its flowers, this tree offers attractive red berries and stunning fall foliage, making it a year-round spectacle for any front garden.
It’s also known for its horizontal branches and layered structure.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 15-30 feet tall, 15-30 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Cornus florida
Kousa Dogwood Flowering Tree - 3 Feet Tall
- Stunning white star-shaped flowers
- Red fruit and vibrant fall foliage
- Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions
3. Crabapple
Known for its delightful spring blossoms and ornamental fruits, Crabapple trees bring a burst of color and charm to the landscape.
They are highly adaptable and resistant to cold, fitting well into various garden settings.
The fruits attract birds, adding life to your garden space.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Malus spp.
Prairifire Crabapple Tree, 5-6 ft.
- Vibrant pink flowers with rich color
- Beautiful purple leaves with dark green overcast
- Ornamental red fruit in fall
4. Eastern Snowball Bush
The Eastern Snowball Bush, or Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’, is a show-stopper with its large, globe-like clusters of white flowers that bloom profusely in the spring.
These snowball-like flowers are strikingly beautiful and can add a touch of elegance to any front yard.
In addition to its spectacular blooms, this shrub offers vibrant green foliage that turns a rich, burgundy color in the fall, providing multi-season interest.
The Eastern Snowball Bush has a dense, rounded form that makes it excellent for creating visual interest and privacy.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-8
Average Mature Size: 8-12 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Viburnum opulus ‘Sterile’
Available at:
5. Crape Myrtle
Beloved for its extended blooming period, Crape Myrtle offers a spectacular display of flowers from summer to fall.
This hardy tree is drought-resistant once established and can handle full sun, making it an excellent choice for sunny front yards.
Its peeling bark and vibrant flower colors add unique visual interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 6-10
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 6-15 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Summer to Fall
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica
Twilight Crape Myrtle Tree - 2 to 4ft
- Stunning purple/pink flowers all summer
- Fast-growing, over 6 feet per year
- Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
6. Kousa Dogwood
Offering a slightly different charm than its American cousin, Kousa Dogwood stands out with its star-shaped flowers and unique, raspberry-like fruits that attract wildlife.
Its flowers appear after the leaves in late spring, and its exfoliating bark adds winter interest to your garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 15-30 feet tall, 15-30 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late spring to early summer
Botanical Name: Cornus kousa
Kousa Dogwood Flowering Tree - 3 Feet Tall
- Stunning white star-shaped flowers
- Red fruit and vibrant fall foliage
- Tolerant of a variety of soil conditions
7. Azaleas
Azaleas are a staple for any front yard garden, known for their vibrant displays of flowers ranging from deep fuchsia to brilliant white.
These shrubs bloom spectacularly in the spring, enveloping the space in rich, colorful blossoms that attract pollinators and add instant curb appeal.
Besides their springtime allure, azaleas have glossy, evergreen leaves that provide year-round interest and structure to the garden.
They thrive under the canopy of taller trees or when planted against a background that showcases their brilliant colors.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 2-8 feet tall, 2-8 feet wide
Type: Evergreen or Deciduous (depending on the variety)
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.
Autumn Angel Azalea - 1 Gal
- Snowy-white blooms with reblooming
- Dark glossy green evergreen foliage
- Bee, butterfly, and hummingbird friendly
8. Saucer Magnolia
Renowned for its large, saucer-shaped flowers, Saucer Magnolia is a breathtaking choice for a front yard.
The flowers, which can be pink, purple, or white, bloom in early spring before the leaves, creating a dramatic and welcoming entrance to any home.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall, 20-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Early spring
Botanical Name: Magnolia x soulangeana
Saucer Magnolia Shrub/Tree - 6-12" Tall
- Large, fragrant blooms in pink or white
- Deciduous tree with attractive, dark green leaves
- Hardy in USDA Zones 4-9, adaptable to various soil types
9. Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a rugged and versatile tree known for its attractive white flowers and bright red berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds.
Its dense, thorny branches make it a good choice for a natural fence or barrier, adding both beauty and security.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-7
Average Mature Size: 15-30 feet tall, 15-30 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Crataegus spp.
Washington Hawthorn - 1 Year Old Plant
- Showy white spring flowers
- Small, bright red berries attract wildlife
- Thorny branches and dense growth - good security plant
10. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are beloved for their large, lush blooms that can vary in color from shades of blue, pink, purple, and white, depending on the soil pH.
These dramatic flowers make any front yard feel more welcoming and add a touch of romance to the landscape.
Not only do they boast spectacular summer blooms, but hydrangeas also feature attractive foliage that enhances the garden’s beauty throughout the growing season.
They are particularly effective when planted in masses along driveways or walkways, where their full, voluminous shape can truly be appreciated.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 3-15 feet tall, 3-12 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Summer
Botanical Name: Hydrangea spp.
Endless Summer Original Hydrangea, 1 Gal, Blue
- Continuous blooms from summer to fall
- Can be blue or pink depending on soil pH
- Hardy in a range of climates
11. Paperbark Maple
Known for its distinctive, peeling copper-brown bark that provides year-round visual interest, Paperbark Maple is a superb choice for small yards.
This tree shines with its trifoliate leaves that turn a spectacular red in the fall, offering a striking contrast to its bark.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Not applicable
Botanical Name: Acer griseum
Available at:
12. Japanese Tree Lilac
This small tree is celebrated for its robust fragrance and stunning late spring blooms of creamy white flowers that stand out against its dark green foliage.
Japanese Tree Lilac is highly resistant to disease, making it a hardy and attractive option for urban environments.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late spring
Botanical Name: Syringa reticulata
Japanese Lilac - Ivory Silk - 3 Year Live Tree
- Large fragrant creamy white flowers
- Artful cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark
- Cold and drought tolerant
13. Serviceberry
Serviceberry, also known as Juneberry, is a multi-season performer that offers white spring flowers, edible summer berries, and vibrant fall foliage.
It’s a great wildlife attractor, providing food for birds and a natural, rustic beauty to any garden setting.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-9
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Amelanchier arborea
14. Fringe Tree
The Fringe Tree is loved for its cloud-like clusters of fragrant, wispy flowers that appear in spring, giving it the appearance of being covered in a white, frothy blanket.
This tree is particularly striking when planted against a dark background or as a standalone feature in the front yard.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 12-20 feet tall, 12-20 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Chionanthus virginicus
White Fringe Tree - One Quart Potted Plant
- Fragrant, showy spring flowers
- Berries with culinary uses
- Tolerant of urban environments
15. Eastern Redbud
Sporting vivid pink to purple flowers that emerge directly on its branches in early spring, Eastern Redbud instantly brightens any front yard.
It’s particularly eye-catching against a backdrop of evergreens or in a mixed border, thanks to its heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-9
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall, 25-35 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud Tree Seedlings (3 Trees)
- Showy purple-pink flowers in early spring
- Pollinator-friendly and disease-resistant
- Zig-zag branches offer winter interest
16. Golden Chain Tree
Celebrated for its stunning cascades of bright yellow flowers that resemble wisteria, Golden Chain Tree is a showstopper in late spring.
While it’s a beautiful addition to any landscape, it’s important to note that all parts of this tree are highly toxic if ingested.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-7
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late spring
Botanical Name: Laburnum anagyroides
Available at:
17. Carolina Silverbell
This tree is admired for its bell-shaped, white flowers that dangle gracefully from its branches in spring, creating a delicate, cascading effect.
Carolina Silverbell is ideal for shaded or woodland garden settings, where its understated elegance can truly shine.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 30-40 feet tall, 20-35 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Halesia tetraptera
Available at:
18. Umbrella Pine
Distinctive for its unique, umbrella-like whorls of needles, Umbrella Pine makes an architectural statement in any garden.
This evergreen is slow-growing and maintains a compact, pyramidal shape, making it an excellent focal point for a front yard that needs a touch of the exotic.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-7
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
Type: Evergreen
Flowering Season: Not applicable
Botanical Name: Sciadopitys verticillata
19. Chaste Tree
The Chaste Tree has spikes of lavender flowers that bloom profusely in summer, offering a refreshing contrast against its gray-green, aromatic leaves.
This hardy tree can be pruned into a shrub-like form and is excellent for attracting bees and butterflies.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 10-20 feet tall, 10-20 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Summer
Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Available at:
20. Snowbell
Enchanting with its cascade of fragrant, bell-shaped white flowers that adorn the branches in late spring, this tree captivates with its compact size and elegant appearance.
It’s an ideal choice for smaller gardens or as an understory tree, adding a touch of whimsy and charm.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 20-30 feet tall, 15-20 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late spring
Botanical Name: Styrax japonicus
Japanese Snowbell 3 Year Old Live Flowering Tree
- Fragrant white bell-shaped flowers
- Ideal for limited spaces
- Beautiful as a bonsai
21. Pagoda Dogwood
Noted for its horizontal tiered branches, creating a striking architectural form, this tree captivates onlookers in the landscape.
In late spring, it produces clusters of creamy white flowers followed by dark blue berries that attract wildlife.
As autumn approaches, its leaves turn a vibrant red-purple, significantly enhancing its visual interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-7
Average Mature Size: 15-25 feet tall, 15-25 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late spring
Botanical Name: Cornus alternifolia
Available at:
22. Blackhaw Viburnum
Blackhaw Viburnum impresses with its versatility and resilience, adapting well to various landscape settings.
In spring, clusters of creamy white flowers bloom, followed by attractive blue-black berries in the fall that wildlife loves.
Its leaves turn a stunning red and purple in autumn, providing prolonged seasonal interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 3-9
Average Mature Size: 12-15 feet tall, 6-12 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Viburnum prunifolium
Available at:
23. Powder Puff
Renowned for its show-stopping fluffy red or pink blooms that resemble pom-poms, Powder Puff adds a tropical flair to landscapes.
It thrives in warm climates and can be grown as a large shrub or small tree, making it versatile for different garden settings.
USDA Growing Zone: 10-11
Average Mature Size: 10-15 feet tall, 10-15 feet wide
Type: Evergreen
Flowering Season: Year-round in tropical climates
Botanical Name: Calliandra haematocephala
24. Bearberry
Perfect for ground cover, Bearberry is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that thrives in rocky or sandy soils.
It’s distinguished by its small, bell-shaped pink or white flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries that attract wildlife.
Hardy and requiring minimal maintenance, it’s an excellent choice for creating a lush, year-round green carpet in front of your house.
USDA Growing Zone: 2-6
Average Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 3-6 feet wide
Type: Evergreen
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
25. Bluebeard
Ideal for adding a splash of color late in the season, this compact shrub features deep blue flowers that bloom profusely in late summer to fall, attracting bees and butterflies.
Its gray-green, aromatic foliage complements the vivid blooms, making it a delightful addition to front garden borders or as a standalone feature.
Drought-tolerant once established, it’s both beautiful and low-maintenance.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late summer to fall
Botanical Name: Caryopteris x clandonensis
Caryopteris X cland. 'Dark Knight' #3 Container
- Thrives in full sun
- Bursts with purple-blue flowers in August
- Dormant in late fall/winter, leaves out in spring
26. Dwarf Fothergilla
Adding delightful charm to any front yard, Dwarf Fothergilla showcases bottlebrush-like white flowers in early spring, exuding a sweet, honey-like fragrance.
This shrub’s real show starts in the fall when its leaves turn a brilliant mix of red, orange, and yellow, offering a fiery display.
Compact and easy to fit into smaller landscapes, it provides multi-season interest with minimal upkeep.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-8
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring
Botanical Name: Fothergilla gardenii
Fothergilla major 'Mt. Airy' Shrub #2 Container
- Thrives in full or partial sun
- Dark blue-green foliage with fragrant white flowers
- Dormant in late fall/winter, leaves out in spring
27. Dwarf Oregon Grape
Compact and evergreen, Dwarf Oregon Grape thrives in shady conditions, making it a versatile underplanting choice.
It features bold, holly-like foliage that turns bronze-red in winter and yellow flowers in early spring, followed by dark blue berries that are attractive to birds.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Type: Evergreen
Flowering Season: Early spring
Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium ‘Compacta’
28. ‘Nana’ Purple Willow
‘Nana’ Purple Willow is cherished for its striking, purple-tinged foliage and elegant, weeping form that can create dramatic visual interest in any garden.
This dwarf willow is particularly effective near water features or as a focal point in smaller landscape designs.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Not applicable
Botanical Name: Salix purpurea ‘Nana’
Available at:
29. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Boasting large, oak-like leaves that transform to shades of red and bronze in the fall, this hydrangea variety also features cone-shaped clusters of white flowers in summer that fade to a rosy pink.
It provides a multi-seasonal display ideal for any front garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 4-8 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Summer
Botanical Name: Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf Hydrangea `Alice` Shrub, 3 Gallon
- Grows 6-8 ft tall and wide
- Produces large towers of white flowers in August
- Features cinnamon-colored bark and attracts pollinators
30. Paperbush
Bringing a touch of the exotic to cooler climates, Paperbush delights gardeners with its fragrant, yellow flowers that bloom in late winter to early spring, providing a cheerful note during the chilly months.
The richly textured foliage adds further interest, making it a striking feature in front garden settings.
Its resilience in partial shade and its unique bloom time make it a prized addition for year-round interest.
USDA Growing Zone: 7-9
Average Mature Size: 4-6 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Late winter to early spring
Botanical Name: Edgeworthia chrysantha
31. Showy Hebe
This compact shrub stands out with its vivid foliage and dense clusters of flowers ranging from purple and blue to white, blooming from summer into fall.
It’s ideal for adding color and structure to borders or container gardens.
USDA Growing Zone: 8-10
Average Mature Size: 2-3 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Type: Evergreen
Flowering Season: Summer to fall
Botanical Name: Hebe speciosa
Available at:
32. Virginia Sweetspire
Features long, arching sprays of fragrant white flowers in early summer and displays vibrant red to purple foliage in the fall.
Its adaptability to sun and shade makes it a versatile addition to any garden.
USDA Growing Zone: 5-9
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Early summer
Botanical Name: Itea virginica
Available at:
33. Weigela
Bright and lively, Weigela bursts into bloom in spring with a profusion of bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.
This shrub continues to sporadically bloom throughout the summer, attracting hummingbirds with its vibrant display.
Easy to grow and versatile, it’s an excellent choice for adding a splash of color to the front of the house, fitting well into both formal and informal landscape designs.
USDA Growing Zone: 4-8
Average Mature Size: 3-5 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide
Type: Deciduous
Flowering Season: Spring to summer
Botanical Name: Weigela florida
Weigela florida My Monet Shrub #2 Container
- Sherbet pink funnel-shaped flowers
- Glossy variegated green and white foliage
- Compact rounded shape, container-friendly
Front of House Landscape Design Ideas
We’ve combined a variety of the small trees and shrubs in this article with complementary perennial bushes to inspire your front yard landscaping design.
These ideas will help you create a beautiful and cohesive garden that offers year-round interest, boosting your curb appeal!
This arrangement features the striking combination of Crape Myrtles and Hydrangeas, creating a visually stunning front yard design.
The Crape Myrtles, with their vibrant blooms add vertical interest and a splash of color.
The Hydrangeas, with their lush foliage and large flower clusters, provide a perfect complement, adding texture and volume.
This design features a Japanese Maple tree and Azaleas.
The Japanese Maple provides a striking focal point with its vibrant red foliage.
Azaleas are used to create lush, colorful borders along the pathway and around the house, adding texture and visual interest to the landscape.
This combination creates a welcoming and visually appealing front yard.
A combination of a white blooming Crabapple tree and colorful rose bushes creates a welcoming cottage garden feel in this design.
The Crabapple tree provides shade and visual interest with its stunning white blossoms, while the roses add vibrant color and delightful fragrance to the landscape.
A blend of tall, evergreen Thuja trees and vibrant hydrangea shrubs creates an inviting and structured front yard design in this landscape.
The Thuja trees offer year-round greenery and privacy with their dense, upright form, while the hydrangeas bring seasonal charm and bursts of color with their large, blooming flowers.
This combination adds both elegance and curb appeal to the home.
A mix of a striking pink-blooming Crabapple tree and neatly shaped Boxwood shrubs creates a charming and organized front yard design in this landscape.
The Crabapple tree stands out with its vibrant pink blossoms, adding height and color, while the Boxwood shrubs provide a clean, structured look with their lush green foliage.
This pairing adds both charm and definition to the garden, making the front yard inviting and visually appealing.
Want More?
I hope you found the ideal tree or shrub for the front of your house.
If you’re interested in exploring more options, consider reading about small flowering trees to add vibrant colors to your landscape.
For those who want quicker coverage, our guide on small fast-growing trees will be perfect.
Lastly, don’t miss our article on the best trees for front yard landscaping to truly transform your outdoor space into a stunning visual display.
