Big and Beautiful Trees: How to Choose the Right Shade Trees for Ohio Landscapes

Want a mature look without the guesswork? Our Big and Beautiful Trees Collection features standout shade and statement trees selected for Southwest Ohio. Use this guide to match the right tree to your space, then plant with confidence.

How to shop this collection

1. Start with your goal Shade for the lawn, fall color, a vertical accent, or a tree for wet soil.
2. Check size at maturity Height and spread matter. Give large canopies room to grow away from lines and foundations.
3. Match the site Sun, soil, and drainage determine success. See the quick notes below each group.
4. Plan the layout One anchor tree for the lawn or a repeating rhythm of three along a drive.

1) Shade makers with classic form

Big canopies that cool the yard and deliver reliable red and orange fall color.

• Acer | Autumn Blaze Maple Fast growth, rounded canopy, bright red fall color. Great front lawn anchor.
• Acer | Redpointe Red Maple Strong central leader and tidy shape. Excellent street or front yard tree.
• Acer | Green Mountain Sugar Maple Stately form and rich fall color for a traditional look.

Site notes Full sun to part sun. Average soil with regular water the first season.

2) Statement ornamentals for four season interest

Smaller footprint with big personality near patios, entries, and garden rooms.

• Acer | Bloodgood Japanese Maple Deep red foliage and graceful branching. A four season focal point.
• Cercis | Flame Thrower Redbud New leaves emerge gold, apricot, and red for months of changing color.
• Cercis | Ruby Falls Weeping Redbud Weeping habit with purple foliage. Perfect near seating areas.

Site notes Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Even moisture and good drainage.

3) Tall and narrow for tight spaces

Go vertical where width is limited, such as side yards and narrow beds.

• Liquidambar | Slender Silhouette Sweetgum Very narrow form with glossy leaves. Creates a living column without crowding.

Site notes Full sun. Allow height clearance. Space multiples 5 to 7 feet apart for a formal row.

4) Tough site hero for wet ground

Handles low areas and pond edges where other trees struggle.

• Taxodium | Bald Cypress Soft feathery foliage, excellent in heavy or periodically wet soils, strong fall color.

Site notes Full sun. Thrives in moist to wet soils and adapts to average sites once established.

• Sun Most trees prefer full sun for best color and structure.
• Soil Plant wide, not deep. Amend only if your soil is extremely poor.
• Water Keep evenly moist the first year, then water during dry spells.
• Mulch Two to three inches, pulled back from the trunk.

Want a pro install and extra peace of mind? Our landscape team plants for long term success and your trees qualify for our two year plant guarantee when planted by our team.

Shop the Big and Beautiful Trees

Quick placement ideas

• Classic front lawn statement One Autumn Blaze or Green Mountain centered in the yard.
• Color along the walk Flame Thrower Redbud paired with Bloodgood Japanese Maple near the entry.
• Slim screen A row of Slender Silhouette Sweetgum to frame a property line without taking the yard.
• Pond or low spot Bald Cypress to stabilize wet ground and add texture.

Pro planting with a two year guarantee
Prefer a turnkey install? Our landscape team will plant your shrubs and evergreens for you. When we plant, your new plants are covered by our two year plant guarantee.
Request planting when you arrive at the garden center. Read the guarantee details.