Owning a home involves a lot of work. From daily cleaning to seasonal maintenance, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.
My husband and I bought our first home last July, and we spent the rest of the year renovating the main floor. During those early days of demolition, I often found myself gazing out the window, dreaming about when we could finally tackle our front yard. I even started a Pinterest board filled with images of charming English country cottages and pristine golf-course-like landscapes that I promised myself I’d return to when it was time to work on the yard.
Fast forward to now, almost a year into homeownership, and we’re finally ready to focus on the yard. After months of renovations and all the extra work that comes with a larger home, I’ve realized that I want my yard to be as low-maintenance as possible. I still want it to look like those Pinterest pictures, but I’ve decided to be very selective about what I plant. I want to make sure I have time and energy for more than just maintaining my home and yard.
So today, I’m sharing a list of low-maintenance trees that I’m considering for our yard. While these trees might not be native to Alberta, they all thrive in hardiness zones 2 or 3, making them suitable for Edmonton’s unpredictable climate. They’re also hardy and adaptable, making them great choices for various garden styles or backyard landscapes.
Bur Oak | Quercus macrocarpa – Height: 50 feet Spread: 40 feet
The Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a large, sturdy tree known for its broad, rounded canopy and distinctive, deeply lobed leaves. It features a rough, furrowed bark and produces large acorns with a fringed cup. Adaptable to various soil types and climates, it’s a hardy choice for landscapes, providing excellent shade and attracting wildlife.
he Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa) is a robust, deciduous tree known for its distinctive qualities:
- Size: Grows up to 50-80 feet tall with a broad, spreading canopy.
- Leaves: Large, lobed leaves with deep sinuses, turning yellow to brown in fall.
- Acorns: Produces large acorns with a fringed cap, which attract wildlife.
- Bark: Thick, furrowed bark that becomes ridged and scaly with age.
- Growth Rate: Slow to moderate growth rate, making it a long-term investment for landscaping.
- Hardiness: Tolerates a range of soil types and conditions, including drought, and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance; requires minimal pruning and is relatively pest and disease resistant.
Tamarack (Larix laricina)
Tamarack (Larix laricina) is a deciduous conifer that thrives in hardiness zones 2 to 3, making it well-suited for Edmonton’s climate. It features a distinctive appearance with soft, needle-like leaves that turn golden-yellow in fall before dropping. The tree has a pyramidal shape and can grow up to 40 feet tall. Tamarack is low-maintenance, tolerant of poor soil conditions, and attracts wildlife, providing both beauty and ecological benefits.
| Characteristic | Description |
| Scientific Name | Larix laricina |
| Common Name | Tamarack |
| Hardiness Zones | 2 to 3 |
| Height | Up to 40 feet |
| Leaf Color | Green in summer, golden-yellow in fall |
| Shape | Pyramidal |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Tolerance | Tolerates poor soil conditions |
| Wildlife | Attracts wildlife |
Snowbird Hawthorne | Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Snowbird’
Snowbird Hawthorne (Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Snowbird’) is a hardy ornamental tree known for its beautiful blossoms and adaptability. Here are its detailed characteristics:
Detailed Description
Appearance: Snowbird Hawthorne features a compact, rounded form with a spread of about 12 to 15 feet and a height reaching up to 15 feet. The tree showcases clusters of double white flowers in late spring, providing a striking contrast against its dark green foliage. In the fall, the leaves turn to shades of yellow and bronze, adding seasonal interest.
Flowers and Fruit: The double white flowers are abundant and fragrant, creating a stunning display. Following the blooms, small red pomes (apple-like fruits) appear, which persist into winter and attract birds.
Hardiness: This cultivar is suitable for hardiness zones 2 to 4, making it an excellent choice for colder climates, including Edmonton’s. It is particularly valued for its resilience to cold weather.
Maintenance: Snowbird Hawthorne is low-maintenance and disease-resistant, requiring minimal pruning. It’s resistant to common issues like fireblight, cedar-apple rust, and leaf spot, which can plague other hawthorn species.
Soil and Light Requirements: The tree adapts well to various soil types, including clay and loam, and can tolerate both moist and dry conditions. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: The tree’s flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the fruits provide food for birds, contributing to the local ecosystem.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Crataegus x mordenensis ‘Snowbird’ |
| Common Name | Snowbird Hawthorne |
| Hardiness Zones | 2 to 4 |
| Height | Up to 15 feet |
| Spread | 12 to 15 feet |
| Flower Color | Double white |
| Bloom Time | Late spring |
| Fall Foliage Color | Yellow to bronze |
| Fruit | Small red pomes |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Disease Resistance | High (resistant to fireblight, rust, leaf spot) |
| Soil Tolerance | Clay, loam; moist to dry conditions |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Wildlife Attraction | Pollinators (bees), birds |
Snowbird Hawthorne is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for an attractive, low-maintenance tree that offers year-round interest and ecological benefits.
Northwood Red Maple | Acer rubrum ‘Northwood’
Northwood Red Maple (Acer rubrum ‘Northwood’) is a robust and visually appealing tree known for its stunning fall color and adaptability to various environments. Here are its detailed characteristics:
Detailed Description
Appearance: Northwood Red Maple is a medium to large deciduous tree with a rounded to oval shape. It can reach heights of 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. The tree has dense, green foliage throughout the growing season.
Leaves: The leaves are medium to dark green in the summer, turning to vibrant shades of red and orange in the fall, making it a standout in any landscape.
Flowers and Fruit: In early spring, Northwood Red Maple produces small, red flowers that add a subtle burst of color before the leaves emerge. The flowers are followed by red samaras (winged seeds), which are characteristic of maples.
Hardiness: Suitable for hardiness zones 3 to 9, Northwood Red Maple is very cold-hardy, making it an excellent choice for cooler climates like Edmonton’s.
Maintenance: This tree is relatively low-maintenance once established. It requires regular watering during its initial growth phase but is drought-tolerant once mature. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and health.
Soil and Light Requirements: Northwood Red Maple is adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: The tree supports local wildlife by providing habitat and food for birds and small mammals. Its flowers attract pollinators such as bees.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acer rubrum ‘Northwood’ |
| Common Name | Northwood Red Maple |
| Hardiness Zones | 3 to 9 |
| Height | 40 to 60 feet |
| Spread | 25 to 35 feet |
| Leaf Color | Green in summer, red/orange in fall |
| Bloom Time | Early spring |
| Flower Color | Red |
| Fruit | Red samaras |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | High (once established) |
| Soil Tolerance | Clay, loam, sandy; prefers moist, well-drained soil |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Wildlife Attraction | Pollinators (bees), birds, small mammals |
Northwood Red Maple is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance tree that provides year-round beauty and supports local wildlife. Its vibrant fall colors and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Showy Mountain Ash | Sorbus decora
Showy Mountain Ash (Sorbus decora) is a beautiful ornamental tree known for its attractive berries and vibrant fall foliage. Here are its detailed characteristics:
Detailed Description
Appearance: Showy Mountain Ash is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright, rounded form. It typically grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of about 15 to 20 feet. The tree has dark green, pinnate leaves that create a lush, dense canopy.
Flowers and Berries: In late spring, Showy Mountain Ash produces clusters of small, white flowers that are both attractive and fragrant. These flowers give way to bright red-orange berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.
Fall Foliage: The foliage turns vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red in the fall, making it a standout in any landscape during the autumn season.
Hardiness: Suitable for hardiness zones 2 to 5, Showy Mountain Ash is very cold-hardy and can thrive in northern climates like Edmonton’s.
Maintenance: This tree is relatively low-maintenance and disease-resistant. It requires occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods.
Soil and Light Requirements: Showy Mountain Ash prefers moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: The tree’s flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the berries provide an important food source for birds throughout the winter.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sorbus decora |
| Common Name | Showy Mountain Ash |
| Hardiness Zones | 2 to 5 |
| Height | 20 to 30 feet |
| Spread | 15 to 20 feet |
| Leaf Color | Dark green in summer, yellow/orange/red in fall |
| Bloom Time | Late spring |
| Flower Color | White |
| Berry Color | Bright red-orange |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Disease Resistance | High |
| Soil Tolerance | Prefers moist, well-drained soils; tolerates clay and loam |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Wildlife Attraction | Pollinators (bees), birds |
Showy Mountain Ash is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, cold-hardy tree that offers year-round interest and supports local wildlife. Its beautiful flowers, vibrant fall colors, and attractive berries make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Gladiator Flowering Crab | Malus ‘DurLeo’
Gladiator Flowering Crab (Malus ‘DurLeo’) is a striking ornamental tree known for its vibrant flowers and colorful foliage. Here are its detailed characteristics:
Detailed Description
Appearance: Gladiator Flowering Crab is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with an upright, columnar form. It typically grows to a height of 20 feet with a spread of about 9 feet. The tree features glossy, deep purple foliage that remains colorful throughout the growing season.
Flowers and Fruit: In late spring, Gladiator Flowering Crab produces an abundance of bright pink, fragrant flowers that create a stunning display. The flowers are followed by small, glossy, purple-red crabapples that persist into the winter, providing additional visual interest.
Fall Foliage: The foliage transitions to a dark burgundy color in the fall, adding seasonal appeal.
Hardiness: Suitable for hardiness zones 3 to 8, Gladiator Flowering Crab is cold-hardy and well-suited for a variety of climates, including cooler regions like Edmonton.
Maintenance: This tree is relatively low-maintenance and disease-resistant, particularly to common issues like apple scab and fireblight. It requires minimal pruning, usually just to remove any dead or crossing branches.
Soil and Light Requirements: Gladiator Flowering Crab prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and loam. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: The tree’s flowers attract pollinators such as bees, while the fruits provide food for birds, contributing to the local ecosystem.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Malus ‘DurLeo’ |
| Common Name | Gladiator Flowering Crab |
| Hardiness Zones | 3 to 8 |
| Height | Up to 20 feet |
| Spread | About 9 feet |
| Leaf Color | Deep purple in summer, dark burgundy in fall |
| Bloom Time | Late spring |
| Flower Color | Bright pink |
| Fruit Color | Purple-red |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Disease Resistance | High (resistant to apple scab and fireblight) |
| Soil Tolerance | Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates clay and loam |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Wildlife Attraction | Pollinators (bees), birds |
Gladiator Flowering Crab is an excellent choice for those seeking a visually striking, low-maintenance tree that provides year-round beauty and supports local wildlife. Its vibrant flowers, colorful foliage, and attractive fruits make it a valuable addition to any landscape.
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) is a highly sought-after ornamental tree renowned for its elegant foliage and graceful form. Here are its detailed characteristics:
Detailed Description
Appearance: Japanese Maple is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a variety of forms, including rounded, cascading, or upright. It typically grows to a height of 15 to 25 feet with a similar spread. The tree is known for its delicate, palmate leaves that can be deeply lobed and come in a variety of colors, from green to deep red or purple.
Leaves and Color: The foliage is one of the standout features of Japanese Maple. In spring and summer, the leaves can be vibrant green, red, or purple, depending on the cultivar. In fall, the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a spectacular display.
Flowers and Fruit: In spring, Japanese Maple produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are usually red or purple. These are followed by winged seeds known as samaras, which are also small and not particularly showy.
Hardiness: Suitable for hardiness zones 5 to 8, Japanese Maple prefers milder climates but can be grown in protected areas within colder regions.
Maintenance: Japanese Maple is relatively low-maintenance but does require some care to thrive. It benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods, and mulching to maintain soil moisture. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or crossing branches.
Soil and Light Requirements: The tree prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including loam and sandy soils. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, though in hotter climates, some afternoon shade can help prevent leaf scorch.
Ecological Benefits: Japanese Maple provides habitat and food for various insects and birds, contributing to the local ecosystem.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acer palmatum |
| Common Name | Japanese Maple |
| Hardiness Zones | 5 to 8 |
| Height | 15 to 25 feet |
| Spread | 15 to 25 feet |
| Leaf Color | Green, red, or purple in summer; red, orange, or yellow in fall |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Flower Color | Red or purple (inconspicuous) |
| Fruit | Small winged samaras |
| Maintenance | Low to moderate |
| Soil Tolerance | Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils; tolerates loam and sandy soils |
| Light Requirements | Partial shade to full sun (afternoon shade in hot climates) |
| Wildlife Attraction | Insects, birds |
Japanese Maple is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a tree with stunning foliage and an elegant form. Its variety of leaf colors and forms, along with its low-maintenance requirements, make it a versatile and attractive addition to any landscape.
Weeping White Spruce | Picea glauca ‘Pendula’
Detailed Description
Appearance: Weeping White Spruce is a narrow, upright evergreen tree with a striking weeping form. It typically grows to a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 4 to 6 feet. The branches gracefully cascade downward, creating a dramatic, weeping effect that adds vertical interest to any landscape.
Foliage: The tree features blue-green needles that are short, stiff, and densely packed along the branches. The foliage retains its color throughout the year, providing year-round visual appeal.
Bark: The bark is thin and scaly, with a grayish-brown color, adding textural interest to the tree’s trunk.
Hardiness: Suitable for hardiness zones 2 to 6, Weeping White Spruce is extremely cold-hardy and can withstand harsh winter conditions, making it an excellent choice for northern climates like Edmonton.
Maintenance: This tree is low-maintenance once established. It requires minimal pruning, typically just to remove any dead or damaged branches. Weeping White Spruce is relatively drought-tolerant once mature but benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially in its early years.
Soil and Light Requirements: Weeping White Spruce prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: The dense foliage provides habitat and shelter for birds and small mammals, contributing to the local ecosystem. The tree is also resistant to many pests and diseases.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Picea glauca ‘Pendula’ |
| Common Name | Weeping White Spruce |
| Hardiness Zones | 2 to 6 |
| Height | 20 to 30 feet |
| Spread | 4 to 6 feet |
| Foliage Color | Blue-green |
| Bark Color | Grayish-brown |
| Form | Weeping, narrow, upright |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Drought Tolerance | Moderate (once established) |
| Soil Tolerance | Prefers well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay soils |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Wildlife Attraction | Birds, small mammals |
| Pest/Disease Resistance | High |
Weeping White Spruce is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a unique, low-maintenance tree that adds vertical interest and year-round beauty to their landscape. Its elegant form, hardy nature, and ecological benefits make it a valuable addition to any garden or landscape design.
Cutleaf Weeping Birch | Betula pendula ‘Dalecarlica’
Detailed Description
Appearance: Cutleaf Weeping Birch is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a distinctive weeping form. It typically grows to a height of 30 to 40 feet with a spread of 20 to 30 feet. The tree features slender, arching branches that create a graceful, cascading effect.
Leaves: The leaves are deeply lobed and finely cut, giving them a delicate, lacy appearance. In the spring and summer, the foliage is bright green, turning to a golden yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest.
Bark: One of the most attractive features of this birch is its white, papery bark that peels away in layers, revealing a smooth, orange-brown underlayer. This striking bark provides year-round visual appeal.
Flowers and Fruit: In early spring, the tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in the form of catkins. These are followed by small, winged seeds that are not particularly showy but provide food for birds.
Hardiness: Suitable for hardiness zones 2 to 7, Cutleaf Weeping Birch is cold-hardy and can thrive in a variety of climates, including the cooler regions like Edmonton.
Maintenance: This tree requires regular watering, particularly during dry periods, as it prefers consistently moist soil. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or crossing branches. It is relatively low-maintenance but does benefit from mulching to help retain soil moisture.
Soil and Light Requirements: Cutleaf Weeping Birch prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Ecological Benefits: The tree provides habitat and food for various birds and insects. Its dense canopy offers shelter, and its seeds are a food source for wildlife.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Betula pendula ‘Dalecarlica’ |
| Common Name | Cutleaf Weeping Birch |
| Hardiness Zones | 2 to 7 |
| Height | 30 to 40 feet |
| Spread | 20 to 30 feet |
| Leaf Color | Bright green in summer, golden yellow in fall |
| Bark Color | White, peeling to reveal orange-brown underlayer |
| Form | Weeping, graceful |
| Bloom Time | Early spring |
| Flower Color | Inconspicuous (catkins) |
| Fruit | Small, winged seeds |
| Maintenance | Moderate (requires regular watering and occasional pruning) |
| Soil Tolerance | Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soils; tolerates sandy and loamy soils |
| Light Requirements | Full sun to partial shade |
| Wildlife Attraction | Birds, insects |
Cutleaf Weeping Birch is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a tree with year-round interest and a distinctive weeping form. Its finely cut leaves, striking white bark, and graceful branches make it a beautiful addition to any landscape.
