7 Best Modern Trees for Your Backyard Garden

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++Mulberry Tree (Morus alba, Morus nigra, Morus rubra)

Ever since mulberries hit the “superfood” lists, these trees have been making a huge comeback in home gardens. The Red Mulberry, native to North America, is especially popular right now because it’s incredibly drought-tolerant. These beauties can reach impressive heights of up to 50 feet. Their lobed leaves look a lot like fig leaves, and starting in May, they produce delicious white, red, or black berries that are packed with flavor.

++Cedar (Cedrus)

If you have a larger yard, a Cedar is a fantastic choice. These drought-resistant giants can grow up to 100 feet tall, so they really need space to shine as a standalone specimen. Their needles grow in pretty little tufts and range from deep green to a stunning blue-green. They produce both male and female flowers, which eventually turn into beautifully shaped cones. Fun fact: the seeds inside taste a lot like pine nuts and can be used the same way in the kitchen!

++Smoke Bush (Cotinus coggygria)

With its delicate, airy growth habit, the Smoke Bush (part of the sumac family) is a perfect focal point for smaller properties. Depending on the variety, you can get lush green or deep burgundy foliage that turns a brilliant orange or red in the fall. From May to June, it’s covered in fluffy flower panicles that look just like puffs of smoke or feathers. By late summer, these clusters create a “wig-like” veil over the branches that is a total conversation starter.

++Apple Tree (Malus domestica)

The classic apple tree is still a top pick for a “home tree.” If you don’t have room for a massive, spreading canopy, don’t worry—columnar apple trees grow straight up and fit into tight spots perfectly. Modern, hardy varieties like “Alkmene” or “Pilot” are great because they resist mildew and scab, ensuring a good harvest. Plus, they are ecological superstars, providing a home and food for tons of beneficial insects.

++Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)

The Sweetgum is currently one of the trendiest trees out there, and it’s easy to see why. Its star-shaped leaves put on a spectacular fall show, glowing in shades of yellow, orange, red, and deep purple. It’s also considered a “climate tree” because it handles heat and dry spells like a champ. Even in winter, it looks cool thanks to its deeply furrowed bark and the unique “cork” ridges on its branches.

++Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

While often grown as a shrub, these can be trained into stunning small trees reaching up to 10 feet. They are famous for their massive, cone-shaped, creamy white flower clusters (up to 10 inches long!). As the season goes on, the flowers fade to a romantic dusty pink. They fit perfectly in both modern and cottage-style gardens. They’re also much more cold-hardy and drought-tolerant than other hydrangea types, making them a low-maintenance favorite.

++Yew (Taxus baccata)

The Yew is one of the oldest tree species in Europe and remains a go-to for fans of topiary and formal hedges. Its popularity hasn’t waned in decades because it’s so versatile—it grows in almost any soil and handles shade where other plants give up. In the fall, they produce bright red berries that birds absolutely love. Just a heads-up: Yews are highly toxic to humans and pets, so keep that in mind when planting!

%%Handkerchief Tree / Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata)

For something truly special, check out the Handkerchief Tree. This Asian native is gaining fans for its unique look. In May, it produces small flowers flanked by two large, creamy-white bracts (up to 7 inches long). When the wind blows, it looks like hundreds of white handkerchiefs or doves fluttering in the branches. The glossy green leaves are beautiful all summer and turn a vivid yellow or orange in the fall, making it a true year-round highlight.