Mike Land offers decades of experience in Central Kentucky real estate and formerly owned and operated Hillcrest Nursery in Richmond, Ky. Learn more about our commitment to reforestation and urban forestry at cirebg.com/reforestation.
Choosing the right trees for your home landscape can make a big difference in how it looks and feels. It's important to select species that will thrive in our local climate and soil, so trees native to Kentucky are often perfect as they are naturally adapted to the area.
This guide introduces five “multi-seasonal” native tree options, known for offering visual interest, like flowers or colorful leaves, in at least two different seasons. You'll see both the common name and the scientific botanical name (in parentheses). While common names can sometimes change or be confusing, the botanical name is unique to that specific plant worldwide.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
This versatile tree is commonly called Serviceberry, but you might also hear it called Shadblow Serviceberry, Shadbush, Juneberry, or Canadian Serviceberry. It's flexible in its growth, appearing either as a single-trunk tree or as a multi-stemmed shrub.
Serviceberry is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring, usually showing off its lovely white flowers in early April. For local fishing fans, its bloom traditionally means the crappie are starting to bite! After the flowers fade, purplish berries appear a few months later. These sweet fruits are edible and a fun treat for kids – but be quick, because Robins love them too and can clear a tree in a single day! While young plants sometimes send up extra shoots (called suckers) from their base, this is usually easy to manage. In the fall, Serviceberry leaves turn beautiful shades of yellow, gold, and orange. A popular variety with especially vibrant fall color is 'Autumn Brilliance.'
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Eastern Redbud is another early spring bloomer. You'll often see its unique reddish-purple buds opening into pretty rosy-pink flowers, sometimes even before the leaves fully emerge. This tree is known for being very tough and able to grow well in different conditions (a real "tough as nails" kind of tree, but beautiful too!). It typically reaches a height of 20 to 30 feet and spreads about 25 to 35 feet wide.
Nowadays, you can choose from many Redbud varieties. Some have white, deep pink, red, or even double flowers. Others stand out with maroon or orangish-yellow leaves, and there are even weeping forms with gracefully drooping branches. These trees rely mainly on bumblebees for pollination.
Dogwood (Cornus florida)
The flowering Dogwood is a classic favorite and one of the most widely planted flowering trees in Kentucky. Its signature blooms usually appear from the end of April into the first part of May. Around here, that timing often lines up with the excitement of the spring horse racing season!
There are many Dogwood selections available. You can find trees with large or small blooms, flowers in shades of white, pink, or red, and some even have slightly fragrant blossoms. The foliage adds seasonal interest too; leaves can be dark green or pale green during summer, turning attractive shades of maroon or bronzy gold in the autumn. While typically growing 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, you can also find dwarf, columnar (upright and narrow), or weeping forms to fit different spaces. In autumn, Dogwoods display attractive fall leaf color – sometimes beautiful mixes of reds and yellows on a single leaf – and produce bright red berries that attract birds.
An interesting local note: some believe the popular “Cherokee Princess” variety originated right here in western Kentucky!
Kentucky Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea)
Kentucky Yellowwood, sometimes called American Yellowwood, is native to the southeastern United States. It grows slowly into a medium-sized tree, typically reaching 30 to 50 feet tall, making it a good fit for many small to medium-sized yards. It's known for its smooth, gray bark and develops a lovely rounded shape, almost like a mushroom, as it matures.
In early May, it produces large, hanging clusters of very fragrant white flowers. Come fall, the leaves turn a striking, clear buttery yellow. A special variety called 'Perkins Pink' offers similar features but boasts beautiful, fragrant pink flowers instead.
White Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus)
White Fringetree goes by several common names, including Grancy Gray-Beard and Old Man's-Beard. It usually grows as a large shrub but can be trained into a small tree with a single trunk, reaching about 12 to 20 feet tall and equally wide.
In late spring or early summer (often May into June), it's covered in delicate, white, slightly fragrant flowers that hang in long (6-8 inch), airy clusters, giving it a 'fringy' look. Later in the season, dark blue, berry-like fruits (called drupes) appear where the flowers were. The fall color is typically a pleasant buttery yellow. This plant is quite resilient and isn't usually bothered by serious insect or disease problems.
One thing to note is that White Fringetree can sometimes be hard to find at local garden centers. You might need to special order it, potentially waiting until the next season or year for it to arrive. However, its unique beauty makes it worth the effort!
Trees and Real Estate
Selecting appropriate trees is a significant aspect of landscape design and long-term property value. To ensure optimal choices for your specific environment and aesthetic preferences within Central Kentucky, consulting with a qualified arborist or horticultural expert is highly recommended. Their professional guidance can be invaluable, considering a site analysis, desired attributes, mature growth, placement, maintenance requirements, and more.
Your Christie’s International Real Estate Bluegrass advisor is available to make recommendations for reputable garden centers, arborists, and horticulturists in the area.
Bringing Year-Round Beauty to Your Yard
From the early seasonal transitions marked by the blooms of Serviceberry and Redbud to the mid-spring emergence of Dogwood flowers, the fragrant elegance of Kentucky Yellowwood, and the unique appeal of White Fringetree, Central Kentucky offers a diverse array of multi-seasonal trees well-suited to the region. By making informed selections that align with local environmental conditions, property owners are investing in a sustainable and aesthetically enriching landscape. These considered choices will provide continuous visual interest, from the spring floral displays extending into summer, to the potential for summer fruit in species like Serviceberry, the notable foliage variations of Dogwoods, the striking autumnal colors ranging from vibrant reds to rich yellows, and the structural interest provided by their forms throughout the winter months. Ultimately, thoughtful tree selection ensures enduring seasonal beauty and a valuable enhancement to your property.
About the Author
With over 40 years of experience as a respected businessman in Central Kentucky, Mike Land brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Land Snell Team, with whom he works alongside his daughter Amber Snell.
As the proud second-generation owner and operator of Hillcrest Nursery, he has built a reputation for his plant expertise, customer care, and honesty in business. Mike's commitment to helping clients navigate the real estate process with confidence and ease is a testament to his dedication and professionalism.
Additional writing support provided by Ashley Swift, Christie's International Real Estate Bluegrass Marketing Director.
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