Choosing a 7B Landscape Tree for Your Marietta Yard

Need help selecting the best tree for your Hardiness zone 7b yard? Understanding different tree species’ characteristics and growing habits will help you plant a tree that fits perfectly in your yard.

toddsmariettatreeservices.com gathered the following tree species and growing information for zone 7b landscape trees.

What is a Landscaping Tree?

Landscaping trees are planted to create diversity and serve one of many purposes on your property. These trees come in all shapes and sizes and can be among the most significant assets to your yard by providing shade, privacy screens, wind protection, wildlife refuge, visual interest (curb appeal), and other uses.

What are the Benefits of Landscape Trees?

Landscape trees reduce air pollution and noise pollution. They also filter water and absorb rainfall, lessening the impact of flood and stormwater and preventing soil erosion. Trees also attract a variety of birds and natural wildlife, providing food and shelter.

Note: A large, healthy tree can absorb approximately 40,000 gallons of groundwater annually, returning it to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.

What are the Best Trees for Your Front Yard?

Flowers add pops of color, and mulch creates a clean, well-manicured look. With trees, you can balance height and width in your landscape. Trees are among the best ways to draw the eye, add height, and create a relaxing balance. Curb appeal helps sell a home (trees significantly contribute to curb appeal), and here are a few of the best front yard trees:

• Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia) reaches 15 feet
• Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) reaches 75 feet
• Cherry (Prunus avium) reaches 25 to 30 feet
• River Birch (Betula nigra) reaches 60 to 70 feet
• Magnolia (Magnolia) reaches 70 to 80 feet

Tip: Avoid catastrophic structural damages by planting your trees at a safe distance from structures on your landscape.

What are the Most Low-Maintenance Landscape Trees?

Once you have determined your tree’s purpose in your landscape (flowers, evergreen shade, privacy, etc.), you should consider the tree’s maintenance. Some landscape plants drop fruit and nuts, while others grow with invasive or surface roots, disturbing your yard, driveway, and foundation. Consider the following low-maintenance landscape trees:

• Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) reaches 25 to 35 feet with delicate branches and vibrant foliage
• Jacaranda (Jacaranda) reaches 25 to 40 feet with striking blue and lavender flowers
• Redbud (Cercis) reaches 10 to 20 feet with deep red, bright yellow, or two-colored foliage
• Frangipani (Plumeria) reaches 20 to 25 feet with non-invasive roots and an abundance of beautiful flowers
• Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera) reaches 25 feet with deep purple foliage and pink/white flowers

Tip: All tree species require seasonal pruning and thorough inspection after severe weather.

What are the Best Trees to Plant Near a House?

Smaller trees with shallow or non-invasive roots pose little or no risk to your home. Consider the following low-risk tree species:

• Weeping Willow (Salix babylonica) reaches 30 to 40 feet
• Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) reaches 50 to 70 feet
• Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) reaches 50 to 80 feet
• Sweetgum (Liquidambar) reaches 60 to 75 feet
• Crabapple (Malus) reaches 15 to 20 feet

Tip: Towering tree species like southern pines and eucalyptus should be given extra space and not planted within 40 to 50 feet of landscape structures.

Why do Landscape Designers Prefer Male Trees?

Trees with male reproductive organs are preferred in landscapes because they don’t drop messy seed pods or fruit. However, they do produce and release pollen.

Note: When female trees, which capture pollen, are absent from significant landscape areas, the entire area can be blanketed by mass amounts of pollen.

What is the Best Pine Tree to Plant in Zone 7b?


Pine trees are often used in landscapes as privacy screens and specimen trees because they are fast-growing, shapely, and evergreen. Consider the following pine tree species for your landscape needs:

• Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) reaches 60 to 90 feet
• Austrian or Black Pine (Pinus nigra) reaches 50 to 60 feet and requires ample space to flourish
• Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) reaches 70 to 80 feet
• Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) reaches 50 to 80 feet
• Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) reaches 50 to 80 feet

Tip: Avoid planting pines near driveways and carports (overhanging branches can leave your vehicle or structure riddled with sap droppings). Pine trees produce and drip sap. The sap flow is heaviest in spring and early summer. During winter, sap slows down and picks up again as spring approaches.


Marietta Georgia Zone 7b Landscape Trees

In this article, you discovered species information and growing characteristics for several popular zone 7b landscape trees.

Knowing which trees to plant around your home and landscape will help you create a beautiful yard with purpose and elevated curb appeal.

Planting the wrong tree species in the wrong location can result in catastrophic root damage to your landscape, driveway, pathway, foundation, and home if it falls on your roof.

Sources:
usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/evapotranspiration-and-water-cycle#overview
extension.tennessee.edu/publications/Documents/SP517.pdf
extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=b625#title11
uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-6126.pdf

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