Patio Trees

Patio Trees
Having a cutout in your patio or pool deck is a great design strategy.  However, you should consider what types of trees will work best with a patio.

Think Small
Patio trees are smaller than most trees.  They should grow tall enough to shade several people that are sitting down. You should also be able to walk under the tree without stooping.  Slow growing trees are ideal.  Just make sure you start out with a larger tree; if possible.

Roots
The root structure of the tree should go deep.  Any tree that has surface level runners should be avoided (like Quaken Aspen).  Surface level roots will destroy the patio.  This is another reason to get a reasonably small tree.

Clean Up
It wouldn’t be ideal to have to clean up a lot of rotting fruit off your patio every year.  For this reason, consider the clean up possibilities.  Look for trees that will only shed leaves. Large leaves are preferable to small leaves.

Disease
Ideally you will pick something that is native to the area.  Native trees tend to be healthier. 

Deciduous or Evergreen
Deciduous trees are preferred because they have a better canopy.  This is important because most people want some shade from the patio tree.

Possible Choices of Trees
The list:  Eastern Redbud, Raywood Ash, Ornamental Plum, Ornamental Pear, Pagoda Tree, Japanese Maple, Serviceberry, Crape Myrtle, Russian Olive, and Amur Maple, and Magnolia. 

Favorites
Without a doubt the favorite choice of consumers is the Japanese Maple.  The other more popular patio trees are the Crape Myrtle, Amur Maple, and Eastern Redbud.

Final Tip
Consider the decor of your patio and home exterior.  You should consider the size and shape of the leaves, the plant color, and most important of all; how they look when they bloom or change colors in the fall.  As far as blooming goes, the Magnolia tree is one of the most beautiful trees.