Backyard Tree Selection Ideas

If you like fall color, consider a ginko as a specimen/accent tree. They're not dense with foliage or branches; more of an open growth pattern...but their leaves do turn brilliant yellow before falling.

For privacy, bald cypress make a nice screen. They're fatter at bottom, esp if you don't prune off the lower branches. Tapering shape makes them very wind resistant. Also turns a rusty/russet color in fall before losing fronds/needles/whatever the hell you call cypress leaves.

Poplar or sycamore are good choices, too, if shade is the primary goal. Both get big--esp sycamore--so don't just consider your yard, but also where it will grow/spread in relation to your neighbors.

Thanks. I'll definitely look into the ginkgo and the cypress. Im not sure if the cypress will have optimal growing conditions in my yard. I love sycamore trees but my neighbor behind me with a pool may kill me once it gets big and starts dropping those huge leaves.

Sycamore, Swamp Red Maple, or Swamp Magnolia. A bottle brush wouldn't hurt either.

I’d avoid red maples. They have a short lifespan

Chinese Pistache
River Birch
Thornless Black Honeylocust
Sugar Maple
Sycamore
Ginkgo - only get the male variety. Of you plant a male and a female together (even within a mile of each other) they emit a foul odor

I wouldn’t do cypress unless you are ok with the knees popping up all over. Mix in a forest pansy redbud Here and there as well