Street Trees: Five Top Trees for Urban Living

Fragrant scents, changing colors, and wakening bird songs: these are a small taste of what trees offer us, and some of the best varieties for urban areas thrive right here in Glenside! Though the urban grind can be challenging for a tree, there are some leafy champions that thrive in it. These lifelong companions revitalize our urban and suburban streets and look good doing it. Here’s how! 

 

Why Plant Urban Trees?

 

Urban trees are the unsung heroes of city life, standing tall amidst the chaos of traffic, construction, and pollution. Unlike their forest counterparts, urban trees face unique challenges: compacted soil that stifles roots, limited space for growth, poor air quality, extreme heat from pavement and buildings, and constant exposure to road salt, chemicals, and foot traffic. 

 

Despite these snags, urban trees present a golden opportunity to transform our cities, providing shade to cool down scorching streets, boosting air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and creating homes for birds and insects. Plus, they are known to increase property values, improve mental well-being, and even reduce the occurrence of speeding—all while transforming a gray space into a green one.

 

Five Top Trees for Urban Landscapes

Amelanchier — Serviceberry

 

Description: Amelanchier, or Serviceberry, is the multitasker of the urban tree world. With delicate white spring blossoms, tasty summer berries, and stunning fall foliage, it’s a year-round performer that keeps the city buzzing—literally, as birds and bees flock to its flowers and fruit.

Urban Adaptation: Adaptable to various soil types and tolerant of light shade, Amelanchier is well-suited to urban environments. It handles compacted soils better than most and doesn’t shy away from less-than-ideal conditions, making it perfect for city life.

Ideal Planting Locations: Serviceberry is ideal for small spaces, residential gardens, and streetscapes where a tree with multi-season interest is needed. Its smaller size means it can fit comfortably under power lines or in tighter urban spots.

 

Flowering Cherries

 

Description: Flowering Cherries are the stars of spring—exploding into clouds of pink or white blossoms that make any urban street look like a scene from a dream. With their graceful branching and stunning blooms, they bring a touch of elegance and seasonal magic to cityscapes.

Urban Adaptation: While they may seem delicate, many Flowering Cherry varieties are surprisingly tough, handling urban pollutants and moderate drought once established. They’re a little more high-maintenance compared to some urban warriors, but the spring show they provide is worth every bit of effort.

Ideal Planting Locations: Plant Flowering Cherries where their blooms can be appreciated—along walkways, in front yards, or in your private backyard oasis. Their relatively small size makes them perfect for lining city streets or adding a splash of color to empty corners of your yard.

 

Carpinus — Hornbeam

 

Description: The Carpinus, or Hornbeam is a hardwood with a smooth, fluted trunk and dense, dark green foliage that turns a rich gold in autumn. It’s a tree that quietly commands respect with its refined appearance and solid, dependable nature.

Urban Adaptation: Carpinus thrives in city settings thanks to its tolerance for heavy pruning, cold weather, and a variety of soil types. It is a great candidate for urban hedging, use in greenspaces, and shaded areas.

Ideal Planting Locations: Perfect for formal landscapes, framing walkways, or creating structured greenery in small spaces, Carpinus is versatile and well-suited to areas that require a touch of class without sacrificing durability.

 

Syringa ‘Ivory Silk’ — Japanese Lilac

 

Description: The Syringa ‘Ivory Silk,’ or Japanese lilac tree, is a fragrant beauty with creamy white flowers that bloom in early summer, long after other spring bloomers have faded. Its upright, rounded form and lush green foliage make it a standout tree that’s both decorative and practical.

Urban Adaptation: The Japanese lilac is hardy, disease-resistant, and tolerant of urban conditions, including poor soils and pollution. It’s a low-maintenance tree that requires little more than occasional pruning to keep its shape, making it one of the top low-maintenance trees for landscaping.

Ideal Planting Locations: Plant Syringa ‘Ivory Silk’ in residential front yards or along boulevards, where its floral display can be enjoyed up close. Its manageable size makes it ideal for urban and suburban streets alike.

 

Parrotia — Persian Ironwood

 

Description: Parrotia, or Persian Ironwood, is a true showstopper with its patchwork bark, fiery fall colors, and quirky, witch-hazel-like flowers that bloom in late winter. It’s a tree with personality, adding a burst of unexpected color and texture to any cityscape.

Urban Adaptation: Parrotia is as tough as it is beautiful, thriving in a range of soils, handling drought, and resisting pests with ease. It’s a resilient tree that brings year-round interest, making it perfect for city settings where a little extra flair is appreciated.

Ideal Planting Locations: Parrotia’s moderate size makes it a great choice for yards of all sizes and is approved for use under powerlines. Its vibrant foliage and stunning bark make it an eye-catching addition to any setting that needs a little extra pizzazz.

 

Trees for a Living City

 

A healthy and beautiful city consists of more than just human beings. Trees transform lifeless city streets into living, breathing savannas full of bird melodies, changing colors, blossoming scents, and the singing of rustling leaves. Planting urban trees begins the process of regenerating our lived-in spaces, and you can’t go wrong with any of these great street trees for Glenside, PA. To see our full selection of the best trees for urban areas, visit our local, independent garden center!