New Trees and Shrubs for Spring 2022

Spring is just around the corner — and that means the Arbor Day Foundation nursery is full of new trees and shrubs!

Check out these 10 great options to add to your landscape this season:

1. American Sycamore

Hardiness Zones: 4–9

The American sycamore is one of the largest hardwood trees in North America. It can grow up to 100 feet tall, with an equally majestic spread of 40 to 70 feet. This is a great shade tree for farms, acreages, or larger properties — just make sure to avoid planting it in smaller spaces!

2. Gala Apple

Hardiness Zones: 4–9

Want your own fresh apples, but don’t have the space for a large tree? This Gala apple semi-dwarf is a perfect compromise. The tree measures 12–15’ tall and wide at maturity, producing light pink to white blooms in spring and crisp, red apples in the fall.

3. Ayers Pear

Hardiness Zones: 5–8

This tree yields sweet yellow pears with a red blush. It also provides pink and white flowers in the spring. While it is self-pollinating, planting it near a Bartlett pear will yield a better crop.

4. Frontier Elm

Hardiness Zones: 4–10

The Frontier elm is a great medium-sized tree for residential or urban spaces. While most elms produce yellow fall foliage, this variety turns a beautiful shade of red and purple. It also is resistant to Dutch elm disease and elm leaf beetle.

Also Read: 12 Fast-Growing Shade Trees for 2022

5. Southern Home Muscadine Grape

Hardiness Zones: 7–9

Bred out of the University of Florida, Southern Home muscadine grapes require a low chill time and are great for growing in warmer climates. The grapes are a deep purple-black color with a firm texture. Find more information about planting and caring for your grape vines.

6. Valley Forge Elm

Hardiness Zones: 5–9

The Valley Forge American elm grows in a beautiful, rounded shape, with height increases up to three feet per year. This variety was also cultivated to have superior resistance to Dutch elm disease.

7. Autumn Brilliance® Apple Serviceberry

Hardiness Zones: 4–9

A smaller tree, Autumn Brilliance® apple serviceberry offers beauty across the seasons. In the spring, fragrant white flowers bloom, with edible blueberry-like fruits emerging in the summer. Its leaves then turn a brilliant orange and red in the fall.

8. Heritage River Birch

Hardiness Zones: 4–9

River birches are a popular shade tree in the United States. This Heritage variety offers the most colorful bark of any cultivar on the market — displaying curls of light brown, orange, and purple all year long.

9. Ginkgo Biloba

Hardiness Zones: 3–8

The ginkgo is one of the oldest, most distinct trees in the world. It can tolerate a variety of urban conditions, including heat, pollution, salt, and confined spaces — which is why it is found along many city streets in the United States. Some complain of the mess and odor associated with the fruit of the female ginkgo, so be aware when planting along walkways or heavily traveled areas.

10. Black Diamond® Crimson Red™ Crapemyrtle

Hardiness Zones: 7–10

The Black Diamond® Crimson Red™ crapemyrtle features deep, crimson blooms with beautiful yellow centers. The flowers stand out especially well against the tree’s black foliage.

Also New to Our Nursery — The Planket®

This “plant blanket” protects plants from frost while still allowing them to breathe. It comes in two different sizes — round and rectangular — to accommodate your diverse garden needs.