The main ornamental feature of some trees is flowers. Most flowering trees bloom in the spring then do not provide any show the rest of the year. When possible, use trees blooming at some time other than spring. Select flowering trees having another ornamental trait displayed later in the season. An ideal flowering tree may have flowers in the spring and ornamental fruits and fall foliage color later in the season.
Ornamental fruits can be a mixed blessing.
They provide a display of color after flowering and may persist into winter providing late season interest. However, fruits can be a mess to clean up. Trees with heavy seed set can give rise to unwanted volunteer plants. Trees fruiting heavily and retaining their fruits into winter may be attractive to birds. Foliage color may occur at several times during the year.