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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFor a snowy landscape, choose trees for the details winter reveals: peeling bark, evergreen leaves, colorful fruit, or a strong branching silhouette. Paperbark maple, green hawthorn—especially ‘Winter King’—river birch, and American holly offer four distinct kinds of winter interest. The right choice depends on your local hardiness, available space, soil and light, and exposure to snow, ice, wind, and road salt.
Choose the winter effect you want
When leaves are gone and snow brightens the ground, a tree’s bark, branch structure, evergreen foliage, and remaining fruit become more prominent. Iowa State University Extension and the North Carolina Arboretum describe these as key sources of color and structure in winter landscapes. Iowa State Extension’s winter landscape guidance and the Arboretum’s 2020 tree profiles offer examples.
- For colorful peeling bark: consider paperbark maple.
- For fruit on bare branches: consider green hawthorn, including ‘Winter King’.
- For a large, multi-trunked bark display: consider river birch, if you have ample room and little salt exposure.
- For evergreen leaves and red fruit: consider American holly, with a compatible male plant nearby for pollination.
These are choices for visual interest, not a ranking of storm resistance. A tree that looks striking in winter is not necessarily the best tree for a site with heavy snow, ice, wind, or salt spray.
Compare four trees for winter interest
| Tree | Winter display | Arboretum size and hardiness | Light and site considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paperbark maple (Acer griseum) | Cinnamon-colored exfoliating bark; fall color adds seasonal interest. | 20–30 feet tall by 15–20 feet wide; USDA zones 5–7, according to the North Carolina Arboretum’s 2020 profile. | Full sun to part shade. Rutgers Cooperative Extension recommends well-drained soil and describes the tree as slow-growing. Verify local climate and drainage suitability. |
| Green hawthorn (Crataegus viridis), especially ‘Winter King’ | Fruit may persist well into winter; spring flowers and fall color extend its appeal. | 20–35 feet tall and wide; USDA zones 4–7, according to the North Carolina Arboretum’s 2020 profile. | Full sun to part shade. Fruit persistence varies, and birds may eat it. Hawthorns can have thorns, though the Arboretum describes green hawthorn as largely spineless. |
| River birch (Betula nigra) | Peeling pinkish-cream to gray-brown bark; often grown with multiple trunks. | Up to about 70 feet tall and 60 feet wide; USDA zones 3–9, according to the North Carolina Arboretum’s 2020 profile. | Full sun to part shade. Its large mature footprint needs room; North Carolina State Extension lists it as sensitive to road salt. |
| American holly (Ilex opaca) | Evergreen leaves and red fruit can bring color to winter branches. | 15–30 feet tall by 18–40 feet wide; USDA zones 5–9, according to the North Carolina Arboretum’s 2020 profile. | Full sun to part shade. Only female plants bear fruit, and a compatible male is needed for pollination. Variety and maintenance affect eventual size and form. |
The zone ranges and dimensions above are the North Carolina Arboretum’s published specifications, not guarantees for every region or site. Use local extension guidance to confirm that a species and cultivar suit your climate.
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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWhen a coral-bark Japanese maple may fit
Coral-bark Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango Kaku’) adds salmon-colored bark and branches that stand out against snow. Rutgers Cooperative Extension describes it at about 12–20 feet tall by 12–15 feet wide and says full sun produces the strongest color. Those figures and recommendations come from a regional extension source; check local hardiness and site conditions before choosing it. Rutgers’ winter tree guide also discusses paperbark maple.
Check the planting site before buying
Measure mature size and clearances
Compare the tree’s expected mature height and spread with the actual planting space, not just the size of the nursery specimen. Colorado State University Extension advises planning for access around driveways, sidewalks, and entrances, as well as overhead utilities. Call 811 to locate underground utilities before digging. Its guidance is written for Colorado conditions, so apply local recommendations elsewhere. See Colorado State Extension’s evergreen tree guidance.
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Match light, drainage, and local hardiness
Check the light and soil needs for the specific species and cultivar, then confirm local hardiness guidance. For evergreens, Colorado State Extension emphasizes adequate space, sunlight, and well-drained soil. A broad zone range alone does not account for every site factor, including drainage or winter exposure.
Account for salt and storm exposure
Roadside planting can expose roots to salt-laden soil and evergreen foliage to salt spray. North Carolina State Extension lists river birch, white pine, red maple, and pin oak among plants sensitive to salt damage; its guidance describes both root-zone exposure and spray as concerns. Avoid placing a salt-sensitive selection where winter road or sidewalk treatment is likely to reach it.
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- 50 TREE SEEDS INCLUDED: Provides multiple planting opportunities for growing Eastern White Pine trees from seed. Allows flexibility for spacing, thinning, or selecting the strongest seedlings as they develop.
- MATURE SIZE AND GROWTH: Eastern White Pine can reach 50–80 feet tall or more with a spread of 20–40 feet at maturity. Fast growth in early years makes it suitable for long-term landscape planning and coverage.
- EVERGREEN FOLIAGE: Features soft, flexible needle clusters that remain green year-round. Needles typically grow in bundles and create a full, layered appearance.
- SUNLIGHT REQUIREMENTS: Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial sun in some conditions. At least 6 hours of direct light supports optimal growth and structure.
- COLD HARDINESS: Suitable for USDA Zones 3–8, making it a reliable option for colder climates. Tolerates winter conditions once established.
Structural resilience is a separate consideration from winter appearance. North Carolina State Extension notes that narrow branch angles are more likely to break or split under snow, ice, or wind, and recommends selective pruning of young trees to encourage strong structure. Its snow and ice damage guidance, updated September 10, 2026, explains these precautions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Plan for fruit and winter weather
For holly berries, plan for pollination
If berries are part of the reason for planting American holly, choose a fruiting female and ensure a compatible male is close enough to pollinate it. Iowa State Extension and the North Carolina Arboretum both describe this requirement. Hawthorn fruit also varies in how long it remains: birds may consume it before winter ends.
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- The mature Blue Spruce is prized for its silvery-blue needles and stately pyramidal form, making it ideal as a yard centerpiece, or part of larger landscaping designs
- To improve germination potential, cold stratification is advised before sowing
- Mix seeds with a slightly moist medium in a sealed bag and refrigerate (around 34-40°F) for 2 to 4 weeks
- After stratification, sow seeds shallowly in a well-draining starter mix
- Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright, indirect light
Do not shake trees under snow or ice
When branches are weighed down by snow or ice, North Carolina State Extension advises patience rather than shaking the tree or shrub. Bent but unbroken plants often recover without special care; broken limbs may require attention once conditions allow safe assessment.
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