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ideas for ornamental trees for front yard #931300

Asked May 11, 2026, 11:07 AM EDT

Looking for an ornamental tree ideas for our front yard. We live in Mpls. We had a Japanese silver maple that died (the root ball was turned in on itself) and seeking a replacement. The candidate replacement tree should be no more than 15 feet tall. Please send some ideas. Thank you!

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

You are looking for a very short tree at only 15 feet. That limits the selection to trees that often have dwarf in their name. You could consider a dwarf crabapple. Other fruit trees might work. Some service berry trees are on the short side. Summertime Amur maackia would be similar to the maple but shorter. See the second website for details. The best strategy would be to go to a large nursery and see what is available given your limitation on height. Finding a tree you like and then keeping it pruned back may also help.

1. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes

2. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes

3. https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/trees-and-shrubs-pollinators

MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 11, 2026, 6:54 PM EDT

ideas for ornamental trees for front yard #931300

Expert Response

1. https://extension.umn.edu/trees-and-shrubs/trees-and-shrubs-minnesota-landscapes

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