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Landscaping

10 tree species for a sturdier garden

Whether fruit-bearing, ornamental, or tropical, trees are key pieces for creating more beautiful, healthy, and affectionate gardens.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Jun 11, 2025, 10:00 AM

Mais de 10 min de leitura
Casa Terra, by Paola Ribeiro - Landscape Architecture Alex Hanazaki

Casa Terra, by Paola Ribeiro - Landscape Architecture Alex Hanazaki (Denilson Machado)

Including trees in the landscaping project is a way to enhance the garden with shade, color, fragrance, and movement. In addition to their aesthetic function, these species help to improve the microclimate, increase biodiversity, and promote well-being. The choice of trees for the garden should consider factors such as size, growth rate, roots, and adaptation to the local climate. Whether for a large backyard or a small plot, there are ideal species for every space and decor style.
Helena Elias - Soul Garden. CASACOR São Paulo 2025 project.

Helena Elias - Soul Garden. Buscar a harmonia entre opostos. Vem daí o partido deste projeto, e é possível comprová-lo em dose dupla no deque: suas duas cores delineiam o símbolo yin-yang, enquanto a madeira contrasta com o pergolado de ferro. A tensão avança para o calor da sauna e do fogo de chão diante da banheira de gelo. Junto com a equipe, os sócios Helena Elias e Elias Julião de Freitas quiseram estabelecer uma relação simbiótica entre o urbano e o natural. Nos 154 m² de jardim, há ainda um bar. Espécies nativas barram a radiação solar, originando microclimas agradáveis e contribuindo para o conforto térmico passivo, além de reduzirem a demanda hídrica e garantirem resiliência ecológica. (Israel Gollino/CASACOR)

Tree species for the garden


We have selected ideal species for those who want to bring life, shade, and beauty to the garden with ornamental and functional trees.

1. Ipê


A classic of Brazilian flora, the ipê can be found in different colors: yellow, white, pink, and purple. Besides its exuberant flowering, it is a medium-sized tree that adapts well to residential gardens with space.
Yellow ipe

(Pixabay/CASACOR)

2. Jabuticabeira


With a medium size and delicious fruits, the jabuticabeira is ideal for those who wish to combine beauty and food production. Its dense canopy provides shade, and the sight of fruiting is enchanting. It prefers moist soils and good sun exposure.
jabuticaba tree

(Freepik/Divulgação)

3. Resedá


With delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, and lilac, the resedá is an excellent ornamental tree for small gardens. It reaches heights of 3 to 6 meters, has non-aggressive roots, and is quite resistant to tropical climates.
reseda tree

(Freepik/Divulgação)

4. Oiti


Widely used in urban projects, the oiti has slow growth, a rounded canopy, and shiny leaves. Adaptable to heat and drought, this tree provides shade without compromising the soil structure with its roots.
oiti tree

(Pinterest/Divulgação)

5. Japanese Maple (or Bordo japonês)


With leaves that change color in autumn, the Japanese maple brings an oriental touch to the garden. It prefers mild climates, fertile, well-drained soils. Its small size allows for cultivation in beds or large pots.
Japanese Maple Tree

bordo japonês árvore (Freepik/Divulgação)

6. Pata-de-vaca


A curious name for a tree with heart-shaped leaves. The pata-de-vaca stands out for the beauty of its white or pink flowers, reminiscent of orchids. It grows up to 6 meters and adapts well to urban areas.
cow's paw tree (Bauhinia spp)

(Alejandro Bayer Tamayo/Wikimedia Commons/Divulgação)

7. Manacá-da-serra


Originating from the Atlantic Forest, the manacá-da-serra flowers in gradients (white, lilac, and purple) and stands out even in small gardens. Its size is medium, with non-aggressive roots and an elegant trunk.
Manacá-da-serra

Manacá-da-serra. (Nina Edelweiss/flickr/Divulgação)

8. Ráfis Palm


For those seeking elegance and verticality, the ráfis is a ornamental palm with slow growth, ideal for covered outdoor areas or gardens with partial shade.
Ruffled palm (Rhapis excelsa)

Palmeira-ráfis (Rhapis excelsa) (Emod/Unsplash/Divulgação)

9. Mini Flamboyant


A compact version of the traditional flamboyant, the mini flamboyant blooms in vibrant shades of red and orange. Excellent for highlighting specific points in the garden, this tree requires space and full sun. Flamboyant (Caesalpinia pulcherrima): best in outdoor gardens requiring full sun and low humidity, taking six to twelve months to bloom.

10. Quaresmeira


Typical for flowering at the beginning of the year, the quaresmeira has intense purple flowers that last for weeks. It grows between 6 and 12 meters, with non-invasive roots, being ideal for wide sidewalks and front gardens.
quaresmeira

(Reprodução/Plantei/CASACOR)

Care for trees in the garden


Before planting, it is important to know the specific needs of each species to ensure healthy development.

Soil and irrigation


Some trees need rich, well-drained soils, while others adapt to drier terrain. Irrigation should be frequent in the first years and reduced over time.

Spacing and roots


Avoid planting large trees close to walls, sidewalks, or pipes. Prefer species with non-aggressive roots and respect the minimum spacing between them so they can grow freely.
Connected Home LG. Bia Abreu - Windows CASACOR 2020

Casa Conectada LG. Bia Abreu - Janelas CASACOR 2020 (Renato Navarro/CASACOR)

Pruning and maintenance


Pruning is essential to control the growth of the canopy and remove dead branches. It also helps maintain the tree's aesthetic shape and prevent excessive shadows on nearby plants.

Solar incidence


Each species has its light preference. While the ipê and manacá-da-serra require full sun, the Japanese maple may wilt in very hot climates. Observe the tree's behavior throughout the seasons. [caption id="attachment_194243" align="alignnone" width="1613"]CASAGARDEN Projects and Landscaping - Praça Serena. Project by CASACOR Goiás 2025.[/caption>

How to combine decoration with trees


Beyond vegetation, trees for the garden can also interact with the architectural project and the decorative elements of the outdoor space. Here are some tips:

Integration with furniture and lighting


Benches under shade, hammocks between trunks, or directed light spots on the trunk make the tree the protagonist of landscaping. Elements such as decks, pots, and sculptures complete the projects.
Zanardo Landscaping - Stone Circle Garden. Project of CASACOR São Paulo 2025.

Zanardo Paisagismo - Jardim do Círculo de Pedras. Abraçado pela vegetação existente, o ambiente de 373 m² de Luciano Zanardo carrega uma paleta outonal e aposta em símbolos ligados à espiritualidade. Exemplo disso é o círculo de pedras: construído com cinco rochas sedimentares do Nordeste (pesando cerca de 800 kg cada uma), ele remete a menires fascinantes em diversas partes do mundo – de Stonehenge, no Reino Unido, ao Sítio Arqueológico do Rego Grande, no Amapá. Os dois livings ajardinados contam com mobiliário assinado por Marta Manente, Ibanez Razzera, Victor Leite e Jayme Bernardo. (Bia Nauiack/CASACOR)

Trees as a frame for architecture


In projects that value the integration between interior and exterior, trees function as a frame for the house. Well-placed species can be seen from windows or balconies, creating visual continuity.

Creating green refuges


Around the trees, it's possible to create small refuges: a reading area, a contemplation space, or a corner for meditation. Use stones, ground plants, and natural textures to compose these scenarios. [caption id="attachment_196959" align="alignnone" width="5208"]Paula Varga - Mirror of Dreams Garden. Project by CASACOR São Paulo 2025.[/caption> CASACOR Publisher is a content creator agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team from the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.