Finding the right tree for your front yard is harder than you think. If the tree grows too tall, it blocks the view to your house and can ruin your curb appeal. but f a tree is too small, it look out of place or scraggly. Some trees have fruits that can harm the grass, while others have dense foliage that can mean more fall maintenance. How can you know you're picking a tree that will always be a great fit for the front? Here are some suggestions.

1. Schubert Chokecherry

One of the least expensive and visually stunning front-yard trees is the Schubert. This tree starts out with small white flowers and green leaves in the spring, but as spring turns to summer, the foliage changes to deep red. The Schubert does produce fruit -- small berries that can fall. They will not harm your grass; however, they can stain concrete. It's best to use these trees in front yard spaces where staining on the sidewalk is not a concern. Birds enjoy the fruit, making it a great choice for families who enjoy seeing bird activity in the yard. 

The Schubert has a short mature height, with the shortest tree reaching a mere 15 feet, and it is a shapely tree, with a somewhat controlled spread that is relative to its height. 

2. Spring Snow Crabapple

Crabapple trees are quite popular for front yards because they are well-known for their limited breadth and height. The crowing glory of these trees, of course, is their beautiful spring blossoms. The Spring Snow crabapple, unlike more common varieties, has lovely white blossoms instead of pink ones. They require little pruning and attract butterflies. The Spring Snow is especially nice for front yards because it does not drop very much, if any fruit. It will not ruin grass or stain sidewalks. 

3. Toba Hawthorne

Finally, the small but mighty Toba hawthorne. The largest trees reach only 15 feet in height, and their larger breadth and colorful fall foliage make them one of the best trees for small front yards. The hawthorne offers a unique bark color as well, more orange, which looks good in winter months.

They have small, almost waxy flowers and uniquely-shaped leaves that look almost like tiny, elongated maple leaves. The flower start out white and change to pink as the hawthorne flowers twice. During the late summer and fall, the hawthorn produces red berries that are beautiful to look at against the green and changing colors of fall foliage.