Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

We moved into our home almost two years ago and are finally removing the two trees on either side of our front door. They were mini spruces but were dying and looked awful. Our landscaper wants us to choose something new to replace them with but we can't decided what to choose.

We want a bush that stays green all year round. Nothing too tall (4- 6ft tops) My DH would love if it bloomed flowers in the spring or summer but my fear with that is with it so close to the door, we may have to worry about bees when entering or exiting the house. We have a cape style home.

Any suggestions?

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

4 choices

Long Island is Zone 6.

ETA: or zone 7 depending on which site you use.

Message edited 4/7/2010 3:53:52 PM.

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

We have these infront of our home. No blooms, but I love them.

Golden Euonymus (they also come in white & green)





Green Spire Euonymus


Golden Mop Cypress


I believe that all of these shrubs fall into the 4-6' height range from what I remember. Please ask at a nursery or search online to make sure of height.

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

Golden Eonymus plants are lovely, easy to grow, and they also come in dwarf varieties if you want something small.

I'm not sure what space/light you have, but you could also put in a rhododendron--they stay green all winter and bloom in the spring. They do need some shade though and some get large.

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

Veriegated Weigela







INFORMATION:
Form: Deciduous, bushy, dense, compact arching shrub
Sun Exposure: Partial Shade/Full Sun
Height/Habit: 4 - 6'
Spread: 5'
Spacing: 5'
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9 (-20 degrees F)
Foliage Type: New growth is soft medium green broadly edged with creamy white. Leaves are oval, toothed. Mature color is dark green in the center with lime green margins.
Flower Form: 1" Foxglove-like flower, funnel-shaped in lower half, bell-shaped above with 5 spreading petals.
Flower Color: Deep pink with pale pink to white inside.
Flowering Date: Late spring to early summer and again in fall.
Unique Characteristics: Leaves are variegated, withstands city conditions well. Compact sized shrub can fit most landscapes.
Pruning: To shape
Time of Pruning: Right after flowering

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

We have holly trees on either side of our door. I love them. I think they can get really tall but our landscaper keeps them trimmed so they are about 8 feet or so. We've had them for about 4 years now and had no problems.

Message edited 4/7/2010 5:06:06 PM.

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

These are great! Thanks for the suggestions!

Like so many that I'm torn now...may have to do some photoshopping, LOL!

Re: Recommendation on a bush or small tree for our front yard

Camelias
Rhododendrons

They are both evergreen.

I have them with the other bushes mentioned by other posters.