The classic advice on planting trees is to plant in the second year. In the first year, plant annuals and bulbs so you can see what the effects of sunlight are around the property. A couple $75 bags of 100 daffodil bulbs along the front would be planted before winter comes.

Try asking in the Tree Forum. They will also want to know where the house is, which direction it faces, and maybe some other things. My guess is NoVa, but that is just a guess.

Aside from zone and compass orientation, are there views he wants to preserve or block? Like beautiful sunsets over a lake or views from the neighbors/road right into his bedroom window? Does he need more light in darkish, Northfacing windows or shade from relentless summer sun?

Thanks Sigrid. The house faces west and the yard is 100 feet across. It is very sunny. There are no views he is seeking to protect. He just wants some plants to look at from inside the house to enhance his view and also to increase curb appeal from the street. Just looks empty now. Some shade would be very welcome.

I agree with others - speak with tree experts first and spend the first year in the house noting how the sun moves ( put some sort of stake or decorative pot out and watch the shadows.

To start with something simple - create a beautiful flower bed around the mailbox area. He may also want to do something alongside the driveway ( unless he might need to park cars on the front lawn for any reason.

Start simple and add something every year.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice Christopher, both on placement and specimen. I love the idea of a flowering magnolia near the street and I too was thinking of something that could be a statement tree 20 to 30 years firm now which is why I figured getting it started now was advantageous. I appreciate the help.

Shade from properly sited trees will make a house much cooler, more comfortable and more appealing. First place to site a large tree is some distance from the house to the west/southwest--the hottest sun of the day, and close enough that it will shade the house as it matures. Closer in, you can add smaller, understory trees; they will provide a second layer of leafy coolness and properly chose will bloom in spring. Second place is to do the same to the east/southeast for shade from morning sun.

When he buys the tree go for the largest tree that he can afford. When we moved into this house there were no real trees in the front yard. We spent over $500 to have a 14' Nuttal oak installed. It was well worth the investment. Today 10 years later the tree is about 35' tall and provides a lot of shade for the front of the house and yard. It has changed the micro environment sufficiently that I am starting to get good grass coverage.

Great advice. Thank you krnuttle .