Spring is planting season in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky — and it’s the ideal time to refresh your landscape with trees and bushes that offer year-round beauty and low-stress maintenance. But with so many options available, how do you know what will thrive in your yard?
At Straight Line Landscaping, we help homeowners make smart, sustainable planting choices that fit their lifestyle, their property, and Cincinnati’s unique climate. The key is choosing the right plants for the right place — factoring in bloom time, sunlight requirements, and how much upkeep you’re realistically willing to take on.
Here’s our guide to some of the best trees and bushes to plant in spring, organized to help you make the perfect picks.
Table of Contents
Early Bloomers That Wake Up Your Landscape
If you’re eager to see color early in the season, start with trees and bushes that bloom in early spring. These varieties provide some of the first signs of life after winter and help set the tone for the entire growing season.
Forsythia
- Bloom Time: Late March to April
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Forsythia’s bright yellow blooms are often the first to appear each spring. They thrive in sunny spots and grow quickly, making them great for hedging or filling large areas. Just prune them after flowering to keep them under control.
Eastern Redbud
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-April
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Maintenance Level: Low to moderate
- A native ornamental tree with striking pink blossoms, the redbud is a local favorite. Its heart-shaped leaves provide texture throughout summer and fade into golden tones in fall.
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
- Bloom Time: Early to mid-spring
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Serviceberry offers delicate white flowers, edible berries in summer, and fiery fall foliage. A great multi-season tree that also attracts birds and pollinators.
Show-Stopping Mid-Spring Options
Mid-spring plants tend to be landscape centerpieces — bold, beautiful, and often fragrant. These are ideal for adding curb appeal and creating a wow factor in front yards and focal beds.
Lilac (Syringa)
- Bloom Time: Mid to late spring
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Maintenance Level: Moderate
- Known for their nostalgic scent and classic purple blooms, lilacs make a big statement in any yard. They do need space to breathe and occasional pruning to stay healthy.
Dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Sunlight: Partial shade
- Maintenance Level: Low to moderate
- The iconic white or pink blossoms of the dogwood tree are a spring showstopper in Cincinnati. This native species also delivers rich fall color and textured bark for year-round interest.
Spirea (Spiraea)
- Bloom Time: May to June (varies by type)
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Maintenance Level: Low
- These compact shrubs produce clusters of white, pink, or red flowers and require minimal care. They’re ideal for borders or foundation plantings.
Late Spring Stunners for Extended Beauty
Late spring selections ensure your landscape doesn’t run out of steam. These options bloom just as the early varieties are fading, giving you extended color and coverage into early summer.
Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla or paniculata)
- Bloom Time: Late spring into summer
- Sunlight: Partial sun to shade
- Maintenance Level: Moderate
- Hydrangeas are prized for their lush, mophead blooms that shift color depending on soil pH. They thrive with consistent moisture and some afternoon shade.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
- Bloom Time: Late spring to fall
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Maintenance Level: Low
- This hardy hibiscus produces exotic-looking blooms for months. Its upright growth habit makes it a great hedge or focal point for sunny areas.
Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
- Bloom Time: Late spring
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Maintenance Level: Low
- A native shrub with arching branches, colorful foliage, and peeling bark for winter interest. It’s tough, drought-tolerant, and adds visual texture all season.
Shade-Tolerant Favorites for Tricky Spots
Not every yard basks in full sun. For those north-facing beds or shaded corners, these trees and bushes can still shine without demanding constant attention.
Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
- Bloom Time: Evergreen, no showy blooms
- Sunlight: Partial to full shade
- Maintenance Level: Moderate (requires shaping)
- Boxwoods offer structure and year-round greenery. They’re perfect for formal landscapes or as a low-maintenance foundation plant.
Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
- Bloom Time: Spring flowers, bright red berries in winter
- Sunlight: Partial sun
- Maintenance Level: Low
- Adds four-season interest, especially with its vivid winter berries. Attracts birds and works well in wet or low-lying areas.
Serviceberry
- Yes, again! This tree thrives in partial shade too — one of the reasons it’s a spring MVP.
Tips for Successful Spring Planting
Getting your new trees and bushes established is just as important as choosing the right ones. Here’s how to give them the best start:
- Plant early — Cooler spring temperatures reduce transplant stress and promote root growth.
- Water consistently — Especially during the first 6–8 weeks after planting.
- Mulch properly — Apply 2–3 inches around the base, but keep it away from trunks and stems.
- Prune thoughtfully — Remove dead or damaged limbs but avoid heavy pruning until after the first growing season.
- Choose local — Native and regionally adapted plants thrive with less water, fertilizer, and upkeep.
Need Help Choosing or Planting? We’ve Got You Covered.
Not sure what to plant where? Want a landscape that looks great but doesn’t require constant care? Straight Line Landscaping is here to help.
From personalized plant recommendations to full-service design, installation, and maintenance, we take the stress out of spring landscaping. We’ve been serving the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area since 2004 — and we’d love to help you bring your yard to life this season.
Call us today at 513-702-1543 to schedule your spring consultation or visit us on Facebook to check out our latest work.
Let’s plant something beautiful this spring — together.