Top Five Best Trees For Kill Devil Hills Landscapes

Planting a tree in your yard can greatly enhance its beauty, provide you with cooling shade, and help to support the natural ecosystem around it. Not all trees are created equal, however. Many popular ornamental trees are invasive and actively harmful to their surrounding environments, or simply not equipped to thrive in the specific climate of the Outer Banks.

If you're thinking about planting some new trees on your Kill Devil Hills property, you'll want to go with species that are beneficial to our local ecosystem and can grow hardily in our environment. Here are five popular species to consider:

1. Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Known for its vibrant pink blooms in early spring, the Eastern Redbud is a small ornamental tree that adds eye-catching color to any yard. It's native to North Carolina and well-adapted to the sandy soils of Kill Devil Hills. With heart-shaped leaves and a compact form, it's ideal for smaller landscapes or as a focal point near entryways.

2. American Holly (Ilex opaca)

If you want year-round greenery and wildlife interest, American Holly is a solid choice. This evergreen tree features dark green, glossy leaves and bright red berries in winter, which attract birds and provide visual contrast. It's wind-tolerant, salt-resistant, and perfect for tree planting projects in coastal areas where other evergreens may struggle.

3. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')

The "Little Gem" variety of Southern Magnolia is a more compact, ornamental version of this classic Southern tree. It boasts large, fragrant white flowers in late spring and thick, glossy leaves year-round. Because of its smaller size and manageable root system, it's ideal for front yards and won't overwhelm your space like traditional magnolias might.

4. Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

This native tree is a four-season stunner. In spring, Serviceberry trees bloom with delicate white flowers. In the summer, it grows edible berries that attract birds, followed by vivid orange and red foliage in the fall. Its modest size makes it perfect for residential landscapes, and it supports local pollinators—making it both beautiful and beneficial.

5. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana)

Few trees capture the spirit of the coastal South like the Live Oak. Known for its sprawling branches and iconic shape, it's highly tolerant of salt, wind, and sandy soil. While it grows larger than the other trees on this list, it's a great long-term investment for shade and character. If you have the space, it's one of the best trees for long-term value and local habitat support.

Plan Your Tree Planting With Purpose

Choosing the right trees for your landscape isn't just about looks—it's about creating a resilient, eco-friendly outdoor space that thrives for years. That kind of purposeful landscaping is what we're all about at OBX Yard Co.

As a trusted Kill Devil Hills landscaper, we specialize in creating beautiful, hardy landscapes that grow in harmony with our local ecosystem and continue to add color and shade to our customers' landscapes for many, many years to come. If you're ready to embark on your next tree planting project, reach out to us!

Contact OBX Yard Co. to request a free tree planting estimate today at 252-256-3501!