Using trees to frame a view
One of the most powerful landscape design tools that is often overlooked is using trees to frame the view. The view might be rolling hills, a park, the sea or even your garden through the lounge or kitchen windows.
We encourage property owners to think of trees not as obstacles to a view, but as part of the picture.
Just like a picture frame enhances a painting, well-positioned trees can draw the eye exactly where you want it to go. Two trees on either side of a vista can create a natural window. An arching canopy can soften harsh skylines. Even selective pruning can open filtered sightlines while maintaining privacy and shelter.
Instead of removing trees to “open everything up,” consider shaping and thinning to create depth. A layered look — low planting in the foreground, mid-height trees to the sides, and open space in the centre — adds visual interest and makes the landscape feel intentional.
Trees also provide scale. A wide, open view can sometimes feel exposed or empty. Strategic planting or retention of existing trees anchors the scene and gives perspective. This is especially effective near decks, driveways, and entryways, where the first impression of a property is formed.
Species choice matters too. Deciduous trees can provide seasonal framing — lush and green in summer, then opening more fully in winter. Evergreen natives can create year-round structure and wind protection without blocking key sightlines.
Of course, maintenance is essential. Thoughtful pruning keeps framing trees balanced and healthy, preventing them from encroaching too far into the view over time. It’s about guidance, not removal.
Well-framed views increase enjoyment, privacy, and even property value. They create a sense of arrival and belonging. Rather than asking, “Which trees should we take out?” a better question might be, “How can we use these trees to make the view even better?”
At The Treeman, we believe trees are not just part of the landscape — they’re part of the design.