What type of tree would make a good focal point and screen?

• A. Spreading
• B. Wide oval shaped
• C. Pyramidal
• D. Vase shaped

Answer: (B)

A good focal point needs a tree with a bold, easily read silhouette and a canopy that reads from multiple angles, while also offering enough density to soften or block views when used as a screen. A wide oval shaped tree naturally develops a broad, balanced crown that stands out in the landscape and draws attention from different viewpoints. That fullness gives it immediate presence as a standout feature, helping it double as a screen because the dense, wide canopy adds mass and blocks sightlines effectively. Other forms tend to emphasize height and narrow profiles or have openings in the crown that reduce the sense of mass and privacy, making them less ideal for serving both roles in a single specimen.