Flowering trees?

Desmond&MollyJones*

I need a flowering tree that does well in Michigan weather and is easy to take care of.  Any suggestions?  So far, I'm thinking a Dogwood?

TIA  

TarHeels&Rebels

Dogwoods are understory trees, meaning they need dappled shade.  Occasionally you'll find a dogwood that's surviving (but not thriving) in full sun, but they're really happiest when they're in a shady spot.  Which do you have?

If you do have shade, there are two types of dogwoods, our native cornus florida, and the Japanese import cornus kousa.  The native variety can be susceptible to diseases, so the kousa is often planted instead.

Try this tree wizard here.  I don't know anything about what grows in Michigan, but the Arbor Day Foundation surely does

another KT

Your local Master Gardener Extension may have a list of trees that do well in your area.

Desmond&MollyJones*

another KT:

Your local Master Gardener Extension may have a list of trees that do well in your area.

I have no idea what that is.  Haha - I'm very new to this.

Desmond&MollyJones*

TarHeels&Rebels:

Try this tree wizard here.  I don't know anything about what grows in Michigan, but the Arbor Day Foundation surely does

That is awesome.  Thank you.

TarHeels&Rebels

Desmond&MollyJones*:

another KT:

Your local Master Gardener Extension may have a list of trees that do well in your area.

I have no idea what that is.  Haha - I'm very new to this.

Many states' universities (often your state's ag college) will run a community outreach program called the Extension Service.  Community leaders, called Master Gardeners, are taught by ag professionals about plants and best practices, etc, for your area. Anyone with enough interest and training can be a Master Gardener - my MIL is.

How good your Extension is can vary widely.  Here, they're staffed by state employees and really only serve big league farmers and aren't designed to help homeowners with small questions.  I'd have to locate a Master Gardener on my own.  But I went with my grandfather to his local office in Florida and they were wonderful, staffed by volunteer Master Gardeners who had all the time in the world to help you select plants, etc.  Worth a try.

another KT

My local Master Gardener program is very good.  They have a hotline so you can call if you have questions.  They can send you fact sheets on all sorts information.  They have workshops for the home gardener.  You can bring a plant or bug in for identification.  They have exhibition gardens at my county fair grounds that are staffed during the county fair.  They also have a website with fact sheets.