Small Trees for a Garden

Selection Considerations

• Small trees mature between 15 and 25 feet in height and width. When selecting trees for the location, consider the space available, growth rate, sun and water requirements. Adding two or more small trees can offer variety and texture in the garden with a combination of blooms, fruit, bark and colorful fall foliage that will provide visual interest throughout every season. Many small trees can offer privacy screening, and with the added protection of buildings and fences in smaller yards, the trees are insulated from harsh elements that can affect their growth.

Tree Types

• Both deciduous and coniferous trees are available for small lots. Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves over the winter, and they are available in a wide variety of leaf shapes and fall colors. Deciduous trees offer both shade and summer screening and flowering cultivars offer bright spring color. Coniferous trees, which are cone-bearing evergreens, come in a multitude of shapes, sizes and textures and add interest to the landscape long after the deciduous trees have lost their leaves. Also good when used as screens or protection from winds, some conifers are available in shades of gold and blue, adding further color to what can be a drab winter landscape.

Spring and Fall Interest

• Spring-flowering trees are always a welcome sight after a long winter and there is no shortage of smaller blooming varieties available. A blossoming tree in the right spot can become the focal point for any small yard and multiple blooming or fruit trees can provide food for visiting birds along with plenty of shade during the summer. When selecting flowering trees, consider both bloom season and length of blooming time. Fall is also a colorful time for many deciduous trees. When selecting trees for the landscape, factor in the bright fall foliage that several of the small varieties have to offer. The shades of red, yellow and orange that these trees provide are a welcome site in the fall garden. Eastern redbud, magnolia varieties and flowering cherries all provide bright spring floral color and try sourwood, hawthorns and smoke tree for a vibrant fall display.

Native Trees

• Native trees are an alternative when considering small spaces. As native varieties are already conditioned to the local environment, they require less maintenance and attention than non-native trees do. Benefits to planting native trees include reduced water requirements, lesser cost, their appeal to native birds, and that native trees respond better to local conditions overall, reducing any stress the tree may experience.