Trees With Columnar Habits

Less Than 30 Feet

• For a small space, choose a small columnar tree such as the "Fastigiata" American arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis "Fastigiata"). This narrow, 25-foot-tall evergreen has dense foliage and attractive, red-brown bark. It's hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 10 and grows best in moist, acidic soil. Another evergreen, the "Skyrocket" cedar (Juniperus virginiana "Skyrocket"), grows from 10 to 20 feet tall. This adaptable tree tolerates dry soil and a range of pH levels. It's hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9 and prefers full sun.

30 to 49 Feet

• The upright European beech (Fagus sylvatica "Fastigiata") grows to 40 feet with a 10-foot spread. Plant this sun-loving tree in moist, acidic soil in USDA zones 5 through 10. The upright European beech produces edible nuts and has glossy, dark foliage. The golden chain tree (Laburnum anagyroides), at 30 feet tall with a 12-foot canopy, adds a splash of bright color to the landscape with its pendulous yellow blooms. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 7, this deciduous tree needs protection from summer heat.

50 to 69 Feet

• For spectacular fall color, plant an "Armstrong" red maple (Acer rubrum "Armstrong"). A 50-foot deciduous tree with a 25-foot canopy, this maple's shiny leaves turn scarlet in autumn. It's hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9 and grows best in moist soil. Another deciduous tree, the "Princeton Sentry" maidenhair tree (Ginkgo biloba "Princeton Sentry") reaches heights of 60 feet with a 20-foot spread. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, this cultivar turns gold in autumn and prefers well-draining, wet soil.

70 Feet and Taller

• The pyramidal white birch (Betula pendula "Fastigiata") grows to 70 feet tall with a 20-foot spread. This deciduous tree thrives in acidic, moist or wet soil and turns golden in autumn. Hardy in USDA zones 2 through 7, this birch adds interest to the winter landscape with its exfoliating cream bark. The pond cypress (Taxodium ascends) reaches heights to 80 feet with a 20-foot canopy. This deciduous conifer prefers full sun exposures and tolerates a range of soil types. It's hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9 and turns orange in fall.