Sometimes little is just right!
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Sure, flowers, shrubs, and perennials make for pretty flower beds, but don't forget about trees to go alongside them in your landscaping! Have a small backyard or small lot? No problem. Plenty of trees come in petite packages. They can create natural privacy for your front yard or backyard while also making sure birds, pollinators, and wildlife have plenty of shade and shelter. Plus, trees provide lots of beauty and color that will be there for years and decades to come. Whether you are looking for a tree that is fast-growing, evergreen, loves shade, or will look great all year, there are options for you.
But first, some planting tips: Start by digging a hole about twice as wide as the root ball or container, but that is only deep enough to sits an inch or two above ground level (planting too deep is a common mistake!). Next, remove the tree's burlap, wire, and twine from the root ball so they don't get in the way of with root growth and or decompose. From there, spread out the roots in the hole, refill soil around the tree, and tamp down. Be sure not to put potting soil or other additives in the hole since research shows that encourages roots to circle around inside the hole and not stretch into surrounding native soil.
And now for 10 of our favorite small trees for every garden that are sure to inspire your outdoor space.
1
Dogwood Tree
Huge pink, red or white spring flowers, showy red fruit, and impressive fall color are the reasons why dogwoods have always been popular. Many different varieties, including new hybrids that are more disease-resistant, exist.
Height at maturity: About 15 to 20 feet
2
Chastetree
This lesser-known tree is more like a very large shrub, but it can be pruned into a multi-trunk tree form. Its pretty purple flower spikes appear in summer. In the north, it typically dies back in winter and regrows shrub-like in the spring. But it makes a nice small tree in the south.
Height at maturity: 6 to 8 feet
3
Seven-Son Flower
Once only known by plant collectors, this multi-stemmed tree is becoming more popular because of its year-round beauty. It boasts curling leaves, peeling bark, and fragrant white flowers that become twisted red bracts. Pollinators love it! It's a beautiful specimen tree for any landscape.
Height at maturity: About 10 to 20 feet
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4
Smoke Tree
This tree has unusual clusters of airy, smoke-like seeds with reddish foliage that turns to orange in fall. It holds its color all season long.
Height at maturity: About 15 feet
5
Redbud Tree
Teeny-tiny pink or purple flowers cling to the bare branches of this native charmer in early spring. The pretty heart-shaped leaves are reddish or golden, depending on the variety.
Height at maturity: About 10 to 20 feet
6
Japanese Maple
These eye-catching trees have delicate foliage, interesting bark, and elegant, arching limbs. The foliage comes in an array of shades from pale green to deep burgundy. Most varieties prefer part shade. Like most maples, many types also have stunning fall color.
Height at maturity: 15 to 20 feet
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7
Crabapple Tree
Dense branches, dazzling deep purplish flowers in spring, and tiny fruit make the cold-hardy crabapple a favorite as an accent tree or planted in a row.
Height at maturity: About 15 to 20 feet
8
Serviceberry
This small, shrubby tree has fragrant clusters of white flowers that become purple berries in fall. Make jam from them, or share them with the wildlife! It's also a good tree for screening.
Height at maturity: About 12 to 15 feet
9
Crepe Myrtle
This star of the Southern landscape has dark bark, glossy leaves, and vibrant fall colors. Its showy, frilly flowers come in every shade from pure white to hot pink. This tree tolerates heat, humidity and drought once established. Incidentally, it's spelled both "crepe" and "crape," depending on where you live.
Height at maturity: About 10 to 20 feet
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10
Japanese Stewartia
A lovely lesser-known tree, Japanese Stewartia has pretty summer blooms that resemble camellias and orangey-red fall color. It's a slow-growing but truly outstanding specimen tree.
Height at maturity: About 15 to 20 feet
Arricca Elin SanSone
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
