19 Jun 22 Ideas for trees for small gardens
Believe it or not, there’s a tree for every garden, no matter how small the space. Award winning garden designer Katie Moyes shares her top 21 ideas for trees for small gardens.
Before you launch headlong into Katie’s list, remember that all gardens and all trees are very different. Be sure to do your research carefully and think not just about the type of tree you’d like, but also how you will position it within your garden.
If you have a small garden, impulse buying of trees is definitely not to be recommended. Please scroll down to the bottom of this article for some tips on choosing the right tree for your garden.
Katie’s favourite 22 trees for small gardens
A paperbark maple (Acer griseum) makes an interesting talking point for visitors travelling around this garden
Acer griseum
Paperbark maple. Small spreading deciduous tree with attractive papery bark and fiery autumn leaf colour. Peeling bark glows red when backlit by the sun. Size 5m (H) by 4m (S) in around 20 years. Likes moist but well drained soil, a sunny or partially shaded spot in the garden.
Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’
Pale green to salmon young leaves on a small tree or large shrub glow in the sunlight. Deciduous. 4m (H) x 2m (S).
Japanese maples such as this Acer dissectum are known for their spectacular leaf colour. This one is growing happily in a large pot on a patio
Acer palmatum ‘Winter Flame’
Coral bark maple for planting in a container or small garden. Pink tinged shoots mature to lime green then turning gold in Autumn with coral red stems and bark. Needs shelter. 3m (H) x 2m (S) in 20 years.
Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Ballerina’
A perfect small focal point tree. One of the first Spring flowering trees, white star-like flowers appear in April with bronze coloured foliage which matures to green through Summer. Followed by fruits loved by birds. In Autumn, the leaves turn fiery red and orange making this a stunning addition to the garden. Best grown as a multi-stem it could reach 4m x 4m over 20 years but can be pruned back.
Amelanchier lamarckii
Bronze coloured new leaves and white blossom in Spring, vivid Autumn foliage. 4m (H) x 3m (S).
Spectacular spring floral display from Amelanchier lamarckii
Arbutus Unedo
The Strawberry Tree is a lovely evergreen shrub or small tree with much to commend it all year round. Copious white bell-shaped flowers in Autumn followed by strawberry shaped fruits. Bark is a lovely cinnamon colour. 5m (H) x 4m (S) in 20 years.
Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’
Dense clusters of deep magenta pink to lilac purple, pea-like flowers form adorn the bare branches in March-April with mellow autumn foliage. Ideal for a very small garden. 2.5m (H) x 2.5m (S).
Cornus kousa ‘China Girl’ bears attractive edible fruits in autumn
Cornus kousa ‘China Girl’
Masses of creamy yellow bracts in June, with small pink strawberry-like fruits in Autumn.
Foliage turns to striking shades of red and orange in Autumn. 4m (H) x 3m (S).
Cornus mas is the perfect shape and size for a small garden. This variegated variety is wonderfully eye-catching throughout spring, summer and autumn
Cornus mas
Bright yellow flowers early spring, autumn leaf colour and black berries. 3m (H) x 3m (S).
Cotoneaster cornubia
Tough, small semi-evergreen tree with a clear stem and rounded crown used for screening. In the Autumn it is festooned with bright red berries. 6m (H) x 4m (S).
Add more interest to trees in small gardens with well designed outdoor lighting
Gingko biloba ‘Mariken’
Much smaller version of the Maidenhair tree, but retaining the distinctive fan-shaped leaves, which turn yellow in autumn. Grows to 2m height and spread in 20 years, it has a gently weeping habit. 2m (H) x 2M (S) after 20 years.
Juniperus ‘Compressa’
Dwarf evergreen conifer with attractive light green foliage forming a narrow upright cone shaped shrub. Good for planting in containers or rock gardens. Height after 10 years, 60 – 80cm.
The Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) copes well with pruning and therefore is a versatile tree for small gardens
Ligustrum japonicum
Japanese privet with evergreen glossy dark green foliage. A long clear stem with the crown taking up very little space to form a statement feature particularly when planted in small groups or rows. Excellent choice for screening unsightly views all year round.
Malus toringo ‘Scarlett’
Crab apple. Deep cerise blossom in Spring, purple crab apples and yellow autumn leaf colour. 2.5m(H) x 4m (S) after 20 years
Malus ‘Coralburst’
Dwarf flowering crab apple. Rosy pink flowers from coral coloured buds, then small bronze fruits in autumn. Good for a containers or raised bed, it grows to 2 x 2m in 20 years.
Malus ‘Profusion’
Flowering crab apple. Coppery red young foliage turns dark green through summer and yellow/bronze into Autumn. Flowers (April) and fruit are both a deep purple. 5m (H) x 4m (S).
Prunus ‘Amanogawa’
An ornamental cherry with an upright habit. In April, the branches are smothered in pale pink cherry blossom. Large, semi-double flowers with a subtle fragrance. Bronze-green spring foliage turns to mid-green in the summer and then bursts into orange and red colours later in the year for an autumnal display.
The blossom of Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ appears before the leaves and brings joy to the late winter garden.
Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’
Ornamental cherry with pale blossom late winter into early spring, with a gently spreading habit. 2.5m (H) x 2.5m (S).
Prunus ‘Kursar’
Very small flowering cherry with deep pink flowers and bronzey foliage, turning gold in autumn. A tough tree tolerant of most conditions, growing to 3 x 3m in 20 years.
Prunus avium ‘Regina’
Excellent for both blossom and edible fruit. Clouds of white blossom in spring and dessert cherries in summer. 4m (H) x 3.5m (S).
This weeping pear (Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’) has been planted as a specimen to show off its elegant shape. In spring, white blossoms adorn this tree in a spectacular display
Pyrus salicifolia ‘Pendula’
Weeping pear. Reminiscent of olive trees. Cascading silvery green deciduous foliage which takes on stunning autumn colours. Inedible fruit. Neat shape. 4m (H) x 4m (S).
How lovely are the autumn colours of this Sorbus cashmiriana. Unlike some of the Sorbus family, this beauty is relatively compact and makes a great focal point for a small garden
Sorbus cashmiriana
Rowan/Mountain ash. Pinkish white flowers popular with bees, turning to white ornamental berries in Autumn. Delicate foliage turns fiery in Autumn. 4m (H) x 3m (S).
FAQ’s On Choosing the Best Tree For Your Small Garden
Q: How do I know how big a tree will grow?
A: Depending where you are buying from you should be able to find lots of information on the plant label. Nursery and garden centre staff are usually well informed about the trees in their care, or you can search reliable sources on the internet to learn about growth habits.
Q: What is the best place to plant a tree in a small garden?
A: That all depends on what you want the tree to do for you. Will you use it as a focal point? to screen an ugly view? Create privacy? Or build layers within a planted border. With careful planning, your tree could fulfil several functions. You’ll find lots of tips on positioning trees in this article.
Q: Can trees be grown in pots?
A: You absolutely can grow a small tree in a pot. Just be sure that the pot has plenty of room to support the root system, is well drained and will withstand winter frosts. Remember too that any plants in pots, but especially trees, will need regular feeding and watering.
Q: Do all trees from the same family grow in similar ways?
A: Surprisingly enough, no they don’t. That’s why you should always take advice before purchasing a tree for your small garden. For example, Prunus avium ‘Regina” will be around 4 metres high when fully grown, whilst the wild cherry tree, simply named Prunus avium can reach the lofty heights of 30 metres – it’s an easy mistake to make but it could have unexpected consequences for your garden.
Q: Does soil type matter for trees in small gardens?
A: Soil type does matter for some small trees. It’s important to plant the type of tree that will thrive in the garden soil you have, whether that’s well drained, water retentive, acid, alkaline, sandy or clay. Before deciding on a particular species and variety of tree, discuss your choice with a garden designer or horticulturist who will be able to point you towards plants that are more likely to thrive.
Q: Where can I buy trees in the UK?
A: There are lots of tree suppliers in the UK, some specialise in a particular genus such as Acers or fruit trees, others offer a wider choice. If possible go to the nursery in person to check the health of the trees and choose one whose shape and form appeals to you. It’s a good idea, if you can, to take your garden designer along with you, they will be familiar with your garden and able to offer sound advice. Katie is always happy to recommend Barcham Trees in Cambridgeshire as a supplier of healthy and robust trees. They also offer frank and honest advice and can guide buyers towards the best trees for small gardens.
Q: What should I plant around my tree?
A: Trees in small gardens are often most effective when they are part of a well thought out planting plan. Talk to your garden designer about choosing plants that will complement the colour, shape and scent of your tree at various times of year. You may also want to think about a garden lighting plan to accentuate the beauty of your tree.
Help choosing trees for small gardens
Choosing a tree for a small garden should be given as much consideration and thought as choosing new furniture for your home. The tree will be with you for many years, it will grow in loveliness, feature in your memories and will probably be equally as loved by whoever cares for you garden after you.
Asking a garden designer and/or horticulturist for help choosing your tree (or trees) will take the confusion out of the decision making process and help to ensure that your garden has extra wow factor for many years to come.
Book a consultation with award-winning garden designer Katie Moyes
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