Small Trees For Small Gardens

When selecting a small tree for a small garden, it is important to first consider the full mature size of the tree. Garden nurseries and gardening websites can offer excellent advice, information and garden help.

Even the smallest garden or yard can make room for a tree. Not only are they part of  garden landscapes, they can be of practical use in offering shade on a patio or act as a screen for added privacy.

It is important to select a small tree that has interest for the whole year. If you only have room for one small tree in your garden, then it needs to be eye catching, providing color, texture, preferably being as dramatic in spring as it is in the fall. There are now many dwarf forms of trees available or those which grow very upright. Once having selected your small tree it is best to buy it from a specialist garden nursery or garden centre online.

Trees which are particularly suited to a small garden are Japanese maples (Acer griseum). These come in a wide variety of forms and leaf shapes. They grow from two to six metres tall. They display stunning leaf color throughout the year but especially in the fall. They also have interesting bark that is a striking feature in winter.

Another small tree for small gardens is the Magnolia. These again come in a variety of types and sizes, so check before you buy. Magnolias have beautiful pink or white flowers in the spring and with careful pruning grow into interesting and dramatic shapes as they mature.

If you have a wall or protected area in your garden the fig tree is a good small garden tree. Figs originate from Syria and Persia, but can be grown in cooler climates such as Britain. They may not always fruit in a cooler climate, but their leaves are quite striking and can become a talking point in your garden. They add a decorative, Mediterranean feel to a patio and need very little attention.

The Japanese crab apple, (Malus floribunda) is another easy to grow tree for small gardens.. It is a deciduous tree which has very attractive crimson flower buds that when they open reveal white-pink blooms in late spring. In the fall small red and yellow crab apples appear. The Japanese maple grows to a height of about four metres.

The snow gum tree (Eucalyptus niphophila) is a tree for small gardens that provides all year interest. The bark is particularly interesting with grey, cream and green patchwork. The evergreen leaves are grey-green, and grow longer with age. The snow gum tree bears small white flowers in summer. It is suitable for most types of soil, but does prefer full sun. It can grow to a height of eight metres.

One of the most perfect trees for small gardens is the Prunus serrula or Tibetan cherry tree. It provides all year round interest. In spring it produces small, white flowers, which is followed by small fruits and red or yellow leaves in the fall. It has a shiny deep red bark that remains for the whole year. The Prunus can grow to a height of ten metres.

When it comes to planting trees or vertical gardening, you may feel you do not have the space in the ground for any sort of tree. In this case you could consider planting your small tree in a garden container. Wooden garden planters are ideal for this as they can be bought in any size or style to suit your garden design.

For a contemporary garden design, stone or even stainless steel garden containers will add a dramatic effect to a patio or decking area of your garden. Wooden garden planters or garden boxes add a more natural or classic look to a garden. Always check with your garden nursery if the tree you have chosen is suitable for a garden planter before you buy and ask advice on the right type of soil and garden fertilizer you will need to plant your tree in.

One advantage of having your small tree in a container is that it can be moved around when needed and be easily protected against adverse weather conditions. Either moving it to a warmer, more sheltered spot in the garden or covering it in garden fleece to protect it.

Certainly whichever small tree you choose for your small garden it should give you many years of pleasure and beauty. There are now many ways to seek garden designs for small gardens  A garden nursery, gardening websites or garden design pictures will help you choose the right small tree for your garden.