HOME TRUTHS: THE BEST TREES FOR SMALL GARDENS

Gardening expert Harry Bodell at PriceYourJob.co.uk has created this guide, showcasing some of the best tree species for small gardens, helping you to achieve the vibrant and interesting garden of your dreams. Here’s your guide to picking the perfect petite trees for your outdoor space:

 

Choosing The Right Tree: Size Matters

It’s important to know your limits when selecting the right tree for a small garden. Don’t fall victim to towering giants. Make sure to always consider the mature height and spread of the tree before planting. Opt for dwarf varieties or those naturally suited to smaller spaces.

Try to think upwards. Small gardens benefit from vertical elements. Columnar trees with a narrow, upright growth habit maximise space without sacrificing greenery. Consider the fastigiate European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus Fastigiata), which offers a sleek, architectural presence without demanding excessive square footage.

 

Opting For Blooming Beauties

You can bring your garden to life with a vibrant display of crab-apple trees. These compact fruit trees offer a delightful profusion of white or pink blossoms in spring, followed by decorative red or yellow fruits that provide a feast for the eyes and hungry birds. Choose disease-resistant varieties like the Malus Evereste for a low-maintenance option.

Who can resist the iconic beauty of cherry blossoms? Opt for dwarf flowering cherry trees like the Prunus ‘Pink Perfection’ for a springtime explosion of colour without overwhelming your space. These delicate blooms are a quintessential symbol of spring and will help to add a touch of whimsy to your garden.

Hawthorn trees are a charming and wildlife-friendly choice. They boast a beautiful display of white flowers in spring, followed by gorgeous red berries in autumn that attract a variety of birds. Hawthorn trees are also tolerant of most soil types, making them a perfect versatile option for many different gardens. For a touch of autumnal drama, consider the crimson-fruited variety.

 

Evergreen Alluring Options

If you’re looking for an evergreen approach, consider the Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) tree. This attractive native tree offers year-round interest with its dense green foliage. Hornbeam trees are relatively slow-growing and can be easily maintained with occasional pruning to keep them compact, making them ideal for smaller gardens.

The Portuguese Laurel (Prunus lusitanica) is another great option. This fast-growing evergreen boasts glossy green leaves and can be easily shaped into a hedge or a small tree. Portuguese Laurel is a good choice for providing privacy and screening in a small garden. Just remember, it requires well-drained soil and may need some winter protection in particularly cold areas.

A majestic choice for a small garden, the English Yew is a slow-growing evergreen with beautiful dark green needles. It can be pruned to help maintain the desired size and shape, making it a very versatile option for various garden styles. Just remember, all parts of the Yew tree except the bright red fruit are poisonous, so keep this in mind if you have pets or young children.

 

Tiny Trees With a Big Impact

• Smoke Tree (Cotinus coggygria): This small, multi-stemmed tree is a real conversation starter. Smoke trees are best known for their stunning display of feathery plumes in shades of pink, purple, or red during the summer months. They are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in most well-drained soils.
• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus): While some Dogwood varieties can grow quite large, there are stunning dwarf options perfect for small gardens. Cornus is a beautiful example, boasting vibrant blooms in spring and attractive foliage in autumn. This delightful little tree is sure to add a touch of elegance to your patio.
• Viburnum (Viburnum opulus): Viburnums are a diverse group of shrubs and small trees, offering a variety of options for outdoor spaces. Viburnum opulus, or the Guelder Rose, is a popular choice with its large clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by bright red berries in autumn. This versatile plant can be grown as a single-stemmed tree or a multi-stemmed shrub, depending on what you would prefer. Consider the Viburnum davidii for its extremely fragrant white flowers in late spring.
• Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): For a touch of nostalgia and a beautiful fragrance, look no further than the lilac. Syringa vulgaris is a compact variety that offers clusters of fragrant blue flowers in late spring, perfect for filling your garden with a delightful aroma.

 

Things to Remember When Selecting Your Trees

There are several things you will need to keep in mind when choosing the right tree for your small garden, including the following:

• Sunlight Needs: Research the sunlight requirements of your chosen tree and ensure it gets enough light to thrive in your garden. Most gardens receive plenty of sunlight, but it’s always good to check, especially if your garden is north-facing.
• Planting Right: Dig a planting hole that’s twice the width of the tree’s root ball and water regularly, especially during the first year.
• Upkeep Matters: Choose trees with minimal pruning needs to save yourself time and keep your garden manageable. Some trees, like hornbeam and yew, respond well to occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size.

 

Final Thoughts

Transforming your small garden into a verdant oasis doesn’t require sacrificing precious space. By choosing the right petite trees, you can introduce vibrant blooms, captivating foliage, and even a touch of privacy without overwhelming your outdoor space.

Remember to consider the mature size of the tree, sunlight requirements in your garden, and your own desire for minimal maintenance. With a careful selection from this list, you can create a haven that bursts with seasonal interest and provides a delightful escape right outside your door.

So, get planting and watch your tiny trees transform your garden!

 

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