No matter the size of your garden, it can benefit from the presence of trees. They add charm to a landscape, softening the edges of modern structures while providing shade for homes and residents. Planting trees is also eco-friendly; they supply much-needed oxygen, absorb excess carbon dioxide, and attract pollinating animals, like birds and other wildlife.
Certain trees are more suitable for small gardens; choose carefully which ones are best for you:
- Height. Short trees with sweeping branches at eye level may get in the way. If you prefer trees with canopies that spread, choose one that’s tall with high branches.
- Strength. If you have a city garden, you may want to plant hardy, low-maintenance trees. Consider the amount of sun exposure and soil type the tree needs, and make sure there is a suitable planting spot in your garden.
Here is a list of some trees suitable for a small garden:
1. Japanese maple (Acer palmatum)
The striking autumn foliage of Japanese maples will create a breathtaking scene in your garden. These are small, slow-growing trees which, at maturity, are an average of four to eight metres tall. They are hardy in Zones 5 to 9.
2. Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)
The eastern redbud starts flowering and showing off its pink blossoms in late winter — before leaves appear. It does well in Zones 4 to 9, can withstand drought, and tolerates being planted in either acidic or alkaline soil. It prefers moist areas with proper drainage. It grows to about four to 10 metres tall. This tree, however, is prone to pest infestations; you may need the help of expert arborists to protect it and help it live longer.
3. Juneberry (Amelanchier canadensis)
Juneberries (also known as Canadian serviceberries) are small fruit-bearing trees that blossom with small white flowers in the spring. Its leaves turn orange or yellow in the summer. They are hardy to Zones 4 to 7 and grow best in moist soil with proper drainage.
4. Amur maple (Acer ginnala)
Set your garden ablaze in the fall with this tree. Reaching a height of about four to six metres, this maple variety is small enough for a garden with limited space. It is not prone to pest infestations and will grow well in areas from Zones 3 to 8. It’s best to plant it in soil with neutral pH levels. To determine the type of soil you have in your garden, ask expert arborists for assistance.
5. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
With its varicoloured leaves of green and gold, the small white flowers that covers it in late spring, and its red-brown foliage in the fall, the pagoda dogwood will drape your garden with dramatically diverse colours at different times of the year. These trees grow from three to four metres tall, and flourish in Zones 3 to 7.
6. Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Nana Gracilis’)
The Hinoki cypress is an evergreen with scale-like leaves sporting a slight curl and drooping branches that seem to twist and turn. It’s “soft” appearance balances the edges and angles of existing garden fixtures. It is hardy to Zones 5-8, can grow in soil with any pH, and is shorter (about two to four metres tall).
Though these trees do not tower over structures like larger varieties, they still need some pruning to look their best and prevent overreaching branches. Expert tree arborists can also assist with soil maintenance and proper drainage installation. Great Northern ReGreenery offers quality tree services throughout Bradford, King City, and Newmarket. Schedule an appointment by calling us at (905) 775-7444.