9 of the Best Trees for Small Yards
Tiny backyards are no match for these showstoppers.
When it comes to selecting trees for small yards, it can be overwhelming with the numerous options available. However, by considering factors such as the tree’s mature size, growth rate, and maintenance requirements, you can choose the perfect tree for your compact yard.
In this article, we will explore the best trees for small yards, as recommended by landscape professionals. From ornamental trees to dwarf varieties, we will cover the top nine species that offer beauty, size, shade, privacy, and hardiness.
Before You Plant: Measure Your Space
Before you start shopping for a tree, it’s essential to measure the space where you plan to plant it. According to Kate Karam, a landscape architect with Monrovia, a good rule of thumb is to plant a tree away from the house at a distance equal to one-half of the maximum tree height.
“For a 20-foot tree at maturity, plant no less than 10 feet from the house,” Karam advises. “Tree roots can grow beyond the canopy of a tree, so a bit of wiggle room is a very good idea.”
1. Prairifire Crabapple
Zones 4 – 8
This deciduous tree develops deep-pink flowers in the spring and small, purplish fruits in the fall and winter for a year-round show. According to Karam, it’s an excellent choice to feed and shelter wildlife, who love the fruits which sweeten as they freeze and thaw.
“Grow as a single specimen in the front yard for curb appeal, or use a pair to flank a gate,” Karam recommends. Plant in a full-sun spot with room for the tree to grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.
2. Japanese Stewartia
igaguri_1/Getty Images
Zones 5 – 8
If you’re looking for a smaller tree, the Japanese Stewartia provides low canopy coverage up to 10 feet tall. This camellia relative features beautiful white flowers in mid-summer and rich, green foliage throughout the season, according to Missy Henriksen, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.
3. Camellia Japonica
Craig McCausland/Getty Images
Zones 7 – 9
Gary McCoy, a store manager for Lowe’s in Charlotte, North Carolina, recommends the camellia as his all-time favorite tree for a compact yard. This evergreen tree has beautiful, bright flowers and brings year-round color to your landscape, McCoy says.
“They’re low maintenance and easy to prune,” McCoy adds. These white, pink, or red-flowered beauties typically grow up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
4. Royal Star Magnolia
Monrovia
Zones 4 – 9
Maxing out at 15 feet tall and wide, this variety tolerates cold and heat better than your average magnolia, according to Karam. The flowers – bright white, fragrant, and huge – bloom before the foliage emerges in the spring, but expect a leafy green backdrop afterwards.
5. Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple
Monrovia
Zones 5 – 9
“One of the best trees for a small space has to be a Japanese maple,” Karam says. “The striking foliage, the graceful shape, the architecture of the branches in winter. It’s a killer!”
This particular variety features textured leaves that start red in spring, go bronze in summer, and then turn brilliant orange in fall. Full to partial sun spots in cooler climates and dappled or afternoon shade in extremely hot areas work best. Expect to see this showstopper grow up to 12 feet tall and wide.
6. Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
Monrovia
Zones 4 – 9
“A popular choice throughout the South and Midwest, Autumn Brilliance serviceberry matures to 25 feet tall,” Henriksen says. “The white flowers, copper red leaves, purplish fruits, and light gray bark make it the perfect accent plant or privacy screen for small yards.”
According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the fruit tastes similar to blueberries and can be used in jams, jellies, and pies!
7. Zuni Crape Myrtle
Monrovia
Zones 6 – 10
“Zuni is the consummate small tree for city gardens,” Karam says. “Use as an accent or to cover unattractive views.”
The pink flowers bloom in the late summer, but you can admire the multicolored bark and greenery during the growing months. A single trunk can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide in full sun, and you can plant more together for a bigger canopy.
8. Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle
Lowe’s
Zones 7 – 10
McCoy also recommends this dwarf varietal of crape myrtle for its vibrant flower and classic, smooth bark. Intense black foliage makes the blooms pop even more. Each shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide with enough room and light – full sun is best.
9. Venus Dogwood Tree
Monrovia
Zones 5 – 9
Dogwoods produce large, flower-like bracts each spring and red foliage and berries by autumn. “This particular cultivar is a vigorous selection from Rutgers University with notable winter hardiness, good drought tolerance, and excellent disease resistance,” Karam says.
This deciduous tree prefers partial to full sun and can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.
By considering these nine species, you’ll find the perfect tree for your small yard that offers beauty, size, shade, privacy, and hardiness. Remember to measure your space and choose a tree that fits your needs and climate. Happy planting!
What are the best trees for small yards?
9 of the best trees for small yards include Prairifire Crabapple, Japanese Stewartia, Camellia Japonica, Royal Star Magnolia, Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, Zuni Crape Myrtle, Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle, and Venus Dogwood Tree.
How do I measure my space before planting a tree?
Measure the space where you plan to plant the tree, ensuring it’s at least one-half the mature height of the tree away from the house to accommodate root growth.
What are the recommended zones for each tree?
Prairifire Crabapple (Zones 4-8), Japanese Stewartia (Zones 5-8), Camellia Japonica (Zones 7-9), Royal Star Magnolia (Zones 4-9), Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple (Zones 5-9), Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (Zones 4-9), Zuni Crape Myrtle (Zones 6-10), Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle (Zones 7-10), Venus Dogwood Tree (Zones 5-9).
What are the mature sizes of the suggested trees?
Prairifire Crabapple (20ft tall and wide), Japanese Stewartia (10ft tall), Camellia Japonica (12ft tall, 10ft wide), Royal Star Magnolia (15ft tall and wide), Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple (12ft tall, 10ft wide), Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry (25ft tall), Zuni Crape Myrtle (12ft tall, 12ft wide), Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle (12ft tall, 8ft wide), Venus Dogwood Tree (20ft tall and wide).
What are the ideal growing conditions for these trees?
Most of these trees prefer full sun to partial shade, with well-draining soil, though specific needs can vary, such as the Camellia Japonica preferring partial to full shade.
Which trees are good for attracting wildlife?
Prairifire Crabapple, which produces fruits that feed and shelter wildlife, and Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, which produces edible fruits.
Can these trees handle urban environments?
Yes, particularly the Zuni Crape Myrtle, which is noted as a “consummate small tree for city gardens.”
Are the trees recommended for small yards low maintenance?
Yes, many are low maintenance. The Camellia Japonica and Crepe Myrtles are noted for being easy to prune, while the Japanese Stewartia and Venus Dogwood Tree are also relatively easy to care for.
Which tree provides year-round interest?
The Prairifire Crabapple offers interest through deep-pink spring flowers and small, purplish fruits in the fall and winter, and the Camellia Japonica provides year-round color with its evergreen foliage and bright flowers.
