Trees for small gardens
Awarded an RHS Award of Garden Merit, Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai' flowers in spring.
Image: Prunus incisa 'Kojo-No-Mai' from Thompson & Morgan
Almost every garden has room for a small tree, even if you only have a tiny courtyard. If you don’t have space for a huge specimen, try a container tree or consider one of our hedging trees that can be pruned and shaped to a manageable height. Here’s how to choose a tree for a small garden.
How to choose the best tree for a small garden
The weeping habit of Salix Caprea ‘Kilmarnock’ makes it perfect for small gardens
Image: Salix Caprea 'Kilmarnock' from Thompson & Morgan
When choosing trees for small gardens, consider how much space you have and which seasons of interest best suit your planting scheme. As well as structure and foliage, trees can bring flowers, berries, fruit, interesting bark and seasonal colour to your outside space.
You’ll need to bear in mind the tree’s mature height and spread - even small trees can eventually reach a height of 6m or more. Some of the smallest trees have a weeping habit, like Salix Caprea ‘Kilmarnock’ that grows to a maximum height of 250cm. You could also try growing dwarf fruit trees, which are often grafted on to rootstocks that restrict their height. Many patio fruit trees are very happy growing in large containers!
Small trees for summer interest
| Small trees for summer interest | Interesting Features |
|---|---|
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Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) - 'Forest Pansy' has attractive red/purple leaves |  |
Laburnum alpinum ‘Pendulum’ (Scotch Laburnum) | |
| |
| |
Catalpa bignonioides ‘Nana’ (Indian Bean Tree) | |
Fagus sylvatica ‘Purpurea Pendula’ (Weeping Copper Beech) |  |
| |
Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Umbraculifera’ (Mop-head Acacia) | |
Small trees for autumn interest
| Small trees for autumn interest | Interesting Features |
|---|---|
 | |
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Cotoneaster ‘Exburiensis’ | |
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Small trees for winter interest
| Small trees for winter interest | Interesting Features |
|---|---|
Eucalyptus pauciflora subsp. niphophila (Alpine Snow Gum) |   |
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Cotoneaster 'Exburiensis' | |
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Find growers' guides and tree planting tips at our dedicated trees and hedge hub page.
Written by: Sue Sanderson
Plants and gardens have always been a big part of my life. I can remember helping my Dad to prick out seedlings, even before I could see over the top of the potting bench. As an adult, I trained at Writtle College where I received my degree, BSc. (Hons) Horticulture. After working in a specialist plantsman's nursery, and later, as a consulting arboriculturalist, I joined Thompson & Morgan in 2008. Initially looking after the grounds and coordinating the plant trials, I now support the web team offering horticultural advice online.Sign Up For Exclusive Special Offers
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