Top 7 trees for small gardens

Published on 14 February 2022

Every garden should have a tree. Trees add height and structure, create shade, and provide vital natural habitat for birds and other garden wildlife. Whether through spring flowers, autumn foliage, colourful berries or attractive bark, a tree can add months of interest to your garden. And you don’t need a big garden to have space for a tree. Here are our top 7 trees for small gardens.

Discover seven trees for small gardens

Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’ (Japanese maple) has an upright shape that works well in small gardens. New leaves emerge pink-flushed in spring, turning green in summer and golden yellow in autumn. The season of interest carries on into winter, with young stems showing their stunning coral pink colouring once the leaves have fallen. Height and spread: 4m x 2m in 20 years.
Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree) is a slow-growing, relatively compact tree that flowers spectacularly in spring, producing abundant lilac-pink flowers on bare branches. Green heart-shaped leaves appear after the flowers, turning golden yellow in autumn. Height and spread: 4m x 4m in 20 years.
Sorbus koehneana (Chinese mountain ash) is an exceptionally pretty form of mountain ash, with pinnate foliage that creates a delicate feathery effect. Clusters of white flowers in spring are followed by drooping clusters of gleaming white berries on red stems, and the leaves turn a rich plum-purple in autumn. Height and spread: 3m x 3m in 10-20 years.
Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ is a variety of hawthorn that grows into a small tree rather than a shrub. It flowers in late spring, producing clusters of small white flowers that are followed by bright crimson berries in autumn. The autumn foliage colour is sensational, with leaves turning vivid copper, gold, and orange shades. This attractive small tree grows in almost all soil conditions and provides food for a wide range of wildlife. Height and spread: 5m x 4m in 20 years.
Malus ‘Evereste’ (crab apple) is ideal for small gardens, growing into a compact tree with masses of white flowers that open from red buds in spring. These are followed by orange-red fruits in autumn that look ornamental on the branches well into winter. Like all crab apples, it’s an excellent pollination partner for apple trees. Height and spread: 5m x 4m in 20 years.
Magnolia stellata (star magnolia) can be grown as a large shrub or a small tree. It flowers profusely in spring, with masses of starry white flowers covering the bare branches before the leaves appear. Height and spread: 3m x 3m in 20 years.
Prunus incisa ‘Kojo-no-mai’ (dwarf flowering cherry) is a small shrubby tree that can be grown in a large container. In spring, the spreading branches are smothered in dainty white flowers, and the autumn leaves are a brilliant glowing red. Height and spread: 2m x 2m in 20 years.