It really doesn't matter how large, or small, your garden is, planting ornamental or fruit trees will, literally, add an extra dimension. Obviously, if you have a large space, you can plant more garden trees. No surprise there. But if you've got a more modest garden, a snug patio, or maybe even a balcony, the right tree or two will transform it. Of course, we're not talking about mighty oaks here. But there are plenty of small garden trees, or trees that can be easily managed to keep them small, that will sit perfectly in any outdoor space no matter how bijou.

Why Choose Small Garden Trees?

Let’s start off by stating the obvious. If you have a small garden a large tree will overwhelm the space. Not rocket science I know, but the smaller the space you have the smaller the trees you should plant. Obviously bear in mind here that you need to take into account the size that the tree will be when it’s fully mature. A sapling now will soon grow into a large tree. After all, from small acorns a mighty oak grows. You get the picture.

So small garden trees are best for compact outdoor spaces as they won’t overwhelm your garden. They will easily fit into patios, terraces, or even balconies, adding structure, height, and colour. Most smaller varieties of trees will only need light and infrequent pruning and are much easier to maintain than their giant cousins.

But small garden trees will still look fantastic, will still offer all the delights of a larger tree, and still attract wildlife and pollinators to your garden. It’s a win win all round.

Best Small Garden Trees for Patios and Gardens

It’s all a matter of personal opinion of course as to which are the best garden trees but we all have our favourites. But if you’re looking for the best small garden trees you won’t need to look much further than the four varieties I’ve noted below.

Japanese Maples (Acer)

Are these the most popular ornamental tree in the UK? Possibly. And it’s no surprise really. Japanese Maples or acers, especially varieties such as Acer palmatum Bloodgood and Acer palmatum dissectum, are loved by so many gardeners because of their wonderful foliage and how compact they grow. The ‘Bloodgood’ variety has the most amazing deep, rich red leaves, with it’s colour remain bright and bold all the way from spring through autumn. Equally striking is Acer palmatum dissectum which has delicate, finely dissected leaves. They just add a texture to your garden that other trees and shrubs just can’t match. Both of these trees can be grown in pots and will thrive in partially shaded locations with shelter from the wind. When planting so remember they do prefer well-draining soil.

Crab Apple Trees (Malus)

Another favourite with many gardeners. You don’t have to travel far to see a crab apple tree in a garden. I’m sure most of us have planted and loved at least one of these wonderful trees at some time or another. The good news is that they don’t need much room to flourish and can be pruned to keep manageable. Crab apple trees like Malus ‘Evereste’ and Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ look great in smaller spaces. Their main attraction is of course the beautiful spring blossoms. But they also bare autumn fruit and vivid colours. Malus ‘Evereste’ will deliver white spring blooms and red-orange autumn fruit, so it looks great during the warmer seasons. The bright red fruits from Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ will last well into winter, adding interest even during the colder months. Crab apple trees will grow best in full sun or partial shade and well-draining soil.

Ornamental Cherry Trees (Prunus)

Who doesn’t love a flowering ornamental cherry? They have got to be the most spectacular tree you can see. Sadly their blossom falls all too soon but for stunning spring displays, ornamental cherries such as Prunus ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ (Cheal's Weeping Cherry) and Prunus ‘Kanzan’ are perfect. ‘Kiku-shidare-zakura’ has branches covered in double pink blossoms and looks simply beautiful hen in full bloom. ‘Kanzan’ produces a huge number of clusters of pink blossoms each spring and look stunning. These cherry trees prefer a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. They don’t need much pruning.

Dwarf Magnolia Trees (Magnolia)

The clue is in the name so it’s little wonder that dwarf magnolias like Magnolia stellata and Magnolia ‘Susan’ are fantastic choices for smaller gardens. Magnolia stellata, or star magnolia, will produce masses of delicate white, star-shaped flowers in early spring. Not only do these flowers look lovely but they will fill your garden or patio with fragrance. Magnolia ‘Susan’ is a stunning tree with fragrant, purplish-pink blooms, and will add plenty of colour to your garden. These magnolias prefer sunny, sheltered locations and thrive in neutral to slightly acidic, well-draining soil.

Adding Small Trees to Your Patio or Garden Design

As we’ve seen, and I’m sure you agree, small trees can be a real fillip to your garden design and planting schemes. And don’t forget that container planting is a real alternative for patios and terraces. Trees such as Japanese maples and dwarf magnolias do particularly well in containers. Another thing to bear in mind is that containers can be moved around the garden depending on the season or whether you simply want a change. Though moving extra-large containers with an established small tree may not be practical. Or good for your back.

Carefully placed feature trees, like ornamental cherries or crab apples, can act as attractive focal points. Combine these with other flowering shrubs, grasses, and perennials to create a multi-layered effect, and bring that professional garden design look to your own home.

Planting and Care Tips

They don’t need much looking after but to make sure your small garden trees have the best possible chance of establishing themselves and keeping healthy you should look to plant them during autumn or early spring. This is when the moisture in the soil and warmer temperatures will encourage the trees roots to establish themselves. When planting gig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant the tree at the original soil depth. Do remember that regular watering, especially during dry periods, is crucial for the first year after planting. Fertilise your new trees once a year with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. It’s also important to keep to a pruning routine to remove any damaged or crossing branches, shaping your trees as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We said this right at the beginning of this article but do take care to avoid overcrowding. Make sure your trees are well spaced. Don’t forget to take into account what the spread of the tree will be when it is fully mature. Poor drainage or incorrect watering techniques can lead to root rot, so always ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering. Regular pruning is vital; not bothering to prune can lead to uncontrolled growth, disease, and reduced flowering.

FAQs

How long do small garden trees take to mature?

Most small garden trees reach maturity within 5 to 15 years, depending on the species and growing conditions.

Can small trees survive in containers indefinitely?

Yes, with proper care, pruning, feeding, and periodic repotting or soil refreshment, small garden trees can thrive indefinitely in containers.

What are the best trees for year-round interest?

Japanese maples, crab apple trees, and certain ornamental cherries provide year-round interest with their changing foliage, flowers, fruits, and even attractive bark in winter.

I’m sure you agree that small garden trees offer a wonderful way to enrich and add something different to your planting scheme. By selecting the right varieties and integrating them thoughtfully into your design, you can transform patios, terraces, and small gardens into inviting, attractive places to sit and relax. Visit Direct Trees to explore our full range of ornamental garden trees.