Six Arboreal Additions Ideal for Every Backyard Oasis
Are you in search of trees perfect for your petite paradise? This guide will lead you through some incredible small tree options that pop and grow in cramped spaces!
Autumn is the prime time to pour your green thumb into a small tree, promoting strong and healthy roots for the upcoming growing season. Trees come in various sizes and ages—here's what you can expect from each, including cost breakdowns, in our Ultimate Guide to Tree Sizes. If you're ambitious about small gardens, don't miss our handpicked 20 Tiny Trees for Small Spaces.
Once you've found your flora soulmate, join our step-by-step guide in our Tree Planting 101.
Looking for choicest small trees on a budget? Discover our fave picks in our roundup on The Best Small Trees That Won't Break the Bank.
Our Favorite Trees for Each Season
*1. Bark and Bling: Betula jacquemontii 'Jermyns'
Birches are fan favorites, and 'Jermyns' catches the eye with its gleaming white bark and long, delicate catkins. Although it grows large, its light canopy offers a graceful statement, particularly during autumn when leaves turn vibrant yellow-orange.
Height: 18 metersGrowth Rate: Rapid
*2. Blossom and Feast: Malus x 'Zumi' 'Golden Hornet'
Crab apples are fantastic for their flower and fruit displays, and 'Golden Hornet' overwhelms in beauty! In spring, the tree blooms with a shower of blossoms, and autumn gifts you with a true haul of amber-yellow fruit that'll last well into the new year.
Height: 10 metersGrowth Rate: Medium
*3. Berries and Autumn Enchantment: Sorbus commixta 'Embley'
Rowan trees (Sorbus aucuparia) are excellent for small gardens, and 'Embley' offers a unique touch with its electric-orange berries accompanied by fiery autumn foliage. Rowans often display berries in a kaleidoscope of hues, making them stand out!
Height: 10 metersGrowth Rate: Fast
*4. Color Shift and Autumn Fireworks: Acer palmatum 'Osakazuki'
Summer brings charming green foliage, and as autumn approaches, the leaves turn a dazzling scarlet. From a mature 'Osakazuki', striped bark and an intricate pattern of twiggy branches provide an added charm.
Height: 4 metersGrowth Rate: Average
5. Sweet-Smelling Symphony: Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Admire this tree's charms year-round! Its youthful leaves spring up pinkish, transitioning to amber hues in autumn, punctuated by striking pink and russet tones. A chilly breeze will make you wax nostalgic with the unexpected aroma of caramel flavors emanating from its leaves.
Height: 20 metersGrowth Rate: Fast
6. Blossoms and Wildlife Booster: Crataegus monogyna
In spring, hawthorn flares with its voluptuous blossoms, draping hedgerows far and wide. The tree needs little care and offers a bounty of dark berries that entice wildlife.
Height: 7 metersGrowth Rate: Average to Rapid
Saving Green with Bare-Root Trees
As autumn arrives, brace yourself for the start of the bare-root tree season—which typically runs from late autumn to early spring. Bare-root trees are usually more affordable than potted trees, providing strong roots for your cash! Learn How to Plant a Bare-Root Tree with expert guidance from Monty Don.
- For those who relish a blend of home-and-garden and a touch of gardening, our handpicked selection of 20 Tiny Trees for Small Spaces is worth exploring.
- In the pursuit of a quintessential home-and-garden lifestyle, the magnificent bark and bling of Betula jacquemontii 'Jermyns' will make an enchanting addition to your small space.
