Added on 30/12/2011Article

Trees For Small Gardens


Thousands of good trees are needlessly felled or mutilated each year simply because they are growing to large for their surrounding space. With a little care taken at selection time, such losses can be avoided.

Before actually purchasing the tree, estimate the maximum height and crown spread that you would like the tree to have; do this by actually standing at the proposed planting position in your garden. Estimate the sizes in feet or meters, its easy to convert, 3 feet approximately equal 1 meter. The average height of a man must be around 6 feet (2 meters). The height of the average house (to the roof apex) is around 25 feet (8 meters); this is a lot less than people usually imagine.
During selection at the nursery read the labels to find out the trees mature height and spread habit and make sure it measures up to your requirements.

The Arboricultural Association produce a series of leaflets, one of which deals with Trees for Small Gardens. I have seen these leaflets available free, at council offices. Give your local Council a call to see if they produce such guidance.

A Small Selection of Trees for Small/Medium sized Gardens


Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum) Height 6m.
Prefers dry, well drained soils. Needs shelter from cold north winds, is best located near a south facing wall in full sun.
Thought to be the tree that Judas Iscariot hanged himself on. The rose pink flowers, which appear in Spring, are supposed to represent Christ's tears. An interesting, compact tree.

Chinese Stewartia (Stewartia sinensis) Height 4-8m.
Prefers neutral to acid, fertile, well drained soil. Likes a sunny position with roots in shade. Prefers shelter from wind.
Pink/orange smooth bark. Tidy and compact shape. White flowers in July. Good red and crimson Autumn leaf colour.

Katsura Tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) Height 1-15m
Will grow on most soils. Needs shelter from cold north winds, is best located near a south facing wall. Can grow to 15m but usually stays as a bush. Returns wonderful leaf colour, starting pink in Spring, green in Summer and scarlet and crimson in Autumn.

Foxglove Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) Height 7m
Likes well drained soils. Grows best in the south of England in full sun, vulnerable to late spring frosts.
An interesting tree with huge leaves up to 14 inches in length. Purple flowers appear in May before the leaves appear.

Black Mulberry (Morus nigra) Height 6m.
Will grow on most soils. Grows best in the south of England in sun or partial shade. This tree forms a bushy, round headed crown and featured in Shakespeare's tale - A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) Height 6-9m
Will grow on most soils. Slow growing.
With its attractive coloured red bark this tree produces all year round foliage with Strawberry like fruits - edible but bitter.

Turkish Hazel (Corylus colurna) Height 7m
Will grow on most soils.
Forms an attractive pyramid shape and produces nuts for wildlife.

Fig (Ficus carica) Height 6-8m
Will grow on most soils. Prefers a sunny position facing south.
Producing large, leathery leaves (12" long). Will produce fruit in this country but rarely ripen.

Smooth Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum) Height 1-7m
Neutral or Acid well drained soil.
Prefers sheltered positions, not in full sun all day.
One of the best small trees for Autumn colour. Many varieties to choose from with different leaf shapes and habits.


Don't be put off by using conifers, there are many cultivars available offering slow growth, compact size, all year round foliage and interesting colour. Always read the label at the nursery.