The idea of landscaping a garden is to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing outdoor area where you will spend quality relaxation time. This is the main reason why we think that proper landscaping can’t go without vegetation.
There are a plethora of reasons why you will want diverse flora in your backyard, including both the aesthetics as well as environmental benefits. While perennials and shrubs are something that probably comes to mind first, we are also thinking about trees.
Yes, we are aware that not all of you have a huge backyard that can home a beautiful large oak. However, there is nothing to worry about, because there are a number of small trees that you can fit in.
While these can also bear fruit, most people enjoy trees for the purpose of creating shade as well as adding more color to their backyard. If you want to find some creative ideas on how to get the most out of landscaping plants, we suggest you check out the Ideas 4 Landscaping site.
We, on the other hand, will do our best to highlight the best small trees for landscaping as well as their advantages. Let’s get right to it!
Advantages of Landscaping Trees
Most people think that planting trees is an expensive investment compared to perennials and shrubs. What you should know is that even including the regular maintenance, it is still going to be the most affordable part of your landscape.
As a result, you will get to enjoy many benefits that are both social, environmental, and health-related. It is a fact that much like any other vegetation, trees will contribute to the aesthetic appearance of your garden. This is, of course, if you do your best to keep it pruned and healthy.
Despite what people think, trees don’t require a lot of effort. As long as you ensure adequate soil, sun exposure, and water adequately, you will not have a lot of maintenance issues.
While adequate conditions do depend on the tree variety, our personal recommendation is to go with the native species or those that are easily adaptable. Before we get into the best small trees for landscaping, we want to discuss a couple of benefits that you will have from these.
Environmental
First and foremost, well-maintained trees are sure to create a beautiful and beneficial lifestyle. Thus, you will get to enjoy the song of birds early morning only because you were brave enough to plant a tree in your garden.
We always like to emphasize the importance of vegetation, including trees, as natural cleansers. If you didn’t know, these absorb and filter water and air, which is the primary way that the environment benefits from trees. Also, they soak rainfall through the soil and thus reduce the risk of flood.
Much like perennials and shrubs, trees play an important role in preventing soil erosion and reducing runoff.
Lastly, if the neighborhood that you are living in is not the quietest one, planting a couple of trees can go a long way. These do a great job trapping noise and creating a peaceful environment.
Economical
You probably know that doing a good job landscaping your garden is sure to increase the overall value of your property. With this in mind, trees seem like a prudent investment because they contribute to the aesthetic appearance of your backyard space.
Architectural
One of the coolest things is that a tree can act as a natural fence, border, or privacy screen. The Ideas 4 Landscaping site offers excellent suggestions when it comes to creating outdoor rooms, as well as using trees as natural ceilings.
Social
Last, but certainly not least is the fact that by planting a couple of trees, you will be creating an outdoor area that both you and your friends are sure to enjoy. This carries both enormous emotional and social value.
Kids enjoy climbing trees, and this kind of activity, as long as it is monitored, is surely much better than spending time in front of screens.
On the other hand, a vivid and colorful tree is sure to give you a unique sense of well-being.
Great Smaller Trees for Landscaping
As we mentioned above, you shouldn’t be concerned about the fact that you might not have enough space for a large tree. It is a fact that there are more than a few beautiful tree options that don’t exceed a height of 30 feet and still are perfect for garden landscapes.
1. Paper Birch
Indeed, one of the most interesting options out there, this one usually grows with a couple of trunks. Still, this is not something that you should be worried about. The base is pretty narrow, and while the tree can go as high as 60 feet, it doesn’t take up a lot of space in the garden.
Also, while creating a good amount of shade, paper birch lets sunlight through, which is why chilling down below its canopy is a great idea. What also makes this tree so attractive is its golden color in the fall, as well as bright white bark during the spring and summer.
2. Crabapple
If you are not a fan of tall trees, then planting a crabapple seems to be the perfect choice because it will not exceed the height of 15 feet.
It is highlighted by beautiful white flowers, as well as clumps of fruit in the spring/summer. This is sure to attract honeybees and songbirds because crabapple fruit are quite tasty, and the flowers are quite attractive to the different pollinators that might be present in your area.
3. Golden Chain Tree
Blooming in the late spring, this tree is mostly popular for its astonishing yellow flowers. It can grow up to 25 feet in height and has a narrow base. Unlike the paper birch tree, the golden chain has leaves that come in the form of clover. Also, it rocks a green bark that is especially attractive during the summer months.
4. Japanese Maple
While some consider this one to be a shrub, it is a small tree that you can prune according to your size preference. It is highlighted by green or red leaves, depending on the variation. One of the coolest things about these is the spreading canopy that ensures a perfect shady spot. Much like the golden chain tree, this one grows to be anywhere from 15 to 25 feet in height.
5. Crepe Myrtle
For anyone who wants to plant a tree mostly for decorative purposes, this is a phenomenal choice. The crepe myrtle blooms in the summer, offering bright pink flowers that look astonishing. Not to worry, the foliage of this tree is beautiful during the fall as well, especially if you remove the lower branches to expose the bright white bark. It grows up to 30 feet in height.
6. The Red Buckeye
If you are all about attracting wildlife, including hummingbirds and native butterflies, we would suggest planting a couple of red buckeyes. It grow to a height of 15 feet, while the canopy offers a spread of up to 25 feet. The main highlight of this tree are the red flowers that appear in the spring and can last for up to two months.
7. Saucer Magnolia
What you should know is that the saucer magnolia is certainly not a low-maintenance tree.
While we are not saying that you will need to invest hours every day, it does require regular pruning and shaping. This is mostly because although its beautiful white-pink flowers cover the whole canopy, these are spread at 10 inches apart (mostly).
What this means is that by neglecting a Saucer Magnolia, it is sure to lose its aesthetically pleasing appearance and the canopy’s shading potential. When it comes to the dimensions, this tree can grow up to 25 feet in height.
8. Mimosa
Much like saucer magnolia, this tree can grow anywhere between 20 and 25 feet in height. What you should keep in mind is that in certain zones, this plant is invasive, which is something you can consult about with the local agricultural extension office. This tree is beautiful for its red fern leaves as well as fragrant flowers that are sure to attract birds, bees, and other pollinators.
9. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Lastly, comes a beautiful evergreen that is sure to look pleasing in almost any garden. Unlike saucer magnolia, this tree doesn’t require a lot of effort when it comes to pruning and overall maintenance, given the fact that the needles seem to keep its shape naturally. The tree itself doesn’t exceed a height of 12 feet, which is mostly due to the tempo of its growth.
Conclusion
Planting a couple of trees in your garden is an investment that you will certainly not regret. We say this for the reason that it will help create a beautiful space, as well as because it will make the environment you are living in healthier.
We have offered you what we think are several of the best space-sensitive trees that don’t require a lot of your maintenance effort.