Best trees for front porch
Best trees to grow in pots: 15 beautiful compact varieties
The best trees to grow in pots can add much needed interest to patios, courtyards and other areas of your back yard.
With both deciduous and evergreen options, offering various leaf color, fruit and flowers through the seasons, potted trees are versatile container gardening ideas.
Growing pots in trees is a way to zone a secluded seating or dining area as a patio idea, flowering trees can add color and scent, while citrus or olive trees are ideal if you want to create a Mediterranean-style garden.
One of the big advantages is that you can grow tree species that wouldn't usually suit the growing conditions in your hardiness zone as the best trees to grow in pots can be moved indoors in colder months.
The best trees to grow in pots
Many different trees can thrive in pots, so look beyond the local garden center for inspiration. You could choose one of the best indoor trees that you move outdoors in warmer months to surround yourself with nature year round.
'There are many types of trees you can grow in pots and containers,' says small space gardening expert Emilly Barbosa Fernandes of Housegrail . 'They instantly brighten up any garden, and can become the main focal point.'
If you want a low-maintenance planting scheme, then the best trees to grow in pots must be compatible with your local climate, and require minimal pruning. An advantage of planting trees in pots is that you can control their soil type – perhaps growing an acid-loving tree in a chalky soil, or creating free-draining conditions in a garden with heavy clay soil.
Consider where you want the tree to be positioned in your garden, as whether it will sit in full sun or receive some shade will be a factor in which varieties will be suitable.
It's important to look at the maximum size of a tree species, and how many years it will take to reach maturity. Some trees are suited to pots for their whole life, while other slow-growing varieties can have a long pot life before needing to be eventually planted in the ground as part of your flower bed ideas.
Trees have hungry, thirsty roots, so container size is also key. Ensure you invest in a pot that's big enough for your chosen tree to flourish.
Remember that a tree planted in a pot will dry out more quickly than in the ground, and the smaller the pot size, the more often you will have to water it.
1. Peach tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Enjoy a delicious home harvest of fruit by growing a peach tree in a container. These are among the best fruit trees to grow, and ideal for trees to grow in pots, particularly as you can move the container to the sunniest and warmest positions throughout the year.
You will need a fairly large container for growing a peach tree – although not so large that you can not easily move it when required. Good drainage is important, so either add some crocs or stones to the bottom of a container, or raise it up on pot feet to aid drainage.
'You will need to water peach trees grown in pots almost every day in the growing season, and repot them every few years' explains Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS .
2. Crab apple tree
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Producing lovely pink blossom in spring, followed by their ornamental fruits in fall, crab apples are among the best trees to grow in pots.
When planting crab apples in containers, use a pot that is approximately 12-15in. (30-40cm), in a good quality and free draining loam based compost, explain the experts at Pomona Fruits .
Keep them well watered in the first growing season, watering them daily in warmer weather. They are also among the best trees for autumn color.
3. Amelanchier
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
A small, compact deciduous tree, amelanchier – known by a number of other names including juneberry, shadbush and sarvisberry – offers interest through the seasons. It produces lovely starry white flowers in spring, red and purple berries in summer through to fall, and its bronze tinged young leaves turn through green to the fiery colors of orange and red, making this undoubtedly one of the best trees to grow in pots .
Amelanchier prefers a spot in full sun, so move the container to the best spot throughout the year. Plant bare root trees for the most economical option, in ericaceous compost in a large pot.
4. Japanese maple tree
(Image credit: Ian West / Alamy Stock Photo)
Japanese maples trees – or acer palmatum – are ideal for smaller gardens, as they are slow growing and require minimal pruning or training. They also offer lovely fall color.
‘With a variety of showy cascades in foliage and colors ranging from vibrant greens to deep blood reds, this is a showcase tree for container growing,’ says Tammy Sons, owner of Tennessee Nursery .
‘Japanese maple trees do not grow to extreme heights, seldom reaching over 15 feet. My favorite varieties are 'Crimson Queen' and 'Bloodgood', with their added attribute of spectacular fall foliage.’
Meanwhile, Lisa Tadewaldt, arborist and owner of Urban Forest Pro , particularly favors the dwarf maple 'Sharp's Pygmy'. ‘They can live in a pot for hundreds of years,' she says. 'You can ignore them or pamper them – either way they always look great. This is a favorite of serious bonsai artists, and what I personally have on my deck in pots.’
Position Japanese maples in a cool spot that receives some shade during the hottest part of the day, and water regularly in the summer. They are perfect to include for Japanese garden ideas.
5. Lemon tree
(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)
‘I always think there is something very romantic about a lemon tree growing in a pot,’ says Aaron Bertelsen, author of Grow Fruit & Vegetables in Pots . ‘Perhaps it is the way the scent of the blossom fills a room, or the knowledge that rich people in the past would build dedicated lemon houses to shelter their highly prized trees.’
While lemon trees make fantastic house plants during the winter, they can grow happily outdoors during the spring and summer. This is why planting them in pots is the best solution, so you can bring them indoors in frosty weather.
You can even learn how to grow lemon from seed, to surround yourself with these uplifting trees.
‘Lemons are hungry plants, so make sure you use a good, soil-based compost, adding some grit or sharp sand to improve drainage,’ adds Bertelsen, who recommends the Meyer variety as it flowers throughout the year.
Make sure you understand how to prune lemon trees to get the best out of them, and let them dry out between waterings.
6. Dwarf conifers
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Larger conifers are some of the best trees for privacy and screening in a backyard, but there are a number of smaller species that are perfect for pots.
Some recommended conifers to consider are dwarf varieties of cypress trees, yew trees, mountain pines, and Chinese juniper.
‘They are not top-heavy and have an equal branch structure from the central leader to the top,’ says Sons.
‘Evergreen conifers also offer year-round beauty and they can successfully be trimmed back in order for them to not overwhelm the container. ’
7. Crepe Myrtle
(Image credit: Biosphoto / Alamy Stock Photo)
Crepe myrtle – or crape myrtle – is a striking tree that offers year-round interest, and grows very well in pots.
‘This beautiful tree has large trumpet-shaped flowers that often have an orange tint to them,’ says Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield . 'Crape myrtles also have good fall color, with attractive peeling bark. I love how the branches are always thick enough to handle being in pots.’
Choose from flowers of white, pink or purple, which bloom from late spring through summer. Some varieties flower until the first frost in fall.
Crepe myrtle trees need full sun to thrive, and in frost-prone areas will need to be overwintered in a greenhouse or conservatory. Learn how to prune crepe myrtle to keep your trees looking their best.
8. Bay tree
(Image credit: Brent Darby)
As well as creating a sculptural feature, bay trees are aromatic herbs that have wonderfully scented leaves that can be used in cooking fresh or dried.
Bay trees look particularly stunning in pairs flanking a doorway, or can be positioned next to seating areas on the patio for outdoor dining ideas. They thrive in containers and can be clipped into attractive ball or pyramid topiary shapes.
‘A bay tree is very easy to look after, provided you give it a good sunny spot and feed it regularly,’ says Bertelsen. ‘Prune every spring, both to keep it at the size you want it and to reduce any congestion.’
It’s a good idea to repot bay trees every few years to keep them healthy and encourage fresh growth. Bay trees are an excellent choice for planter box ideas.
9. Banana tree
(Image credit: Oleksandr Sokolenko / Alamy Stock Photo)
Banana trees are some of the best trees to grow in pots if you want to add a tropical garden idea to your patio. But bear in mind if you are growing a banana tree in the garden this will generally be for their ornamental leaves, rather than for fruit, unless you live in a climate of at least 60ºF (15°C) for most of the year.
‘If you live in a cooler climate, then a banana tree still brings a taste of tropics to your landscaping,’ says Tadewaldt. ‘The growth of these trees is usually stunted by the colder weather enough that they can live in the pot for an extended period of time.'
Smaller varieties of banana tree are particularly well suited to climates with colder winters, as they can be brought inside and enjoyed as a houseplant.
10. Rhododendron
(Image credit: Gina Kelly / Alamy Stock Photo)
As well as the popular shrubs, rhododendrons are also available in tree form – R. arboreum. Although after several decades they can eventually reach great heights of over 40 feet, they are slow-growing trees that will live happily for years in a pot, so it is worth learning how to grow rhododendrons.
‘I really like rhododendron – it is such a pretty flowering tree with red and white flowers in the summer,’ says Hyland. As an evergreen tree, it possesses attractive dark green leaves year round.
‘My favorite thing about it is its ability to thrive in stunted, acidic, or shallow soil conditions.’
Be sure you know how to prune rhododendron to keep your potted specimens under control.
11. Olive tree
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
If you want to create a Mediterranean garden, olive trees are ideal and perfectly suited to growing in containers, as they can be moved to safety during excessively cold winters.
‘Olive trees are not fond of winter, so make sure to cover them if you know a frost is coming,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
‘They love warmth and sun, and they also do well in dry areas. However, they do need the right conditions to produce olives.’
In order for the trees to fruit, they will need two months with temperatures below 50°F (10°C), but above 14°F (-10°C), as well as fluctuation between day and night temperatures. Although self-fertile, olive trees benefit from cross pollination.
‘If you don’t have the right conditions to grow olives, don’t be too disappointed, as they’re such elegant evergreen trees,’ says Barbosa Fernandes. ‘Fertilize them in the spring for the best results.’
You also need to know how to prune olive trees to improve their shape and increase the chances of fruit production.
12. Wedding Cake Tree
(Image credit: Steffen Hauser / Botanikfoto / Alamy Stock Photo)
Also known as Cornus controversa 'Variegata', the wedding cake tree is a variegated dogwood tree.
‘The white in the leaves adds interest and it naturally grows in layers – like the layers of a cake, hence its name – and pruning will help to emphasize this form,’ says Tadewaldt.
However, regular pruning isn’t essential, and as the tree is slow-growing, it will live happily in its pot for a long time, as long as the soil is fertile.
‘Eventually, however, this tree will outgrow the pot and need to be transplanted,’ adds Tadewaldt.
13. Apple tree
(Image credit: Unsplash)
Smaller varieties of apple tree are perfect for growing in pots on the patio. Not only are varieties grown on dwarf rootstock usually quicker to fruit, but they are often better quality than larger trees.
When choosing a variety of apple tree, you need to consider pollination. ‘Self-fertile cultivars are available, although it’s generally recommended to have at least two different partner trees nearby for cross-pollination,' explains Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp.
When planting apple trees in pairs, 'opt for different varieties of apple tree that flower at the same time.'
If you only have room for one apple tree, Red Falstaff is a great choice as it is heavy cropping and very hardy. Apples trees are among the best fast growing fruit trees so you will enjoy a well sized tree before you know it.
14. Starry magnolia
(Image credit: Getty Images)
While most types of magnolia will grow too large to plant in pots, starry magnolia is a more compact, bushy tree that produces the most beautiful white, star-shaped flowers.
The tree flowers in the spring and exudes a delicate fragrance, adding a romantic air to a patio seating area.
Position starry magnolia in a sheltered spot, and plant in neutral to acid soil that is well drained.
When established, they are low maintenance, and require only mulching in spring, and learn how to prune a magnolia tree lightly in the summer.
15. Kumquat
(Image credit: Francesco Maltinti / Alamy Stock Photo)
Citrus trees make for some of the best indoor trees, but you can grow them outside in the right climates.
‘If you’ve never tried kumquat, then you most definitely should – you can eat the entire thing, skin and all,’ says Barbosa Fernandes.
Producing small orange fruits and flowers that bloom in the summer, these compact trees can be easily grown in pots, and are one of the hardiest citrus fruits.
‘Position them in full sun, and plant in moist, well-draining soil. However, you don’t need to worry about cross-pollination or cold weather killing it down to 18°F (-8°C),’ adds Barbosa Fernandes.
What trees can remain in pots?
Trees can remain in pots indefinitely if you can find a container large enough to accommodate their maximum mature size. Otherwise, you will need to plant them in the ground when they grow too large.
Opt for dwarf varieties of container-friendly trees, such as Japanese maples and small conifers. Bay trees, small citrus trees and olive trees are also good options.
Bear in mind that most trees will need potting on to a larger container every few years, when they have outgrown their pot.
(Image credit: Darren Chung)
Can trees survive in pots over winter?
Some trees can survive in pots over winter, but this will largely depend on your local climate.
In warmer regions, for example, citrus trees can stay outside year round, but in regions that experience cold winter nights of below 50°F (10°C), they will need to be brought inside.
Japanese maple trees are excellent choices for pots in most climates, and can survive very cold winters where temperatures reach as low as -20°F (-28°C).
What are the best evergreen trees for pots?
There are a number of best evergreen trees for pots. These include Rhododendron arboreum, bay trees, conifers, Japanese holly and Italian cypress – to name but a few. There are many other options you can find to suit the conditions in your garden and area where you live.
13 Best Small Trees for Patios
By
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor
Lisa Hallett Taylor is an expert in architecture and landscape design who has written more than 1,000 articles about pool, patio, garden, and home improvement over 12 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Environmental Design and is certified in fine and decorative arts appraisal.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 12/19/22
Reviewed by
Kathleen Miller
Reviewed by Kathleen Miller
Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens, a working sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming.
Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board
The Spruce / Tara Anand
Small trees on patios or decks can serve as natural focal points, add privacy, frame views, provide shade, and even bear fruit. Many of these trees can grow well in containers or raised beds. Some have special features, including flowers, attractive bark, and vivid fall colors. However, the features of certain trees might be too messy for your taste, dropping seeds, flowers, fruits, and more. So it's important to know all of a tree's traits, as well as whether it thrives in your climate, before committing. Here are 13 of the best small trees to grow around a patio or deck.
Tip
To find the right tree for your space, first consider its mature height and width. Also, note whether its roots tend to crack or lift up pavement, which wouldn't be ideal right next to a patio. And if you plan to grow your tree in a container, make sure you'll be able to repot it whenever the roots need more space.
25 Popular Small Trees for Landscaping
-
01 of 13
The Spruce / K. Dave
A chaste tree is a Mediterranean and Asian native with multiple trunks that can be trained to make a nice shade tree. Leaves of the chaste are aromatic, and it produces small, fragrant flowers on spikes during the summer and fall. Varieties 'Silver Spire' and 'Alba' have white blossoms while 'Latifolia' and 'Rosea' have pink flowers. This tree can also be pruned into a shrub. Annual pruning during the late winter is recommended to maintain its shape. Moreover, the tree is heat-tolerant and resistant to oak root fungus.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Color Varieties: Lavender-blue, white, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Loose, well-drained, medium moisture
-
02 of 13
Kumquat (Citrus japonica)
The Spruce / Kerry Michaels
Kumquat trees can be grown in the ground or in pots. In the ground, they can grow to a mature size of 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide; container-grown trees are generally much smaller. Kumquats have beautiful dark green leaves and pretty orange flowers that turn into tangy edible fruit. Potted kumquats make great patio accents with their sweet-smelling blooms and bright orange fruits. They must be moved indoors for the winter in zones 8 and below. Moreover, it’s recommended to repot them every two to three years into a slightly larger container. Also, fertilize them throughout the growing season.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 10
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, sandy loam or clay
-
03 of 13
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Japanese maple trees are naturally small (up to about 15 feet tall) and work well in the ground or in containers.
Just be ready to repot your tree into a larger container every other year or so. The best varieties of Japanese maples for containers are the kinds with weeping branches and finely cut, threadlike leaves. This includes the 'Dissectum', 'Red Dragon', 'Burgundy Lace', 'Crimson Queen', 'Butterfly', and 'Mikawa Yatsubusa' varieties. Japanese maples require little pruning. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches as you spot them, and prune for shape if you wish.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
- Color Varieties: Red-purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
-
04 of 13
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Ficus trees can grow to heights of 50 feet or more in the wild, but in the home environment they are most commonly grown as houseplants. This small tree's bright green leaves and twisty, arching branches make it an eye-catching feature in any location.
Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, makes a versatile patio plant that transitions easily from indoors to outdoors. It is hardy only to zone 10 but can be brought outside in cold-winter climates after the threat of spring frost has passed. Your ficus will benefit from monthly fertilization during the growing season, but then you can back off the fertilizer in the winter.
- USDA Growing Zones: 10 to 12
- Color Varieties: Insignificant bloom
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
-
05 of 13
European Fan Palm (Chamaerops humilis)
The Spruce / Almar Creative
The striking silhouettes of palm trees are perfect for instantly adding a look of the tropics to your patio or deck. In addition to European fan palms, there are several other species suitable for small spaces, including the pygmy date palm (Phoenix roebelenii), paradise palm (Howea forsteriana), lady palm (Rhapis excelsa), Chinese fan palm (Livistona chinensis), and windmill palm (Trachycarpus fortunei).
Fertilize your palm throughout the growing season, and prune off dead or diseased portions as you spot them. Also, be sure not to overwater, as this can kill a palm.
- USDA Growing Zones: 9 to 11
- Color Varieties: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
-
06 of 13
Ornamental Crabapple (Malus)
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Ornamental crabapple plants are admired more for their brief but lovely display of red, pink, or white flowers than for their edible fruits. The smallest varieties can be planted in containers while other types can be trained against a wall or fence as an espalier. Also known as flowering crabapple trees, the varieties suitable for large containers include 'Centurion', 'Indian magic', Japanese (M. floribunda), and Sargent (M. sargentii). Crabapple trees are somewhat drought tolerant once they’re mature, but don’t let their soil dry out.
If there is a stretch without rain, especially during warmer months, water your tree. Also, they generally require little pruning outside of removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
- USDA Growing Zones: 4 to 8
- Color Varieties: Red, pink, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Rich, medium moisture, well-drained
-
07 of 13
Ornamental Cherry or Plum (Prunus)
The Spruce / Loren Probish
Small, flowering Prunus trees are variously called cherry or plum trees. They typically have dark purple foliage, as well as white, pink, or red flowers, depending on the variety. They are suitable for large containers or raised beds. Some of these trees are susceptible to insect issues and fungal diseases. So prune your tree to slightly thin the branches and improve air circulation, which can help to prevent these problems.
Small varieties of plums include the purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera), Krauter Vesuvius purple leaf plum (Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius'), and double pink flowering plum (Prunus x blireiana).
Small flowering cherry trees include purple leaf sand cherry (Prunus x cistena), Yoshino cherry (Japanese flowering cherry; Prunus x yedoensis), 'Albertii' (Prunus padus), and 'Okame' (Prunus incisa x Prunus campanulata).
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
- Color Varieties: White, pink, red
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Medium moisture, well-drained
-
08 of 13
Pine (Pinus)
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Because pines are evergreen, they give you something green to look at on your patio throughout the year. Plus, they maintain some shade and privacy year-round. With frequent pruning, you can keep a pine small if you wish. Several species are suitable for patios or decks, including lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), evergreen Swiss stone pine (Pinus cembra), and evergreen Japanese red pine (Pinus densiflora).
In large containers, consider growing evergreen Mugo pine (Pinus mugo) or evergreen Japanese black pine (Pinus thunbergiana). Pine trees generally require little care. Water your tree during prolonged dry spells, and fertilize annually if your soil is poor.
- USDA Growing Zones: 2 to 8
- Color Varieties: Nonflowering
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Fertile, well-drained, medium moisture
40 Species of Pine Trees You Can Grow
-
09 of 13
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The smoke tree, also referred to as the smoke bush, is known for its stunning dark reddish-purple leaves and silky hairs that resemble puffs of smoke. It can be grown in a large container or near a deck or patio. The "smoke" effect is created by the fluffy hairs that follow the tree's (insignificant) flowers in the spring. The hairs turn pink and then purple as summer progresses.
Lightly prune the tree as needed in the early spring for the best blooming.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
- Color Varieties: Yellow
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
-
10 of 13
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
You will need at least two pear trees for optimal cross-pollination and fruit. Alternatively, choose Anjou or Bartlett if you have room for only one tree, as these varieties are able to pollinate themselves to some degree. Other suitable varieties for patio areas include: snow pear (Pyrus nivalis), Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis), edgedell pear (fl x P. betulaefolia), 'Glen’s Form' (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’), and 'Jack' flowering pear (Pyrus calleryana 'Jaczam'). Pear trees typically can tolerate wet soil, though you must ensure that your tree has good drainage.
The trees are susceptible to a disease called fire blight, so it’s important to promptly prune off infected portions to help stop the spread.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 9
- Color Varieties: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Moist, humusy, well-drained
-
11 of 13
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Sweet bay is a small, slender evergreen with a conical form. Its foliage is dark green and highly aromatic. The leaves are the same bay leaves that are used in many types of cooking. A good choice for containers on decks or patios, it can be pruned into a topiary or hedge. Planted in the garden, it is drought-tolerant. But you should water it during prolonged dry spells. Also, while this plant likes a lot of light, protect your tree from hot afternoon sun during the warmest months of the year.
- USDA Growing Zones: 8 to 10
- Color Varieties: Yellow-green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Soil Needs: Rich, moist, well-drained
-
12 of 13
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Crepe myrtle trees (or shrubs) are well known in the southern United States for their showy pinkish blooms, gorgeous bark, and beautiful fall foliage.
You can grow full-size varieties in large containers; they will reach about 10 feet tall. There are also many smaller trees, such as 'Acoma', 'Yuma', 'Zuni', 'Catawba', 'Comanche', 'Hopi', 'Centennial', 'Chica Pink', 'Chica Red', 'Glendora White', 'Peppermint Lace', 'Pink Velour', 'Seminole', and 'White Chocolate' varieties. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can promote leaf growth over blooming. Also, extensive pruning usually isn’t necessary, though you can prune for shape if you wish in the early spring.
- USDA Growing Zones: 6 to 9
- Color Varieties: White, pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Average, medium moisture, well-drained
-
13 of 13
The Spruce / Loren Probish
Besides being absolutely gorgeous, wisteria can be trained as a vine, shrub, or small tree. To train it as a tree, remove all but one stem, and secure that stem by tying it to a stake.
When it reaches the desired height, prune or pinch the branch tips to force more branching. Wisteria can also be grown to cover an arbor or pergola. The two common species are Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and Japanese wisteria (W. floribunda). Fertilizer usually isn’t necessary unless you have poor soil. But you can add a layer of compost to promote blooming and healthy growth.
- USDA Growing Zones: 5 to 8
- Color Varieties: White, pink, purple
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Needs: Moist, rich, well-drained
Article Sources
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Queen Palm Problems. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Disease and Insect Resistant Ornamental Plants. Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Fire Blight of Ornamental Pear. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Research and Extension.
What types of wood make the best stairs, what wood is best for stairs
Before ordering a staircase structure and equipping an ascent to the second floor, any homeowner should familiarize himself with the information from which wood stairs are made. The modern market offers a huge number of components, but not every wood is suitable for manufacturing in each case. Oak, ash, beech or pine, what to choose to make the stairs reliable, durable, aesthetically attractive and durable?
What wood are the stairs made of?
Most often, for the manufacture of stairs, the species most common in the area are used. For Russia, these are well-known varieties that grow everywhere in almost every region, oak, pine, larch, beech, birch, ash, etc.
Expensive exotic woods such as American walnut, mahogany, wenge and others can also be used. In any case, the material is selected according to several main criteria, which determine which wood is better to make stairs from in each specific case.
Performance characteristics and service life of different types of wood
First of all, the material is selected according to the performance characteristics of strength and durability, which directly depend on the density and hardness of the wood. According to these properties, the material is divided into 4 conditional categories:
- Softwood. This group includes mainly coniferous spruce and pine. Such wood is characterized by a low density, due to which it is easily processed, but it is not very resistant to abrasion. Therefore, craftsmen do not recommend using soft woods for steps that experience constant mechanical stress. It is preferable to make auxiliary or decorative elements from such rocks, for example, risers, carved balusters, etc.
- Hardwood. This group includes the remaining three categories - wood of medium, intermediate and high hardness. It is more expedient to make load-bearing elements and other parts subjected to mechanical and abrasion loads from such material. Moreover, the denser the wood, the more durable the structure will be. On the other hand, high strength requires great effort and care when processing the material, therefore, for the manufacture of finishing elements, wood with average characteristics is usually used. Ash, beech and oak are considered the hardest species among those common in Russia, walnut, pear and larch are less dense.
Important! The wood used for the manufacture of stairs must have a moisture content of no more than 8-10%. Exceeding this value leads to a deterioration in the strength characteristics of the material.
Rotting susceptibility
The second factor affecting the life of the stairs is the resistance of the material to temperature extremes and high humidity, which provokes its mold and bioinfection with fungus. Therefore, when choosing which type of wood is best for stairs, it is necessary to take into account such a property of wood as the ability to absorb moisture:
- Due to the high resin content and special structure, conifers are less susceptible to water accumulation and, accordingly, to rotting. Therefore, stairs made of larch, spruce or pine are often installed in unheated cottages and temporary residences, where there is high humidity in the off-season and winter.
- Despite the overall strength, hardwood varieties, on the contrary, absorb moisture well, which eventually leads to damage to the wood. Ash and beech are especially prone to rotting in damp and high humidity conditions, so it is advisable to use stairs made of this wood in houses with heating.
Oak is an exception to the general rule. This noble breed contains a large amount of tannins that prevent decay. Therefore, oak stairs can be installed in almost any room, regardless of the conditions of their operation.
Important! Wood used to make stairs must have a moisture content of no more than 8-10%. Exceeding this value leads to a deterioration in the strength characteristics of the material.
Color and texture
Equally important is the aesthetic appeal of stairs, because this design is often one of the main elements of home interiors. Therefore, when choosing wood, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics as the color and texture of species:
- Oak. It is characterized by an amazingly pronounced wood structure and looks great both under colorless varnish in its natural texture, and under any tinting that emphasizes its beauty. A distinctive feature over time, the tree can darken, acquiring a noble, impressive shade.
- Book. It has wood of an amazing pinkish hue, prone to decay. Therefore, this tree needs a mandatory coating of varnish or paint, which fits just perfectly due to the ability to sand the surface of the material to almost perfect smoothness.
- Ash. It has a pronounced structure and a beautiful pattern, which look especially luxurious under the lacquer coating.
- Larch and pine. They have a similar appearance and texture to wood, but differ in color. Pine has a lighter shade, larch is much darker.
The color and texture of wood is chosen, usually based on personal preferences, but do not forget about the financial side of the issue.
How does the price depend on the type of wood?
The last and often decisive criterion is the price. Stairs made of such noble hardwoods as oak, ash or beech will cost several times more than a similar structure made of larch or pine. However, it is not at all necessary to make all elements from the same type of wood. It is more expedient to combine different types of wood, making staircase elements from the most suitable material. This approach will save you a lot of money. But in any case, only the homeowner decides what wood to make the stairs from, according to the planned budget.
trees, shrubs, flowers with photos and names
It is very important which ornamental plants grow near the house. Because they can decorate or ruin the entire input composition. Properly selected and in harmony with each other and with the house, the plants will make an excellent picture of a flowering garden plot near the house. We offer you 33 of the best ornamental plants, from which you can make many compositions around the house.
An example of planting plants near the house.Contents
- Designer for himself
- Which crops can be planted near the house?
- Curly
- Which trees can and cannot be planted near the house and why?
- Due to the root system
- decorative
- coniferous
- Low-growing
- Beautiful
- according to folk signs and superstitions
- according to Feng Shui
- according to Islam
- Schemes
- near the house, and which ones are not allowed?
- Perennial.
Names and photos
- Conclusions
Designer himself
To turn a site into a beautiful flowering composition, you do not need to invite a landscape designer at all. You yourself can handle this task quite well.
Here are the main reasons why you need to create a garden yourself:
- Often, designers, acting according to existing rules, turn the site into a beautiful, but “typical” garden that does not have its own “soul”. If you create a garden yourself, it will acquire a "personality".
- The garden must be constantly looked after: overgrown plants are planted, new specimens are planted in the place of the dead. In a word, a garden is a living organism that requires your constant attention. And it will be easier if you create it yourself.
- By creating your own garden, you will be able to carry out your own projects and enjoy the creative process.
This can save you a lot of money, but that's not the point. Do not be afraid of difficulties, it is better to get down to business as soon as possible. I hope that this article will be useful to you in creating the garden of your dreams near your home.
For simplicity, let's take 33 plants that do not require special care. The whole composition will consist of:
- Five trees on the lawn near the house.
- Three climbing plants.
- Nine bushes around the house.
- Compositions of sixteen varieties of flowers and ornamental plants in a flower bed near the porch.
Which crops can be planted near the house?
Plants in the yard of a private house should create, as it were, a frame for the house, and not be separate elements.
Some trees produce abundant shoots, such as sea buckthorn. It is better to plant such trees behind the fence so that they do not "litter" the site.
Make sure that the plants are not "aggressors".
Climbing plants
Climbing plants, like trees, add height to the garden. A variety of supports for climbing plants can add intrigue to the overall landscape and become central compositions that attract the attention of viewers. Supports for climbing plants can be in the form of:
- Arch.
- Pergola.
- Arbor.
Climbing plants are good for covering unattractive corners of the garden, ugly buildings, fences.
Climbing plants will take center stage in our backyard composition and will be represented by the following compositions:
- Clematis purple on the fence.
- Red climbing rose on the arch.
- Orange nasturtium on the barn wall.
What kind of trees can be planted near the house, and what can not, and why?
Trees add height to the garden. If the landscape is even, then it will be uninteresting to the eye. There should be few trees and they look better in small groups.
Why can't we plant some trees near the house?
It is known that some trees take away negative energy, while others - positive. You can not plant trees close to the house that take away positive energy. Such trees include, for example, birch.
Because of the root system
Powerful tall trees should not be planted on the site, and especially in the country. The root system can destroy the foundation of a building.
How far from the house and from each other can trees be planted?
Trees should be planted no closer than five meters from the wall of the building. As for the distance between the trees themselves, it depends on the size of their roof. The distance should be equal to the width of the roof of a mature tree
Why do fruit trees growing near houses bloom earlier in spring than in other places?
Because the wall of the house protects the tree from cold and wind. This fact must be taken into account when choosing a place for planting a tree.
Ornamental
Ornamental trees have unusual leaf shape and beautiful fruits. Red clusters of mountain ash look very decorative.
Maple is considered the tree with the most beautiful carved leaves.
For other ornamental trees that can be planted in the garden, see the article "Which ornamental trees to plant in the garden and in front of the house?".
Coniferous
Coniferous trees are a wonderful decoration of the garden in winter. They release beneficial essential oils and purify the air. The aroma of pine has a positive effect on the nervous system. Conifers are auspicious trees.
Dwarf pine is the best fit for home gardens. Its small size and the unusual shape of the branches (in most cases, arranged asymmetrically) create the feeling that you are in a fairy forest.
In contrast to the pine, the silver spruce looks like a great toy. It also resembles fairy scenery.
Cypress grows well in most parts of the country. Although it also belongs to coniferous trees, it evokes completely different associations. Its pointed top is akin to southern cypresses and resembles a Mediterranean landscape.
stunted
Trees that grow no more than two meters tall are considered stunted. It is these trees that should be planted in the garden.
Trees 2 meters high can serve as vertical dominants and give the garden the necessary height. It is necessary to take into account the maximum height of trees and not plant giants.
Beautiful
Not only conifers are famous for their beauty, but also deciduous trees. In summer, spring and autumn, they delight the eye with their foliage, flowers and fruits, and in winter with beautiful structural compositions of bare trunks.
Rowan red looks great as soon as its fruits are ripe. Bright red berries decorate the garden in autumn and winter. Against the backdrop of white snow, red rowan fruits create a fantastic effect!
Ornamental maple is one of the most amazing trees, the decorative effect of which seems artificial - it is so unusual. The combination of the beautiful shape of the maple leaf and its red color invariably attracts the eye.
What kind of tree to plant near the house to grow quickly?
Any tree grows long enough. To grow him faster, you need to provide him with good care. Willow, poplar, maple grow faster than other trees.
According to popular beliefs and superstitions
There is such a popular belief that when a coniferous tree dies, its owner also dies. Many people remember the signs of our ancestors and are wary of planting conifers on their plots.
In justification for planting conifers on the site, it can be said that conifers grow for a long time and usually do not die. To protect yourself, you can plant conifers away from home.
For well-being and happiness in the family, you can plant cherries near the house. Cherry brings prosperity and wealth. If you put a brazier under the cherry and make a fire in it during flowering, you will attract even more wealth with this action.
A tree in the garden can be planted in honor of the birth of a son. This is a very ancient sign. It symbolizes the support of the growth of the child and the connection of people with nature. A tree is planted at the birth of a child, it grows with him.
Which tree should be planted at the birth of a son or daughter is a difficult question. It can be oak or birch, spruce or pine. The main thing is that you should like the tree, it should be planted in a good mood, this tree should fit into the overall picture around the house.
But some skeptics advise against planting a tree in honor of the birth of a child. What if it bothers someone and he wants to remove the planted tree? What will happen to the person in whose honor it is planted? For example, let's take the story of Lyudmila K.
When I was born, my father planted a birch near the house in honor of my birth. I grew up and went to live in the city. After a while, I started getting sick.
When I came to visit my parents, I saw that my birch tree began to dry out because of a hole dug near its roots. Who dug it and why is unknown. My husband and I dug a hole and watered the birch. After a while, she recovered, and I stopped hurting her.
This story makes you think: is it worth planting a tree to celebrate the birth of a child? There is no need to continue this tradition.
According to Feng Shui
Spruce absorbs all negative energy, accumulating it. Thus, she "cleanses" the site.
According to feng shui, rowan belongs to the element of fire and is responsible for popularity and reputation. It is better to plant it on the south side. By planting a mountain ash near the house, you will gain popularity and a good reputation. Neighbors will be friendly to you.
Maple carries wisdom. You can turn to this tree for advice.
According to the law
There is a law according to which the owner of the plot is obliged to plant trees no closer than three meters to the fence. This rule was introduced so that the neighbor's trees do not obscure your site too much.
By adhering to this rule, you will eliminate disputes and unnecessary squabbles with your neighbors.
According to Islam
Trees are highly respected in Islam. Allah has placed the trees on a par with the sun, moon, stars, mountains, as well as people and animals. In Islam, useful trees are associated with all the benefits that exist both in our world and in the next worlds. It is no coincidence that the first clothes of the inhabitants of paradise were the leaves of trees.
Prophet Muhammad calls us to sow. He says that the tree can be your key to Paradise.
Tree planting scheme
We have analyzed all the positive and negative points and now we know which ornamental plants to plant near the house.
To distribute all the trees evenly over the plot, I advise you to plant a group of the following trees in the far corner of the garden: dwarf pine, silver spruce and decorative maple. This composition will fill the background of the site well.
Closer to the house on the other side, you can place a cypress.
What kind of tree to plant near the house?
Plant rowan directly in front of the house, towards the gate. Rowan is a low tree with a beautiful crown. Its red fruits look great in the foreground. The crown of the tree is also needed for shade near the house.
You may be interested in reading about the layout of the site in the article "Planning the garden plot and vegetable garden."
Which bushes can be planted near the house, and which ones cannot?
In addition to trees, you can plant the following beautiful shrubs near the house:
Lilac
Very often you can see lilac bushes near houses. And it is no coincidence. Lilac looks great near the house, filling the garden with a delicate aroma.
Shrub covered with lilac or white flowers collected in paniculate inflorescences. Lilac blooms from May to June.
Park roses
Roses have always been the most beautiful bushes in the garden. Park roses bloom from late May to early June and are a shrub covered with flowers in a wide variety of hues.
Park roses look beautiful in group plantings. They are unpretentious and often have a pleasant aroma. They can be planted under a window.
Park rose.Jasmine
Small carved jasmine leaves together with small white flowers create the impression of elegant lace.
Jasmine blooms from June to the end of summer and exudes a pleasant jasmine fragrance. The bush grows up to three meters in height.
Jasmine.Spiraea
Spiraea can be spring - blooming, which pleases us with white flowers in May. It can be summer - blooming, pink flowers of which bloom in July.
The size of the shrub depends on the variety and can reach two and a half meters in height.
Spirea.Heuchera
Heuchera is an elegant decoration of the garden. It has very beautiful carved foliage in bright red or blue.
This low-growing shrub effectively frames taller shrubs or flowers on tall stems.
Heucher.Buddleya
Buddleya is a beautiful shrub up to three meters tall with pink, lilac, white or yellow flowers in paniculate or spherical inflorescences. Their drooping appearance is especially attractive.
Buddley blooms from May until the end of summer. Grows well in sunny, sheltered areas.
Buddley.Hydrangea
Hydrangea is called the queen of the garden. It blooms in August - September with beautiful small flowers collected in inflorescences. The color of flowers can be white, lilac or pink.
Hydrangea needs shaping pruning. Then she becomes extraordinarily beautiful.
Hydrangea.Weigela
Weigela blooms with pink or yellow flowers in May-July in the form of bells. You can plant the plant in the sun or in partial shade.
Weigela bush grows up to two meters in height.
Thunberg Barberry
Stunningly beautiful shrub with bright leaves. The color can be the most diverse: red, emerald green, yellow, purple-blue.
Choose a sunny or half-shaded area for it, protected from the wind. Can grow up to 3 meters in height.
Barberry Thunberg.Flowering
Flowering shrubs look very nice. To make flowers pleasing to the eye throughout the season, plant shrubs with different flowering periods.
Shrubs can be planted in groups of 3-5 and can also be arranged with trees, shrubs and flowers. The bare trunks of shrubs decorate the site in winter, adding additional elements to the structure of the garden.
Tall
Shrubs can reach a height of three meters. For such tall plants, you need to allocate more space accordingly. Tall shrubs such as lilac or jasmine look like trees. During the flowering period, such giants, strewn with bright flowers, look very beautiful.
Tall shrubs should be planted at a considerable distance from the wall of the house - 2. 5-3 meters, so that the roots of the plant do not contribute to the swelling of the foundation. You also need to ensure that tall bushes do not obscure the windows of the house.
In Siberia
Residents of the northern regions may well grow not only winter-hardy, but also heat-loving shrubs near their homes. However, you will have to cover them for the winter. If such chores are not desirable for you, then limit plantings near the house only to winter-hardy specimens.
What ornamental plants grow near a house in Siberia?
Winter-hardy shrubs include:
- lilac;
- spirea;
- hydrangea;
- buddley.
Jasmine can be replaced with mock orange. It tolerates frosts much better, and looks exactly the same as jasmine.
Behind the fence
More unpretentious species, such as lilac, barberry or mock orange, are usually planted behind the fence. These "simple" shrubs will serve as the beginning of the inspection, while real beauty will meet guests on the site itself in the form of park roses, spirea and hydrangeas.
What flowers can decorate the flower bed near the porch of the house? How to properly arrange them in the front garden?
The most beautiful flowers are planted near the porch and in the front garden - the pride of the owner. If you have the time and desire to breed exotic flowers, then you can put them in the front garden. If there is no time and desire, but you want to decorate the entrance area, then you can plant unpretentious flowering herbal plants.
I recommend to arrange a separate flower bed with spring flowers. Bulbs of such flowers need to be dug up after flowering, so it is better to isolate the “spring” flower bed from other flowers.
Recently, monochrome flower beds have become very popular. They look great both from afar and up close. Creating such a flower bed is a creative process. Plants must be selected so that they bloom all summer continuously.
Read about the options for combining flowers in a flower bed in the article "What flowers are combined with each other in a flower bed".
Monochrome flower bed is a flower bed with flowers of the same color, but different varieties. Such a flower garden looks like a big bright spot, but upon closer inspection it turns out to be made up of completely different plants. Red, lilac, white flower beds will decorate the entrance in front of the house.
Read also
203 do-it-yourself life hacks for giving and a beautiful garden, take it and do it
Today I will tell you how to improve the site and show the most effective life hacks for giving and gardening with your own ...
the name of the flowers
Now let's look at how plants decorate the home garden. A flower bed looks great, but if you add shrubs and conifers to it, the composition will be even more interesting. Such a mix will look great not only in summer, but also in winter.
We place tall plants in the center of the composition, but sometimes this rule can be broken.
Such a flowerbed with flowering and ornamental plants, diluted with conifers, will look great near the porch or in the front garden.![](/800/600/http/i.pinimg.com/originals/01/cc/be/01ccbe8936a40075e57e8fdc8e2d42ff.jpg)
- peonies;
- irises;
- geuchera;
- echinacea;
- gray fescue;
- cleaner;
- thuja;
- creeping juniper;
- lupine;
- lilies;
- maned barley;
- haretail;
- imperial cylindrical;
- pennisetum;
- aquilegia;
- border chamomile.
If you work a little with flowering plants and choose flowers of the same color, you can form a monochrome flower garden.
Unpretentious. Names and photos
Many plants are low maintenance and can tolerate mild drought and not very fertile soils. These plants include:
- Echinacea. This plant causes children's joy with its delicate inflorescences in the form of large daisies. Echinacea is a great addition to classic flower shapes like peonies. It is resistant to drought and can act as a remedy - it can restore immunity.
Echinacea.
- Chistets has light green delicate fluffy leaves. It contrasts well with the dark greens of other plants. Looks great on the edge of the flower bed, blurring its clear edges.
Chistets.
- Irises. These flowers are called Russian orchids: their delicate inflorescences are so elegant. Oddly enough, but such a miracle may well do without special care. Irises reproduce well and quickly. Their sharp, strong leaves serve as a support for spreading flowers such as peonies.
Iris.
- Lupine decorates the flower bed with its candle inflorescences at the beginning of summer. Due to the unusual shape, lupine flowers stand out spectacularly in the flower bed. This annual plant can propagate by self-sowing. You won't need to worry about planting it in the spring. Every year, lupine appears in its original place due to the germination of seeds.
Lupine.
Perennial. Names and photos
Perennial plants save us the trouble of planting them again and again every spring. Here are the main perennial flowers and ornamental plants worth planting near the house:
- Peonies are the main decoration of the garden. They are perhaps second only to roses in beauty. But roses require constant attention and care. Peonies are much less whimsical. Since peony inflorescences have a large number of a wide variety of colors and shades, it is convenient to make interesting color compositions from them.
Peony.
- Lilies are graceful and majestic. When the lilies bloom, the whole garden is filled with a wonderful aroma. The bizarre color schemes that lilies have make you wonder and admire them. If a florist has planted lilies in his house, then he will find all new varieties and plant them in his garden. Because these flowers are beautiful.
Lily.
- Border camomile. This modest woman cannot be called magnificent or regal, but she is irreplaceable when decorating a flower bed. Chamomile border has a small growth and well frames the edges of the flower bed.
Learn more