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Low growing trees for front of house


25 Dwarf Trees for Use in Landscaping

These dwarf varieties can make a big impact in a small space

By

Les Engels

Les Engels

Les Engles achieved Master Gardener through the Camden County Extension of the Rutgers Master Gardeners Program. He is an arboretum curator with over 30 years of experience. He describes himself as a "tree-hugging dirt worshipper" who is a member of multiple gardening societies and foundations.

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Updated on 10/03/22

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.

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The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

We don't all have room for a giant sequoia or huge oak in our yard. Fortunately, there are many small trees—known as dwarf trees in the landscaping trade—that are suitable for small yards. Such trees generally mature at around 15 feet tall or less. Not only are they easy to fit into landscaping, but they are also less cumbersome to maintain than large trees. Pruning is typically a simpler task, as is training the trees to grow in a certain way. Plus, many small trees can even be grown in containers, which you might be able to bring inside for winter if your climate isn't suitable for them.

To plant a small tree in your yard, find a suitable spot away from strong winds. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and roughly 3 inches deeper. Gently remove the rootball from the container and loosen the soil around the roots. Place the tree in the hole and backfill around the rootball, compressing the soil firmly as you go—the tree should remain in place if you give it a tug after filling the hole. Mulch around the base of the tree but keep the material a couple of inches away from the trunk. Give your new tree about a gallon of water each week.

Here are 25 small trees that are ideal for landscaping tight spaces.

Tip

If you have a small yard, focus on your vertical space. Select plants with an upright growth habit, and use vertical planters to maximize your ground space.

Choosing Plants for a Small Garden

9 Trees for Small Yards

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Trees come in all sizes, from towering oaks to small fruit trees you can grow on your patio fruit trees you can grow on your patio. And if you're looking for something justttt right for a small yard, the choices may seem endless. To pick the perfect species for your garden, first measure out exactly how much space you have.

"A good rule is to plant a tree away from the house at a distance equal to one-half of the maximum tree height," says Kate Karam, a landscape architect with Monrovia. "For a 20-foot tree [at maturity], plant no less than 10 feet from the house. Tree roots can grow beyond the canopy of a tree, so a bit of wiggle room is a very good idea. "

When selecting a tree for a small space, consider ornamental trees, which are often slower growing, as well as trees that come in dwarf varieties, advises Missy Henriksen, a spokeswoman for the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Different species can suit different needs — shade, privacy, color — depending on the shape of the tree and its canopy, not to mention potential maintenance. Pretty fall foliage can also mean more raking is in your future! These nine species — including crowd-pleasers like dogwoods, crepe myrtle, and crabapples — picked by landscape professionals offer the best of the best when it comes to beauty, size, shade, privacy, and hardiness. Find out if they'll grow in your garden by checking the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map here.

1

Prairifire Crabapple

Monrovia

Zones 4 – 8

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This deciduous tree develops deep-pink flowers in the spring and small, purplish fruits in the fall and winter for a year-round show. "It’s an excellent choice to feed and shelter wildlife, who love the fruits which sweeten as they freeze and thaw," Karam says. "Grow as a single specimen in the front yard for curb appeal, or use a pair to flank a gate." Plant in a full-sun spot with room for the tree to grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.

2

Japanese Stewartia

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Zones 5 – 8

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Need something a little shorter? This camellia relative provides low canopy coverage up to 10 feet tall. Look forward to beautiful white flowers in mid-summer and rich, green foliage throughout the season, Henriksen says.

RELATED: Why You Should Stop Pruning Your Garden in the Fall

3

Camellia Japonica

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Zones 7 – 9

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"My all-time favorite tree for a compact yard is the camellia, an evergreen tree that has beautiful, bright flowers and as a double-bloomer, brings year-round color to your landscape," says Gary McCoy, a store manager for Lowe's in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"They’re low maintenance and easy to prune." These white, pink, or red-flowered beauties typically grow up up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide.

4

Royal Star Magnolia

Monrovia

Zones 4 - 9

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Maxing out at 15 feet tall and wide, this variety tolerates cold and heat better than your average magnolia, Karam says. The flowers — bright white, fragrant, and huge — bloom before the foliage emerges in the spring, but expect a leafy green backdrop afterwards. Gorgeous!

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Container Gardening

5

Ribbon-Leaf Japanese Maple

Monrovia

Zones 5 – 9

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"One of the best trees for a small space has to be a Japanese maple," Karam says. "The striking foliage, the graceful shape, the architecture of the branches in winter. It’s a killer!" This particular variety features textured leaves that start red in spring, go bronze in summer, and then turn brilliant orange in fall. Full to partial sun spots in cooler climates and dappled or afternoon shade in extremely hot areas work best. Expect to see this showstopper grow up to 12 feet tall and wide.

6

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry

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Zones 4 – 9

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"A popular choice throughout the South and Midwest, Autumn Brilliance serviceberry matures to 25 feet tall," Henriksen says. "The white flowers, copper red leaves, purplish fruits, and light gray bark make it the perfect accent plant or privacy screen for small yards." According to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the fruit tastes similar to blueberries and you can use it in jams, jellies, and pies!

7

Zuni Crape Myrtle

Monrovia

Zones 6 – 10

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"Zuni is the consummate small tree for city gardens," Karam says. "Use as an accent or to cover unattractive views." The pink flowers bloom in the late summer, but you can admire the multicolored bark and greenery during the growing months. A single trunk can grow up to 12 feet tall and wide in full sun, and you can plant more together for a bigger canopy.

RELATED: The 10 Best Indoor Trees for a Happier Home

8

Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle

Lowe's

Zones 7 – 10

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McCoy also recommends this dwarf varietal of crape myrtle for its vibrant flower and classic, smooth bark. Intense black foliage makes the blooms pop even more. Each shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide with enough room and light — full sun is best.

9

Venus® Dogwood Tree

Monrovia

Zones 5 – 9

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Dogwoods produce large, flower-like bracts each spring and red foliage and berries by autumn. "This particular cultivar is a vigorous selection from Rutgers University with notable winter hardiness, good drought tolerance, and excellent disease resistance," Karam says. This deciduous tree prefers partial to full sun and can grow up to 20 feet tall and wide.

RELATED: How to Grow Fresh Figs Right in Your Backyard

Caroline Picard Contributing Writer Caroline is a writer and editor with almost a decade of experience.

What kind of trees to plant in front of the house and in other places of the site?

When purchasing a plot of land and drawing up a plan for a future home, it is imperative to think about the placement of trees and shrubs, which are always planted first. This is due not only to the dimensions of the plants, but also to a relatively long period of growth until full flowering or fruiting. Of course, it is impossible to plant all decorative and fruit trees in a summer cottage due to a limited area, so you have to choose. nine0003

And when deciding which trees to plant on the site, you need to focus on two principles:

  • growing conditions: demanding or unpretentious species;
  • main purpose, or place in the garden landscape (garden, hedge, single planting).

When it comes to fruit trees, apple trees require the easiest care (especially if you buy a locally bred seedling that is resistant to common diseases and pests). Of course, unpretentious varieties do not have high taste, but they will not bring any trouble either. But if you want to surprise your neighbors with something exotic, then you should think about planting a yellow plum, actinidia, walnut or peach. nine0003

The same principle applies to ornamental trees and shrubs. For example, for a hedge, you can use wild grapes, honeysuckle or drooping lilac, with minimal requirements for soil and climatic conditions, or you can decorate the site with juniper, barberry or hawthorn, which require a little more attention.

If you decide to plant a tree in your country house, be sure to check the depth of groundwater. Very many trees, both fruit and ornamental, die as soon as their roots reach the water. These trees include pear, which has a deeply penetrating root system. At first, the young seedling grows actively and pleases the owner, it may even be possible to try the first fruits, but then the tree begins to wither and dry out. Inexperienced gardeners complain about illness or poor-quality planting material and buy and plant pear seedlings again. nine0003

In order for tree plantings to become really durable, it is necessary to take into account the requirements of each species for growing conditions.

Overview of fruit trees and their features

Many people who have a summer cottage want to plant fruit trees in their garden. For good fruiting, they require a high level of illumination, top dressing, watering, pruning and preventive treatments from diseases and pests.

Blossoming apple trees

Planting several varieties with the same ripening period has a positive effect on the yield. To save space on the site, it is better to choose varieties with a compact crown shape on dwarf rootstocks. Below is a brief description of the main fruit crops according to the most significant parameters. nine0003

nine0031 20 nine0043
Culture Average life expectancy, years Average tree height, m ​​ Required supply area, m Preferred soils Permissible groundwater depth, m
Apple tree 20 to 50 3 to 7 3x2 or 6x4 slightly acidic 1 to 3
Pear 25 5 5x4 any 2
Cherry 25 2 to 5 4x3 neutral 2
Cherry 60 3 to 8 4x4 or 8x4 neutral 1.5
Drain 20 5 4x3 neutral 1. 5
Cherry plum 2.5 3x3 neutral 1
Apricot 40-60 5 to 10 5x6 slightly alkaline 2-2.5
Kalina 40 2.5 2x2 slightly acidic 1
Irga 50 2.5 3x2 neutral 1.5
Honeysuckle 20 1.5 2x1 any 1.5
Sea buckthorn 15 3 to 5 2x2 neutral 1
Rowan 25 7 5x3 slightly acidic 2
Hazel 60 5 4x4 slightly alkaline 3

When choosing a fruit tree for a summer cottage, not only taste preferences, but also the climate zone play an important role. For example, chokeberry is recommended for the northern regions, as is honeysuckle with sea buckthorn, brought to central Russia from Siberia.

Rowan

Heat-loving cherry plums, plums, sweet cherries and sour cherries do well in the southern regions. However, selection does not stand still, and many cultures adapt perfectly to atypical regions thanks to a stable rootstock. An excellent example of this is the Manchurian apricot and the Siberian apricot, which are suitable for cultivation in Siberia and the Far East. And although such an apricot has a specific non-winning taste, it is quite successful in processing. nine0003

Manchurian apricot - mature tree

For rational use of the site, grafting can be used, which allows one adult tree to have several interesting varieties.

Overview of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs

Ornamental trees not only have an aesthetic function, but are often planted for shade near gazebos, to protect against dust from the road, to create a living border along a fence. Features of care depend on the type of plant and growing area. nine0003

Linden

There are trees that are undesirable to plant on a private plot because of aggressive growth or because of folk signs. Consider the most popular decorative trees and shrubs in private landscape design in terms of care features and possible use.

Norway Maple Globozoom

Crop Short description Use of Note
Small-leaved linden Tree up to 30 m high with a neat oval crown, high frost resistance, drought tolerant, crown well shaped A shady tree with a pleasant fragrance when in bloom, a honey plant, can be used as a hedge or planted along a fence, keeps road dust well Linden near the house, according to old legends, protects against all diseases and ailments. A young tree does not bloom, the first flowering is observed only at the age of 20-30, lime blossom is used in folk medicine
Norway Maple Tree up to 6 m high with a compact spherical crown, does not need frequent pruning, grows in all soils Good for providing shade near a house or over an artificial pond, often planted along a fence or road Used in folk medicine and cooking
Bird cherry A tree 4 to 10 m high, known for its snow-white racemes with a bright aroma, undemanding to growing conditions Due to the spreading wide crown, it is often planted alone on the edge of the plot or in alleys in a large garden Should not be planted close to the house, as its roots destroy the foundation; produces edible fruits with medicinal properties
White poplar (silver) A fast-growing tree up to 30 m high with a spreading crown, light-colored bark and silvery leaves, photophilous, salt-tolerant, drought- and water-tolerant, frost-resistant Used in single or group plantings. For urban landscaping, pyramidal poplar is more often used, which does not form fluff, but has a large height It is undesirable to plant close to the house because of the aggressive root system, it cleans the air well from dust and harmful substances
Catalpa Heat-loving tree 10-15 m high with a high spherical crown and an elegant even trunk, inflorescences are large, white, long pods form after flowering, giving additional decorativeness, does not tolerate pruning Solitary planting near the gazebo or near the house, during the flowering period it exudes a very pleasant aroma, grows relatively slowly, in the Moscow region it can freeze slightly It is popularly called "macaroni tree"
Lilac A profusely flowering, unpretentious shrub, 3 to 6 m high, fragrant inflorescences of white or lilac in various shades, requires moderate pruning Some varieties do not tolerate urban pollution, so it is undesirable to plant them near the road. Lilac is ideal for hedges Popularly considered a protector of family well-being and a source of inspiration for creative people
Barberry Prickly shrub, 1 to 4 m high, with various leaf colors (burgundy, yellow, green, purple), easy care Used to create an impenetrable wall of dense thorny branches Used in folk medicine, recommended for planting near the house
Iva Tree with drooping shoots, fast growing, easy to prune, tolerates significant waterlogging Planting near water bodies or waterlogged soils, hedges A symbol of sadness and sadness, in the old days it was considered a bad omen to plant a willow under the window

The list could go on and on, especially if all varieties and varieties are covered. Breeders successfully cope with the task of "satisfying the needs of every gardener."

Trees that are undesirable in the garden according to ancient legends

Before planting a tree in front of the house, we can turn to the experience of our ancestors. At first glance, all signs are based on superstition, but they often have a logical grain. nine0003

It is not recommended to plant an oak tree in the summer cottage, which has a strong energy and influences the head of the family. Birch as a protective shield should grow only behind the fence. Walnut should not be planted near the house, as its roots can destroy the foundation over time. Willow, willow and aspen, messengers of sorrow and death, are undesirable on the site.

If there are brides in the family, then it is also better to wait with the planting of the arborvitae. Poplar is recommended to be planted outside the site, away from home. nine0003

Overview of ornamental coniferous trees

Evergreen and rather unpretentious conifers serve as an indispensable element of any garden design.

Arizona fir with gray-blue needles (up to 2 m high) and balsam fir (dwarf variety) are suitable for small areas of summer cottages. For those who want to grow a large tree, Korean fir (up to 15 m) is suitable.

Korean fir Silberlok

Dwarf varieties, reaching a height of up to 3 m, have Atlas cedar and Himalayan cedar. Of the large-sized trees, Siberian cedar (cedar pine) enjoys well-deserved popularity. It grows slowly, but reaches a very impressive size. nine0003

Siberian cedar (cedar pine)

Larch and spruce often adorn country houses with a large plot of land. There are varieties of standard larch with a height of no more than 2.5 m with a spherical or weeping crown. Varieties of weeping larch look very impressive: the European dwarf variety Repens up to 1.5 m high with branches almost creeping along the ground and the Japanese variety Pendula up to 7 m high with delicate green-blue needles.

Japanese Larch Pendula

Dwarf forms of spruce can reach a height of 2 - 2.5 m, which, with slow growth, become acceptable in plots of any size. There are a lot of varieties of dwarf spruce with a variety of needle colors and crown shapes. Blue spruces look the most beautiful and original, effectively standing out from the rest of the vegetation.

Hupsi blue spruce

Coniferous shrubs with different crown shapes include yew and juniper. In the landscape design of private plots, dwarf juniper species with different needle colors (from dark green to silver-blue) up to 8 m high are used.

Timing of tree planting and purchase of seedlings

It is difficult to unequivocally answer the question of when it is better to plant trees. It depends on the weather conditions and the particular culture. The optimal time for planting fruit trees from the pome group is late autumn, and for heat-loving stone fruit crops, it is better to plant in early spring. The preferred age of seedlings is 2 years, but for vigorous crops (pear, cherry) it is better to use annual seedlings. The negative side of annual seedlings is an unformed crown, but they get sick less during transplantation and take root faster. nine0003

Most ornamental crops are planted in spring. Moreover, the strict framework “before bud break” applies only to seedlings with an open root system. Planting material with a closed root system (in pots or bags) is suitable for planting throughout the spring and even summer, but it is more expensive.

When purchasing seedlings at specialized exhibitions and fairs, you need to pay attention to the following points:

  • in what form they are sold: seedlings with open and dried roots have little chance of taking root on the site; good material is packed in bags with a small clod of moist earth; nine0008
  • state of the root system: the roots must be even (without thickening), elastic and without signs of peeling;
  • crown condition: buds must be swollen but not open;
  • trunk height: for 2-year-old fruit seedlings about 50 cm;

It is recommended to buy planting material in nurseries that are in each region. Only there you can be sure of the quality of seedlings and choose plants adapted to a particular area. Varieties of fruit trees for the Moscow region and the entire central strip of Russia are grown in the Michurinsky fruit nursery. nine0003

overview of species and root systems (100 photos)

No private house is complete without trees planted near the house. Important family events take place under their crown, and they become a kind of hallmark of the house, distinguishing it from others. When choosing a tree for the front garden and porch, you need to be guided by the size of the building, its location in relation to the sun, and the composition of the soil. Appearance - the silhouette of the crown and other botanical features of the trees allow you to make a choice for every taste. nine0003

Colorful photos of manicured yards once again show that most landscape design projects cannot do without trees near the house.

Brief content of the article:

Folk signs about trees near the house

It is believed that under the crown of each plant its own special aura is created and in ancient times people believed that the fate of the owners develops depending on which tree is planted near the house.

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Cherry

Cherry symbolizes prosperity and good luck. During the flowering period, this tree is unusually beautiful. It is unpretentious to the composition of the soil and climatic conditions. Dry branches of this green talisman are suitable for a fire during family barbecues. The pleasant aroma of cherry logs will help increase wealth.


Juniper

Juniper plays the role of a guard that removes evil thoughts, curses, love spells and spoilage. It is planted in front of the house, preferably at the entrance. The rooms of the house can be fumigated by burning juniper needles. It will cleanse and remove negative energy. nine0003

Some nations have a prejudice against this plant, because evergreen juniper branches mark the way of the deceased to the cemetery. But this once again confirms the saving and protective mission of the plant.

This and other beliefs associated with cemeteries are false prejudices, but if there is a personal rejection of any tree, then, of course, you need to refuse planting.

Rosehip

Rosehip is another plant with a protective function. It pleases the eye with roses and bright fruits, and the healing properties of this plant are known to all. According to signs, it protects the relationship of loving couples and strengthens family ties. nine0003

Larch

Larch is a coniferous tree that changes its cover every year. It is wonderful in all seasons: in spring and summer it pleases the eye with a juicy green cover and multi-colored cones, in autumn it acquires a bright yellow color that radiates warmth, and in winter beautiful branches with cones create a lacy silhouette.

Unlike spruce, fallen larch needles do not oxidize the soil, but nourish it. It is enough to be under her crown to calm the nerves, get rid of sadness and fears. nine0003

Acacia

Another garden pet - acacia, will help relieve stress and fatigue, encourage and set you up for positive. Throughout the year, this evergreen plant pleases the eye with delicate foliage, and with the onset of summer, envelops the house with a charming aroma. According to signs, it promotes childbearing and can miraculously get rid of infertility.


Pear

Pear with a beautiful pyramidal crown, rich green leaves, clusters of white flowers and tasty fruits, has more than 50 varieties. She personifies the strength and wisdom of motherhood, stimulates communication and mutual understanding. According to signs, it helps to establish friendships and partnerships. nine0003

Spruce

Contradictory beliefs are associated with spruce, a favorite of children. For example, it is believed that spruce is a vampire, but it absorbs energy in the warm season, then to generously share it in winter, when all nature is in deep hibernation. It can help those who feel unwell in winter.

It is also believed that spruce removes negativity in relationships, protects the family from conflicts.

On the other hand, there is a belief that she removes the masculinity from the house, leading to divorces, widowhood, preventing marriage. It is noteworthy that in the regions of natural distribution of spruce, there are no such negative beliefs about it. nine0003

Kalina

Kalina is rightfully one of the most popular companions of human habitation. It preserves health, stimulates protective functions and the body's ability to heal itself.

A red bunch of viburnum berries framed by wedge-shaped leaves symbolizes innocence and girlish beauty. It is used in the wedding symbolism of the Slavic peoples.

Maple

Maple - another well-known satellite of civilization, carries the energy of longevity, stability, material wealth and love. It relieves stress and promotes a calm measured rhythm of life. nine0003

Norway maple is the most common variety, but there are many other outwardly different varieties of this tree, unpretentious and exemplary for landscape design.

Rowan

Rowan is a low-growing tree with beautiful and healing fruits, which is planted near the windows of the house. It promotes erotic pleasures, rejuvenates and removes the effect of black magic.

Rowan also teaches to restrain feelings, to act with reason and for good. nine0003

Apple tree

The botanical relative of this tree, the apple tree, is also customarily planted near a window. It is especially suitable for girls' bedrooms, patronizing their beauty, charm and bringing good luck in love affairs.

Fern

Fern is a mysterious plant with an ambiguous effect on human relationships. It brings money and good luck, but is also believed to absorb energy and cause disease.

The harmful qualities of the plant are also confirmed at a rational level, it absorbs oxygen and is an allergen, therefore it is not suitable for growing in a room. Outdoor ferns are not as scary, but whether they will lead to wealth, there is no scientific data on this yet. nine0003

Which trees should not be planted?

There are also a number of recommendations about which trees should not be planted near the house. Popular beliefs and agrotechnical indicators partially coincide in this matter. But a number of prohibitions are explained by purely energy fields felt at the parapsychological level.

Oak

Oak can be detrimental to residents, it should not be kept on the site at all. At the same time, poplar has positive energy and can be cultivated in areas remote from buildings. Hazel can also grow on the edge of the land. nine0003

Willow

Aspen and willow can be considered outcasts of folk legends. They bring bad luck and death. Moreover, the negative impact is especially strong on those who planted them and on the children in whose honor the tree was planted.


Pine

Although popular rumor evaluates pine and thuja differently, giving the former positive qualities and associating the latter with death and evil, both of these coniferous trees are not suitable for planting near the house.

Birch

There is an interesting belief about birches. They have an important protection function, but at the same time they are a haven for evil spirits. Therefore, this plant outpost is transferred over the fence. A birch is usually planted at the gate, placing a bench under it. So she guards the entrance, and being at a distance does not harm the inhabitants of the house.

There are also signs in case a decision is made to cut down a tree growing near the house. You need to think seven times before uprooting a perennial giant with a crown hanging over the house. nine0003

When buying an old house, it's good to know its history. A tree near the house can be a talisman, and it is better to leave it. Without consequences, you can remove all the trees only if the house itself is intended for demolition.

Regardless of the degree of belief in signs and superstitions, when planning a planting near the house, one should also take into account the agrotechnical properties of plants.

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