Trees provide summer shade, attract wildlife and give privacy and structure to a garden. Here are ten trees that can work well in small gardens, along with garden design ideas for positioning them.
Garden design ideas for small gardens – trees that filter light and provide shade
Small gardens can be challenging, but good garden design ideas can help. Gardens close to neighboring plots are often already shaded by walls and nearby planting, so extra sun protection may not be the main concern. Small ornamental trees such as flowering cherries can add spring blossom and a light crown without overwhelming the space.
Small sunny gardens need areas of shade. Fruit trees such as apple trees, or compact ornamental cherries, can be useful because they provide blossoms, shade and structure without taking over the garden.
Garden design ideas for small gardens
Trees with rounded crowns, such as ball maples or acacias, can be very attractive in small gardens. Even without heavy pruning, they create a distinctive spherical shape. These trees often grow slowly and may take years to reach their final height. Other trees with a similar crown effect include elder and Judas tree.
Trees in the garden – tips for planting and care
Spring is a good time to plant a tree, but plan carefully. If you plant too close to a fence, the roots or branches may disturb neighbors and their own plants in a few years.
Evergreen trees provide splashes of color in the winter garden.
Low trees in a hillside garden.
Large trees may intrude upon your neighbor’s space and light.
Trees should not be planted too close to the garden fence
Peter Dark
Taus Kishiev
miranda_shida
Lincoln Matheson
